SEARCH
A diagnosis of Crohn's or Colitis can impact all areas of life, including work. Paul talks to us about his role as a ghost hunter; from where it started to how it works alongside his Crohn's.
Ghost hunting with Crohn's
“”
I've had a love of the paranormal, the spooky and the supernatural since I was a kid.
I absolutely fell in love with Usborne books. They would explain these niche subjects in a way that kids could understand and relate to. I wanted to soak up as much information as possible, not just on one subject but anything and everything to do with ghosts and spooks. That then led me to the Hammer horror films and TV series, and it just continued from there. It has not stopped. Following this passion, I’ve been ghost hunting for the last fifteen to twenty years, both privately and as part of a ghost hunting team. I find it intriguing and fascinating and, whilst I am not a 100% believer, things have happened that I cannot explain.
On one Facebook Live I felt so ill that I had to lie on the floor with bad stomach pains. I guessed it was my Crohn’s, but I don’t tell everyone about my condition as it’s not something I like to mention much. I live with it, I deal with, it is what it is. As a result, the funniest part was people saying I was being possessed by a spirit or that a demon was messing with me.
“”
My Crohn’s all started in August 2013 with bad stomach pain and I put it down the usual.
I thought it was indigestion or from eating too much but then it continued for a few weeks. That September, I found that I got tired really easily and bright lights hurt my eyes. Then in October it got so bad that I called 111 and attended my local Accident and Emergency department. They admitted me to hospital where I was given morphine and I could literally feel the pain going away which was so nice.
I then had tests, scans, and more tests before being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Initially, I was on azathioprine and amended my diet to what worked for me. This worked well until my relapse in April 2018, when blood tests revealed a high c-reactive protein level. Since then, I’ve been on adalimumab and have the odd day with a bad stomach every now and then but find the condition manageable.
“”
The main thing that I find affects it is what I eat and drink.
I have had to cancel one hunt because of my Crohn’s and have been taken ill during a few investigations – including the infamous Facebook Live!
Although not many people in the paranormal world know that I have Crohn’s, I do talk about it with my close friends and since being diagnosed I know a few others who have it too. I’ve even come across a few people who have Crohn’s or Colitis just by casually chatting about ghost hunting. It somehow crops up in conversation and what I find amazing is how many variations there are of it. From mild to severe conditions, tablets, injections, stoma bags etc.
Over the past year I have missed meeting up with people so much as I have not ghost hunted since March 2020, but it's about putting the health and safety of people first.
“”
The spooks will wait for us.
Page
saved
This page has been saved in your personal space. Go to “My Page” to view all saved pages.
Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
Stay in the loop
Together, we’re making the greatest difference. Sign up to hear about the amazing things we’re achieving together.
© Crohn's & Colitis UK