Ulcerative colitis · IBD · UK

The bits about living with IBD that nobody warns you about.

Honest, first-hand stories about ulcerative colitis - plus the practical stuff that actually matters: getting heard by your team, your rights at work, travelling, and finding your own way through. Written by someone living with it since 2018. Never a lecture.

Lived experience, not theory Never medical advice UK-specific & practical
Newly diagnosed?

Four things I wish I’d known on day one

If you’ve just heard the words, or you’re waiting on a colonoscopy, this is the short version of what took me years to learn. Read the full story whenever you’re ready.

Read the full diagnosis story
  • 1

    Breathe - denial is normal

    It might not sink in for a while. That's an ordinary first reaction to being told your body has changed, not a failure.

  • 2

    Contact your team early

    The moment something feels wrong, get in touch. Waiting doesn't make it pass - it just delays the help you need.

  • 3

    A worst case isn't a forecast

    You may be told frightening things early on. They're possibilities, not your set future. Try not to take them as a prediction.

  • 4

    Feeling better isn't cured

    A good spell can catch you off guard. Keep your guard up and stay in contact with your team even when things are calm.

The honest partEverything here is my personal experience of living with ulcerative colitis, shared so you feel less alone in it. It is not medical advice, and everyone’s condition is different. Always speak to your own GP, consultant, or IBD team about your symptoms, medication, and any changes you’re thinking about.

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No spam, no miracle cures, no “10 foods that heal your gut.” Just the next real story and practical piece, straight to your inbox when it’s ready.