"Crohns Disease diagnosis and treatments"

I was diagnosed with small bowel Crohn’s Disease in 2022 in my early 20s. I have only had minor flare ups and symptoms since. In April of 2025, my symptoms worsened. This turned into a 6 month flare up. I reported this to my GI consultant who was very proactive in getting me treatment. After some tests I was told my inflammation levels were high. I completed an 8 week course of steroids which unfortunately didn’t relieve any of my symptoms. Shortly after finishing this course I had an MRI scan which showed 20cm of my small bowel was affected by complex active inflammation. 2 weeks later I was instructed that I would begin getting infliximab infusions.

Over 6 months since my flare up began, 3 infusions later and I haven’t felt this well in a long time. I get very minor side effects from the infusions, such as headache and tiredness. The infusions have turned my life around and have really helped with my Crohn’s symptoms. Not only has this infusion massively helped with my physical symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but the way this infusion has changed my life has also had a positive impact on my mental health. The toil of going through a flare up with a chronic disease can be extremely exhausting and challenging. Especially going through this at a young age, my early 20s were not all I had wanted them to be with feeling restricted in my ability to partake in hobbies such as exercise, travel and even work. Some days are harder than others, but my support system both with medical professionals and in my personal life have been fantastic. 

 Throughout this challenging time I have always tried my best to keep a positive attitude and be grateful for my health. I have been complimented many times by medical professionals, family, friends, colleagues and strangers on my positive outlook on life. Now that I have had my first 3 infusions and today have received the information that my blood inflammation (CRP) levels have dropped significantly.

I am so grateful to be here and for my fantastic support system but above all I am so grateful to all NHS doctors and nurses who continue to work with me throughout my treatment. I cannot fault the care I have received. Thank you to each and every one of you. You are the backbone of this country.