Amy Dowden says she's preparing for 'life-changing' experience
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After an emotional journey, Amy Dowden finally got the answers she was looking for and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Now, she is set to rid the stigma associated with the disease with a new documentary airing tomorrow night on BBC. Talking about her new documentary, Amy said: “It’s been quite an emotional journey, but also so rewarding.” She explained: “I don’t think many people celebrate getting a chronic illness…but for me it was finally answers….I could finally work towards these enormous dreams I had.”
Crohn’s disease as defined by the NHS is a condition linked to parts of the digestive system which become inflamed.
The main symptoms include the following:
- Diarrhoea – which may come on suddenly
- Stomach aches and cramps – most often in the lower-right part of your tummy
- Blood in your poo
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss.
In relation to her symptoms Amy added: “I’ve accepted it now, I’m on top of my symptoms as much as I possibly can be…I want to be Amy the dancer.
“Living with Crohn’s is a part of me, but it certainly doesn’t define me.”
In the UK it is estimated by NHS inform that at least 115,000 people are living with the condition.
It affects all ages, including children- with most cases developing between the ages of 16 and 30.
Amy who is 31 years-old added: “Accepting my condition now has helped. Talking about it, doing the documentary, I can just be me. I don’t have to hide anything.”
And her Strictly family have also helped. “They are so understanding, there’s so many people I can turn to and talk to. For me that has really helped me along my journey.”
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