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The patient stories describe actual experiences over
periods of years and in some cases reflect outdated or even
poor practice. However, the stories illustrate the variety
of patient experiences, the impact the disease can have
on patients' lives and their need for high-quality continuing
care tailored to their individual situation.
Ulcerative Colitis: Katie, Berkshire
Katie was only 10 years old
when she first experienced symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
– including tummy aches initially misdiagnosed as “anxiety”
by her GP. Katie’s Mum, Sara, considers that medical staff
should be more aware of how to care for children and young
teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease: “dedicated adolescent
wards and nurses make all the difference,” she says.
Click here for a pdf
Crohn’s Disease: Caroline, Avon
Caroline, a mum with two teenage
children, works as a part-time Administrative Assistant
in a primary school and was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease
in 1983 when she was 21 years old. She believes strongly
that IBD sufferers often feel isolated because their disease
is not a ‘dinner table topic’. Appearances can also be deceptive,
she feels, because IBD sufferers put up with many invisible
symptoms, including pain and fatigue.
Click here for a pdf
Ulcerative Colitis: Sunita, Lancs
Sunita first experienced symptoms
of Ulcerative Colitis whilst at University, although her
diagnosis took over three years. Her health is now pretty
stable and she is currently on maternity leave with her
second baby girl. She is cared for at her district general
hospital, where the nurses and the doctors provide her with
a continuity of care that was missing at previous hospitals.
Click here for a pdf
Ulcerative Colitis: Graham, Cumbria
Graham is a 47-year-old father
of two who first experienced symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
in 1995, when his heavy physical work as a steel worker
proved too much. Depression can arise from living with the
condition and Graham certainly found this to be the case.
He decided to take matters into his own hands and started
swimming twice a week and is now a regular cyclist.
Click here for a pdf
Ulcerative Colitis: Daniel, Fife, Scotland
Daniel is 29 years old and
currently studying for his PhD in Chinese Politics at Glasgow
University. He was 20 when he got the first indications
that he might have Ulcerative Colitis. He recalls that during
his early illness and before he had received a diagnosis,
his social life was badly affected - needing to know the
exact location of the nearest toilets often caused him to
stay at home in the evening.
Click here for a pdf
Crohn’s Disease: Jonathan, Berkshire
Before his diagnosis with Crohn’s
Disease, Jonathan, 49, was a successful business man in
IT and the Chairman of his local football club. Sadly, due
to ill health he was forced to give up his role with the
club and after a period of sickness he was made redundant.
His previous employer also had very little knowledge of
his disease and how to accommodate its effects on his job.
Click here for a pdf
Crohn’s Disease: Aideen, County Down, NI
Aideen, 28, was diagnosed with
Crohn’s Disease when she was 15. Her first experiences of
her illness were highly unfortunate (admitted to an adult
ward, unsupported and where medical treatment left her with
a hospital phobia). She is now, however, very happy with
the care she receives from her Gastroenterologist and Stoma
Nurses, who provide much-needed moral support.
Click here for a pdf
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