Laurence Jones is a blues musician, who was 18 when he simultaneously landed his first recording contract and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.
Laurence Jones
Well, I have written some heavy songs about my illness. I can really play the blues with emotion on the night if I'm not feeling very well. The blues is all about emotions. It's about slavery, really, and picking cotton in the field, and how music is a healer. Music is my healer.
I'd felt ill for six months. One night I woke up feeling terrible and I went to the toilet and passed blood maybe 30 times. First thing in the morning I went to the GP who rushed me to hospital.
Crohn's is something I'd never heard of before. It was a strange feeling when the doctor told me and I was like, 'Well, give me a tablet.' He said, 'You will suffer this for the rest of your life.' It's quite a heavy thing.
About Crohn's and Colitis
Ways to get involved
Helpline Service
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline team can help by:
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Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.
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Listening and talking through your situation.
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Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.
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Providing details of other specialist organisations.
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.