What people with IBD should know

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I'm often asked, “What would you tell someone recently diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?” So, this is what I think you should know! Look out for clickable links in this blog, leading to more detailed information! For many, a definitive diagnosis is a massive relief after a long period of being unwell. This does not mean that acceptance is easy, after all, you have just been diagnosed with a chronic disease which has no cure. Do NOT panic, we’ve got this, life is not over! It is worth pointing out that no two IBD patients’ lives are the same. The disease does not always manifest in the same way, and the fact that a treatment works for one person does not mean it will work for another. This makes IBD notoriously difficult to treat. That said, some IBD patients may have one flare, find the right medication straight away and never have another, and that is fantastic! For the rest of us, being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis may mea

BLOG CHANGES | I will always be a work in progress

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You may have noticed some recent changes on my blog. I’ve been thinking about changing things up for a while, because, well, I’ve changed. We’re all changing, all of the time. Always learning, experiencing, and growing. But, the idea of changing it, growing some more, then changing it again in the future felt a bit overwhelming.

The only thing that doesn’t change is that change is inevitable!


IBD taught me what my priorities are, and not to take things for granted.

My Jpouch taught me that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and I don’t have to do everything alone.

My stoma taught me what kind of person I want to be, and what kind of people I want to be with.

Anxiety, stress, and depression taught me that my mind is fragile, and needs constant care and consideration.

Fibromyalgia taught me that I know my body best, to listen, and to fight for it.

Gardening taught me patience, and that doing everything right doesn’t always get you what you want.

Nature taught me that the world doesn't revolve around me. There's something so much bigger at play. Beautiful, relentless, almost magical. 🌱

Yoga taught me that an act as simple as breathing can be very powerful, and that slowing down doesn’t have to be a negative thing. 

I will always be a work in progress. Always learning. Always growing. Always eternally hopeful. ✨

So, what can you expect from future posts on my blog?

I mulled over “Chronically growing” for a while. But, I ultimately went with Work in progress, because that will always be true. It feels weird not to have the words IBD and ostomy in my blog title, but it also feels right. I am so much more than that, and I want to share that too!

I am still writing for InflammatoryBowelDisease.net and Fittleworth Medical, so extracts and links to those will continue to be uploaded. I’d also like to start including the odd post about my constant battle with mental health and fibromyalgia.

My work within the community won’t change. I still run IBDSuperHeroes. I still admin the IBD support group. I’m still involved with healthcare consultancy. I’m still a trustee for Cure Crohn’s Colitis.

Then, there’s the curveball. My adoration for nature; gardening, houseplants, and yoga… I want to be able to talk about the things I am passionate about on my blog. We will see how it goes.

So, let’s say goodbye to Social media, IBD, and an ostomy.


And hello 👋 to Work in progress. A 100% authentically ME blog.