A word from Damian:
I think that I am extremely lucky as I only have the most mild of cases. The worst symptoms that I had were in 2002 and 2003. I dropped from 100kg’s to 72kg’s while I was unwell but having said this I was about 15 to 20kg’s overweight in the first place and this was a wake up call to change my dietary and exercise habits.
I have only had one “flare up” since 2003 and am feeling fit and healthy.
A quick history of my diagnosis and dealings with IBD:
22 March 2002
From Pathology Report:
“the appearances are consistent with chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease with activity.”
May 2004
Verbal assessment from my doctor:
“You don’t need another colonoscopy for two years. You are in great shape.”
12 January 2007
“There is no need to visit me again until 2010!”
A word from Damian’s specialist Dr Gregory Taggart:
Damian first visited me in January 2007 and at the present time appears to be in perfect health. He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2002 when he presented with abdominal pains and diarrhoea. At the present time he is very well and on no medication. He has been fortunate and has not required any treatment in the last three years.
He is fortunate in that his disease is mild and for the most part doesn’t adversely affect his quality of life. Other patients are not as fortunate and Crohn’s disease can have a devastating impact on the life of patients with Crohn’s disease and on their family. Most cases however are not so severe and can be well managed with medication.
This is a relatively common condition and there is a lot of ongoing research directed at finding the cause of Crohn’s disease and thus a possible cure. A lot of research is also being aimed at finding treatments that improve the symptoms and complications that can develop from Crohn’s disease.
I commend Damian’s ambitious goal and wish him all the best in his quest to raise awareness and funds for Crohn’s disease.
Good luck.
Dr Greg Taggart
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