In 2017, Natalie was pregnant with her second child when she first began experiencing problems. She said: “I was in my last trimester and started having abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue amongst other symptoms.
“I spoke to my family about it, and they mentioned that it could be IBD, as it runs in our family.”
Based in the Dietetics department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Natalie raised her concerns with healthcare professionals. However, because she was pregnant, investigations including a colonoscopy could not take place until after she had given birth.
She continued: “I gave birth in May and was then placed under the care of the gastroenterology team, who arranged for me to have a colonoscopy later that summer. Following the tests, I was diagnosed with IBD.
“Thankfully, I was started on medication straight away, which really helped alleviate my symptoms.”
However, earlier this year Natalie experienced another flare-up and was admitted to the Emergency Department at Doncaster Royal Infirmary in March.
“I needed to be cautious as I have underlying health issues, and my medication had stopped working,” she explained. “I ended up staying on Ward 24 (Gastroenterology) for a few days and was very well looked after.”
Natalie was subsequently started on a new medication, which she now receives every eight weeks at the Diagnostic Day Unit (DDU) through intravenous therapy (IV).
Speaking about her recovery, Natalie said: “I’m doing much better now compared to when everything first flared up a couple of months ago. The staff on DDU have been so friendly, and the care and support I’ve received from the IBD nursing team has been excellent.
“I want to share my story because there is still such a stigma around digestive conditions and talking openly about them. I felt embarrassed and ashamed at first, but there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about.”
Dr Jen Wood, Natalie’s consultant, added: “It is fantastic that Natalie felt able to raise her concerns in 2017, as it meant we were able to diagnose her condition and begin treatment.
“However, we know many people still feel too embarrassed to seek help or speak to their doctor about digestive symptoms.
“If you are worried about any symptoms you may be experiencing, please do not hesitate to contact your GP practice for advice.”
For further information on the symptoms of IBD, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/
