Anna’s Story

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease aged 11. Starting secondary school with Crohn’s was pretty tough, I was embarrassed about it and I missed a lot of school trying to find the treatment that would work for me. Throughout school climbing always felt like a safe space for me. It was such a friendly and supportive community which helped me grow my confidence greatly. I eventually found a treatment that worked and I went into remission for a few years. During this time, I did some competitions like youth climbing series and Blokfest. When I was 17, I had a major flare up, maybe it was the stress from my A-levels!

I tried two more biologic treatments, these helped, but still left me with pain and discomfort. Climbing yet again helped me through this time. The support of the community was very much needed when other social situations were very draining. This past year at university I have been competing at climbing and I was also social secretary for the climbing society. Unfortunately I ended up needing surgery in February as symptoms got bad causing intense pain. Throughout this time, everyone around me has been so caring and supportive. Right now I am recovered from the surgery, feeling good and it is great to get back to climbing!

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