My Crohn’s journey so far

This isn’t something I normally talk about. I’m a 31-year-old male who was officially diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2017 at the age of 22. But in many ways, my story began long before that — back in the 1990s with my mum.

I grew up witnessing Crohn’s disease in its most aggressive form. My mum was diagnosed in a time when Crohn’s wasn’t investigated or understood the way it is today. I watched her battle complications that nearly took her life on multiple occasions, along with the many other illnesses that can come with the disease. It was graphic, intense, and frightening to see as a child. Despite everything, she’s still here today — and still fighting strong.

In 2017, just a few weeks before a big holiday to the USA, I started experiencing a slight, strange stomach niggle. It wasn’t dramatic and eventually went away, so I didn’t think much of it. While overseas, I had a couple of aggressive bowel episodes that I brushed off as “food not agreeing with me.” One night it was so painful I could barely function, but I still convinced myself it was just travel-related.

When I returned home, I developed persistent mouth ulcers. That was different. That was enough to concern my mum, who strongly encouraged me to see our GP. After blood tests, a stool sample, and a colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

My results showed inflammation — but only a small amount. Even so, I was rattled to my core. Having witnessed my mum’s journey, I was terrified of what I thought lay ahead. I’m incredibly active and couldn’t imagine life without sport. The uncertainty felt overwhelming.

I was started on medication straight away. Over the years, I experienced occasional flare-ups — sometimes on holidays or while out with friends & once enough to put me in hospital for a few days — which were not only physically uncomfortable but also embarrassing and difficult to explain. There’s a vulnerability that comes with digestive disease that people don’t often see or talk about.

After years of monitoring, medication adjustments, and regular testing, about seven years later I was told I was in remission.

Fast forward to today, 9 years diagnosed & 2 years in remission. I live a very normal life with very minimal disruption. I am incredibly grateful. The only reason my Crohn’s was caught so early was because of my mum’s history. Without that awareness, who knows how long I might have ignored the symptoms before seeking help.

I don’t often speak about my Crohn’s because, compared to many others, my experience has been manageable — and I know how devastating this disease can be. It breaks my heart to see the damage it causes some people.

But I hope my story carries two important messages.

First: always listen to your body. No matter how small or insignificant something may seem, don’t brush it aside. Get checked. Ask for the right tests. Early detection matters.

Second: a diagnosis does not automatically mean the worst-case scenario. When detected early and managed properly, it is possible to live a full, active, and normal life. Looking after your body plays a big part.

We’re all on different journeys. But we all share the same strength. No one should ever feel alone in this journey and I’m incredibly grateful that organisations like this exist to support those in need.