For the last 6 years, Jordan Brook, 35, has lived with ulcerative colitis, a long-term inflammatory bowel disease which affects around 1 in 227 people in the UK.
Jordan’s diagnosis impacted all areas of his life, leaving him unable to spend time with friends, family and his nine-year-old son.
“One day I was living a normal life and the next I wasn’t.”
- Jordan
Symptoms for ulcerative colitis can include recurring diarrhoea, tummy pain and needing the toilet frequently. People may also experience fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Jordan said: “Over the past 5 years I tried numerous treatments, but nothing seemed to work. I missed a lot of time at work, and I couldn’t socialise with my friends and family, which made me feel sad and low in mood. I wasn’t confident leaving the house and I became housebound.”
After being offered 4 different types of treatment for the condition, Jordan was discussing surgery to remove part of his bowel. He was then offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial investigating a new treatment for the condition.
“At the beginning of March last year, I received a call from the team at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, and was asked if I would be interested in taking part in a clinical trial. Everything was explained to me, but I was unsure at first. However, one thing stuck out for me; I would have access to a medicine that isn't yet on the market and that could be the drug that works for me. So, I thought I would give it a go.”
He continued: “I also know how horrible ulcerative colitis is and I thought if by participating in research myself, it helps one more person, then I’d be very happy.”
Despite being initially sceptical, Jordan’s life has been transformed thanks to research.
Jordan saw a huge difference in his symptoms.
“Since starting the trial my symptoms have improved massively and I’m basically back to living a normal life. I can now go out with my friends and family, and spend quality time with my son on days out. I'm back at work and feel fit and strong again.”
- Jordan
He said: “Research is a million percent needed, and I would urge anyone to give it a go. It's all about finding treatments to make peoples’ lives better. Joining the trial has changed my life for the better which I thought would never happen.
"I owe a huge amount to the research team for the way they have looked out for me during the trial.”
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