The patient stories describe actual experiences over periods of years and in some cases reflect outdated or even poor practice.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