My story

I understand the pain, embarrassment and sense of helplessness that IBD inflicts as I have lived with Crohn’s disease for 20 years. It is often hard to find support and move forward following a diagnosis for this invisible and debilitating disease. My own frustration at the lack of support is what inspired me to retrain as a nutritional therapist.

My symptoms started when I was 23 and just starting out in my new career as a teacher. The symptoms were severe and I was frightened. So were my family and friends. After many visits to my GP a long wait for a gastroenterologist and subsequent invasive tests, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.

I accepted my diagnosis, took my medications and returned to work, muddling through life in those early years. I was existing not living. I felt isolated and unconfident, I didn’t know if I was going to have a good day or a bad day and I was trapped in my body.

The uncertainty and frustration of the disease affected my mood and I was so exhausted I found it hard to function.

My gastroenterologist was supportive but also realistic in the prognosis; I was stuck with this condition for life, flares would come and go and not all medications available would work. There wasn’t much more they could do. I felt a severe sense of hopelessness.

Reaching this crisis point made me seek help from a nutritional therapist. I wasn’t born with an inflamed digestive system so I felt an overriding sense that there must something I could do to reduce the inflammation and support my immune system to work correctly. I committed to working with the nutritional therapist, investing in testing, making changes and researching how food and lifestyle could help me get some relief and move forward with my life.

I made a choice to commit and invest in my health and my future and for the first time felt hopeful.

I asked for help and worked with others, got support and with commitment, knowledge and consistency I began to feel better and see a reduction in symptoms. It was hard work and took time but I had regained my life and my health. The sense of hope was immeasurable and motivated me to continue doing what worked for me, keep learning and keep well for myself and all those around me.

Subsequently, I left classroom teaching and qualified as a nutritional therapist and now specialise in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, supporting, teaching and coaching those suffering how to improve their health and flourish while living with IBD.

We are all unique individuals but I sympathise with the symptoms you may be experiencing, remembering all too well the sense of desperation I felt about regaining my health and having a future. Through understanding, support and a kind approach we can work together to improve your health and allow you to thrive again.

If my story resonates with you, please contact me for a free call where we can have a quick chat. I am also very happy to speak with someone who may be worried about a family member, friend or colleague living with IBD and would like to offer them extra support.

Book a free call by clicking on the link below

Qualifications

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology from Leeds University and went on to qualify as a teacher. My Nutritional Therapy qualifications include DipION, FdSc and I am a registered member of BANT and the CNHC. I have also qualified as a Functional Medicine Practitioner (AFMCP) and currently working towards full certification.