World IBD Day 2015

Today is World IBD Day. So here's a few facts for you all...

Did you know that worldwide 5 million people live with IBD?

Purple is the international colour associated with IBD. 

IBD is the umbrella term used to cover Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis which are both inflammatory bowel diseases. 

UC only affects the large intestine but Crohns can affect any part if the digestive system, from the mouth to the rectum (bottom).

IBD is NOT the same as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) Although they may share some of the same symptoms, IBS does not cause inflammation, ulcers or other damage to the bowels. So when people say "I've got IBS, I know how you feel" it's a bit like saying "I've got a headache, I know how you feel" to someone with a brain tumour. 

You can't 'catch' Crohns or colitis although there are studies being done into whether it is genetic/hereditary. But don't worry- you won't get it from shaking hands with me. 

1 in 210 people in the UK live with IBD.

IBD not only causes problems in the bowel it can also affect joints and cause arthritis, it can weaken bones and lead to osteoarthritis and bone breakages, inflammation of the eyes, cause fatigue, liver inflammation, gallstones, ulcers on the skin, kidney stones, lung problems and delayed puberty/developmental problems in younger sufferers. 

There is around 2kg of bacteria living in your gut so the next time you're feeling a bit fat, you can blame it on the bacteria multiplying, not the cream cakes you've been eating! 

IBD is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 30 with slightly more men getting diagnosed than women. 

Over 50% of Crohns patients and 20-30% of UC patients will require surgery within 10 years of diagnosis. 

There are treatments available but there is NO CURE. That's right, there's no cure for this terrible illness. Please help us to find one by donating as much or as little as you can afford. Text PURP19£3 to 70070 to help Crohns and colitis UK raise money. Or to target support directly into the UK's and possibly the worlds leading research hospital, St Marks, text STMK14£3 to 70070. You can change the donation amount from £3 to whatever you can afford. 

Even £1 will make a difference. If everyone that liked this blog page gave £1 then that would be nearly £200 raised just like that. 

For more information take a look at this website...

http://www.worldibdday.org

...and don't forget to wear purple today to show your support. 

NB x

PS I know my more academic readers would probably have liked me to reference where the information for these facts came from. But to be honest, life's too short and I can't do it on my iPhone which is what I write 99% of my blog posts on. All the stats and info is taken from reliable websites associated with IBD.