The condition came on quite quickly. I had also been on holiday in April 1998 to the Maldives so at the time doctors were unsure if there was some sort of tropical disease causing me to be ill. After many months, lots of weight loss, trips to hospital and tests I was diagnosed with IBD. This diagnosis was welcomed as I finally knew what was making me so ill. To lose so much weight in such a short period and to find yourself on the toilet most of the day (it became my new lounge) was worrying in itself. My journey then began, a new way of life, new way of eating, medication for the rest of my life and a hidden disability.

It was during the first few months in hospital that I heard about Crohn’s and Colitis UK. I saw their leaflets and began to do some research on what they could offer. My membership began followed by lots of useful information/guidance for me and my family. There was also help for my employer and this made it easier to explain what was wrong with me to colleagues. My Can’t Wait Card came in useful (I had this in Spanish and French too so as I could take it on holiday) and I also got a Radar key which made travelling easier as I knew I had access to a toilet urgently if needed.