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‘MONEY WORRIES MAKE THINGS REALLY TOUGH’
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inancial support from Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s grants scheme has twice provided relief to 62-year-old Elizabeth Ruffley at difficult times. Diagnosed in 2003, Elizabeth had been experiencing many symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and didn’t fully realise the severity of her condition. “I had been suffering from severe stomach cramps for three months and initially my GP thought I had appendicitis,” says Elizabeth. “I was hospitalised for three weeks and after numerous tests, it was confirmed that I had Crohn’s Disease. I lost two stone during this hospital stint and had to remain on steroids for two months.” It took Elizabeth roughly two years after her diagnosis to feel like she could fully manage
A grant helped Elizabeth Ruffley after she was forced to give up work her condition and she discovered that it affects everyone differently. However, in October 2010, Elizabeth’s health deteriorated rapidly and she discovered that the severity of her flare-ups were directly affected by her hectic lifestyle. “I had a really stressful job in the Department for Work and Pensions and was caring for my sick husband,” says Elizabeth. “I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which are extremely difficult to manage alongside my Crohn’s Disease. My health deteriorated to such an extent that I had to leave work at the end of 2011.” Her socialising took a hit too, but Elizabeth worked out over time what did and didn’t affect her IBD. “Almost all
STAFF PROVIDED SUPPORT THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF THE GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS 28 • SUMMER 2017 • CONNECT
alcoholic drinks had a negative impact… apart from prosecco and champagne!” Elizabeth feels lucky to have great support from her gastroenterologist and IBD nurse, who have helped her to navigate life with Crohn’s Disease. She has also found the Crohn’s and Colitis UK online forum to be a crucial platform for sharing experiences and advice with others living with IBD. “I know a lot of people with IBD who don’t have access to the help they need, and because Crohn’s Disease is such a personal illness, they feel like they don’t have anyone they can talk to openly about their experiences,” she says. It was while browsing the Crohn’s and Colitis UK website that Elizabeth first came
across information on the charity’s grants scheme, which she applied to shortly after giving up her job. “I received a grant for bedding and clothing a few years ago and last year I received another grant that helped me buy a new washing machine,” says Elizabeth. “I’ve had personal grants from other charity bodies but