Let’s Talk Guts stories

This July, people living with digestive conditions have been sharing their personal stories and experiences with us to help reduce the stigma surrounding our guts and highlight why it's so important to talk about our guts.

A side-profile selfie of a bearded man with a nose ring wearing a New York Yankees beanie and a black corduroy jacket. He is sitting in red stadium seats overlooking a brightly lit green football pitch during a match.

Mark’s irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) story

“I was quite stubborn and just wanted to deal with it myself. I also found talking about bowel symptoms embarrassing.”...

Leah and her medical alert dog, Doris, sitting together outside on the grass in front of a white brick wall with a wooden trellis. Leah has short blonde hair and glasses and is wearing a striped shirt and jeans. Doris, a small white, scruffy dog, sits upright next to her wearing a bright red vest that reads "Medical Detection Dogs."

Leah’s gastroparesis story

"I wish people understood how serious and life-changing gastroparesis can be."

An outdoor family selfie of Sophie, her husband, and their twin boys on a sunny day. Sophie, on the left, smiles while wearing large black sunglasses and a striped tank top. Her husband, a bald man with a beard in a tan t-shirt, stands behind them, and both of their twin boys smile while wearing matching sunglasses with reflective blue lenses.

Sophie’s coeliac disease story

“I wish people understood that coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition, it’s not me being fussy."

A woman named Rebecca with long dark hair, wearing a black sleeveless top and a silver necklace, smiling at the camera. She is seated at a restaurant table enjoying afternoon tea. In front of her is a three-tiered cake stand filled with scones, clotted cream, jam, pastries, and finger sandwiches, alongside a white teapot, teacup, and various table settings.

Rebecca’s slow transit constipation story

"I know how embarrassing it can feel talking about digestive symptoms, but there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of."

Amy posing for a photo while holding a silver, heart-shaped holographic balloon. She is wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress with large ruffled sleeves and red lipstick. She is standing in front of a black tinsel backdrop and a white door.

Amy’s Crohn’s disease story

"Don’t let embarrassment hold you back from getting the answers and support you need."

A selfie of a man wearing a maroon beanie and glasses, smiling next to a green Kermit-like puppet wearing a Santa hat.

Simon’s acute pancreatitis story

"Before I was diagnosed, it was a word I’d heard before, but I had absolutely no idea what it was."

Grace has long, straight brown hair and is smiling, wearing a blue t-shirt that features the text "GUTS UK!" in white and lime green.

Grace’s coeliac disease and bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) story

"Keep asking questions, keep advocating for yourself and don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re experiencing."

Fiona’s stomach cancer story

"I hope that my story encourages others to listen to their bodies and not to ignore their symptoms."

James’ irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) story

"I have no problem talking about my bowel habits if it helps someone else come to terms with theirs."