Chris uses net in fight with illness (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Chris uses net in fight with illness

3:36pm Friday 18th February 2011 in News By Claire Lomax

A Bradford patient who spent six months in hospital battling a debilitating disease has started a social network site to connect with other sufferers.

Chris Carroll, 29, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease seven years ago and has undergone practically every procedure possible, including life-saving operations at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The disease is a painful condition which can affect anywhere from the mouth to the bottom and can lead to a narrowing in the gut.

Typical signs include diahorrea and bleeding, weight loss, abdominal pain and sometimes malnutrition.

Mr Carroll said: “Crohn’s is a very anti-social disease due to the nature of the symptoms and this stops many people from talking about their illness – this means it goes untreated for too long.

“I remember being embarrassed about discussing my bodily functions and tried to ignore symptoms but this only causes more problems. I want to reassure others going through the same thing there are others they can talk to who understand.”

He has now started the website – helpingwithcrohns.org – to encourage others with Crohn’s and colitis diseases to share information and experiences.

Mr Carroll, formerly of Bradford, but now living in Northallerton, shares his story, which includes going into BRI in May last year when, what should have been a week’s stay, turned into six months and included two weeks in intensive care.

Jane Healey, IBD nurse specialist at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Chris is an inspirational young man. Unfortunately he has had a particularly bad time with his condition and has been through more than most.

“As Chris says, many people find it difficult to talk about symptoms that they find embarrassing.

“He recognised that this was a problem and has turned his bad experiences into a positive one. The internet is an excellent way to reach many people and creating a social network is an innovative way of enabling people to talk to others with similar experiences.”

She added: “We are also developing an internet site with a slightly different slant – IBD Bradford will highlight the services available in Bradford and information.