Paige’s Story: Living With Undiagnosed Crohn’s and Colitis For 6 Years
Paige began experiencing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease at just 11 years old. After years of being dismissed and misdiagnosed, she was finally diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis at 16.
Now 21, she shares the lasting impact of delayed diagnosis and why listening to your body matters:
Early symptoms and searching for answers
My symptoms first started when I was 11. I was in constant pain, and every meal became a challenge. At school, I often couldn’t participate in sports and needed to sit out because of the discomfort.
Eventually, things became so severe that I couldn’t walk for three days, which led to my first hospital visit. That was the beginning of a long journey with doctors-one where I often felt dismissed and unheard.
For six years, I was told I had IBS. During that time, I underwent multiple tests for food intolerances, particularly for dairy and gluten. I was repeatedly prescribed medications like ibuprofen and Nurofen to manage the pain.
As a child, I trusted that doctors knew best and believed I needed to follow their advice. Looking back, I now feel that this approach delayed the care I truly needed.
Finally receiving a diagnosis
As I got older, my symptoms worsened. Deep down, I knew something wasn’t right, but I continued to be told that nothing serious was wrong.
At 16, I finally received the diagnosis: severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. By that point, I had spent years without the right treatment-something I believe contributed to the severity of my condition.
Living with IBD
Now at 21, I am still living with active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Managing my health continues to be a challenge.
Long-term steroid use has caused constant changes in my weight, which has impacted my self-esteem. Everyday life can feel overwhelming, with ongoing fatigue and chronic pain affecting my ability to do what I once hoped for-including pursuing my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist.
At times, I feel like a completely different person, as though my healthy life has been taken away from me. I’m still learning to come to terms with this new reality.
A message to others
Sometimes I wonder whether my condition would be less severe if I had been taken seriously earlier. While I may never know the answer, I hope sharing my story can help others.
Listen to your body and advocate for yourself. Just because someone is a professional doesn’t always mean they have all the answers.
And no matter how much life changes, you are still the same person-and you deserve the right treatment, care and support.