Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Crohn's disease
A TYPE OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
Crohn's disease is an inflammation of any part of your digestive tract — we can treat and relieve your symptoms
What is Crohn's disease?
Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. It's a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like ulcerative colitis (UC). Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn's can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your back passage. It's fairly common, affecting around 80,000 people in the UK.
Need to know
Crohn's disease can affect any part of your digestive system, but it tends to appear near the junction of the small and large intestine. The inflammation caused by Crohn's is more intense than ulcerative colitis and can lead to a narrowing in the intestine and blockages. Symptoms of Crohn's disease might include:
- chronic diarrhoea
- abdominal pain
- anal inflammation and fistulas
- weight loss
- fatigue
- blood and mucus in your faeces
The severity of these symptoms will vary over time, from mild at times to serious at others. We can help you manage your symptoms and lessen the impact of Crohn's on your life.
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Depending on your symptoms, they may carry out a colonoscopy, which involves examining your digestive tract by inserting a flexible camera into your large and small intestine. They may also carry out other diagnostic tests including:
- a gastroscopy
- barium studies
- a CT and MRI scan
- blood test to show the level of inflammation
We offer a range of treatment options for Crohn's disease that can help to relieve your symptoms and help you live a normal life. These might include:
- anti-TNF and biologic agents to target TNF, one of the main mediators of inflammation
- immunosuppressive drugs to keep Crohn's under control during remission
- steroids for Crohn's in the last section of the bowel
- special diet plans (polymeric or elemental liquid)
- antibiotics for flare-ups or specific infections
- 5ASA drugs
- surgery to remove blockages in the intestine
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.