Microscopic Colitis Awareness Week

Microscopic Colitis (MC) is characterised by watery diarrhoea, usually accompanied by urgency and problems with bowel control. People affected often need to identify where the nearest toilets are before leaving the house to avoid accidents and in some cases, some people are unable to leave the house. The severity of symptoms differs from person to person and can sometimes lead to a substantial decline in their quality of life.

At Guts UK Charity, we provide expert patient information for microscopic colitis. Our wonderful community help us to raise awareness by having vital conversations about their guts. They empower those around them to seek help when something isn’t right. You can help us on that mission today.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MICROSCOPIC COLITIS?

There are 17,000 new cases of microscopic colitis diagnosed each year. But the real number is thought to be much higher. Scientists estimate that 67,000 people in the UK are living with microscopic colitis. That’s at least 1 in 1,000 adults. Microscopic colitis is underreported and misdiagnosed, but even so, cases are on the rise globally. This is why it’s important to raise awareness among the public and health professionals too. Diagnosis means treatment can finally begin.

There are treatments available for this condition but sometimes, microscopic colitis may not even be considered as a diagnosis. People are suffering. Many are suffering in silence and feel hopeless. You can help change that by helping Guts UK to raise awareness today.

Guts UK is committed to:

• Raising awareness of the symptoms of microscopic colitis, empowering people to stop suffering in silence and reach for help sooner.
• Funding life-changing research into microscopic colitis, working towards earlier diagnoses and therefore quicker treatment.
• Providing expert information on microscopic colitis to patients and families. Knowledge is power. We help to get information into the hands of those who need it most, when they need it most.

SARAH’S STORY

“I BATTLED WITH SYMPTOMS OF SEVEN YEARS BEFORE RECEIVING MY MICROSCOPIC COLITIS DIAGNOSIS.”

Sarah was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in 2023, after seven years of managing the undiagnosed condition.

“In 2017, around eighteen months after our youngest was born, I started experiencing stomach pain, urgency to go to the toilet, and a lot of wind. Often, I’d pass mucus but not much stool. Then other times, I’d have watery diarrhoea.” – Read Sarah’s full story here.

LORNA’S STORY

“IN OCTOBER 2023, I RESIGNED FROM MY JOB. I JUST COULDN’T BEAR NOT BEING ABLE TO GIVE THE SERVICE TO MY PATIENTS THAT I WANTED TO. IT WAS LIKE GIVING  UP A BIG PART OF MYSELF.”

Lorna was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in 2023, after initially thinking she had food poisoning.

“I couldn’t eat without everything going straight through me. I lost two and a half stone in weight. If I went out, I had to make sure I was near a toilet. I’d even wake up at night with urgency. When I’m having a flare-up, I can’t plan anything with anyone because it’s so unpredictable.” – Read Lorna’s full story here.

VICTORIA’S STORY

“I LIVED FOR 12 YEARS WITH AN UNDIAGNOSED CONDITION, WITH NO TREATMENT”

Victoria was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in August 2022, after 12 years of managing an undiagnosed condition.

“On my worst days, I went to the toilet 30 to 40 times per day with watery diarrhoea. I’d often wake in the night to empty my bowels. I felt more tired than I’d ever felt in my life and completely hopeless”. Read Victoria’s full journey here.

PETER’S STORY

“I’VE EXPERIENCED WHAT IT’S LIKE TO MESS YOURSELF AND EXPERIENCE INCONTINENCE, YOU MAY FEEL LIKE YOU DON’T WANT TO MENTION IT TO ANYONE.”

Pete was diagnosed with microscopic colitis after his GP had put him on the cancer pathway for bowel cancer.

“It was a relief to get a definitive diagnosis, knowing something was not quite right and I could now put a name to it. My advice is don’t be embarrassed, be on the safe side and have it checked out. My hope is that people will be given an accurate diagnosis”. Read Peter’s story here.

HOW CAN I HELP?

• You can help reach those suffering in silence and alone. Please consider donating £3 a month to Guts UK. Thank you.
• Share far and wide! This week we will be spreading awareness across all our social media channels. Scroll to the bottom of this article to discover our socials and spread the word. You can even get in touch with us via e-mail if you’d to discuss the possibility of sharing your story: info@gutscharity.org.uk. You never know who we may reach together.
• Fundraise for Guts UK. Whether you donate your birthday, run, walk, bake or shave your beard – our small but mighty gut army takes us one step closer to getting to grips with guts each day.

Support for this campaign has been provided by Dr Falk Pharma UK Ltd. Find out how Guts UK works with the pharmaceutical industry here.