Sarah Page was a happy young mum when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.

She tells Action Medical Research how her life has been turned upside down by the distressing and painful illness:

“The first sign something was wrong when was in 1989 when I developed iritis in both eyes, which caused blurred vision and sensitivity to light treatment. Then came the diarrhoea, abdominal pain and an ulcerated tongue and mouth. It was physically and emotionally draining.

“My first GP visit was discouraging. But a subsequent visit to another, more interested doctor meant I was referred to a consultant. An endoscopy and X-ray confirmed Ulcerated Colitis and Crohn’s disease. ‘My first reaction was "what’s that?" I’d never heard of Crohn’s before.

“I was prescribed a course of medication including steroids and spent a distressing month in Pembury Hospital, Kent, where eight bottles of Pepti 2000 were pumped into my stomach 24 hours a day to give my inflammed gut a break. Even though my bowel problems improved, my blood count was severely low and my weight plummeted to a mere five stone. The illness almost cost me my life. I was only 29 and my youngest daughter just two.

“I was given numerous blood transfusions, and even after the digestive treatment came to an end, I had to take the liquid orally for a further three weeks. It was strange not chewing and I really missed food. I would have given anything to nibble on something, even the hospital meals!

“I was slowly reintroduced to a bland diet, and returned home, to my family’s relief. After being bedridden for a further two months, I seemed to be getting better. But a second attack of Crohn’s took me back to hospital for a short period yet again. ‘I’ve now been in remission for three years and in the best health since the illness first took hold. But seven years of steroids has taken its toll, and I now suffer with osteoporosis in the joints and spine. I still get bloated and I have pain in many places. I also have to stomach at least 12 tablets a day.

“Unless you’ve had Crohn’s you’ve no idea what it’s like to live with. It has destroyed the life I once had. Socially, it’s difficult to go out without worrying, or ensuring there’s always a toilet nearby.

“My depleted energy levels mean I can no longer work, and my confidence has been shattered. Every blood test also brings with it a sense of dread. If my blood count is down, it could mean another Crohn’s attack is about to strike.

“It’s a horrible disease, and I’ll always have it unless a cure is found. It’s had a big affect on my family, especially my husband, Tim. He’s now taken on a campaigning role on my behalf — I’m too tired all the time — trying launch a support group and give Crohn’s the attention it needs and deserves.”