Burnley man thought Crohn's disease was food poisoning

A Burnley man is encouraging the public to get their unusual symptoms checked, after his ‘food poisoning’ turned out to be Crohn's disease.

Chris Walton, 45, was officially diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease where parts of the digestive system become inflamed, in 2004 but has been dealing with pain, surgeries and various treatments ever since.

Chris, who was born in Colne, initially dismissed his symptoms as food poisoning.

He said: "I just thought I had food poisoning and had to go to the toilet all of the time.

"I went for a load of tests and it took ages to finally get diagnosed.

"I asked him how long I would have it for and was shocked when he told me ‘forever’.

"I didn't know anything about the disease and had never heard of it before and didn't know of anyone who had it.

Chris Walton in hospital (Image: Chris Walton)

"It was a massive shock at the time."

Chris spent the following years trying various medication and treatments.

He said: "I was placed on medication that didn't really work. For some time I was trying to function as a ‘normal human being’ but the symptoms weren't getting any better.

"The treatment now is so much better and the care I have received is outstanding now."

Last year, Chris had part of his intestine removed and must now live with a colostomy bag.

He said: "After more than 20 years of trying different treatments the scar tissue had built up and it wasn't allowing food to pass through my body.

"Unfortunately, I suffered a perforated bowel last year which was a shock. I didn't know it at the time but I was in a lot of pain and my body was slowly being poisoned.

"Since that operation my life is so much better.

"Now, I am so much more positive compared to 20 years ago. I thought this was going to be a life of torture but there are a lot more treatments available these days."

Chris, a musician, has been using music as an outlet over the last two decades. He is currently writing a song, inspired by the war in Ukraine, and is calling for refugees from the war torn country to take part.

He said: "Having my bowel removed was a horrific experience which has affected me and my family.

"Thankfully, because of the ongoing care I've received, I've recently been well enough to resume work on my music and this song in particular."

The song, When The Sky Falls, is almost complete but Chris is now looking for anyone who can sing, play a brass or traditional Ukrainian instrument, a string quartet and a choir – in addition to any English musicians who may want to help.

Any music raised through the song will be donated to charity.

Chris is encouraging anyone with Crohn's disease symptoms to get them checked by the doctor.

He said: "20 years ago it was a bit embarrassing to talk about toilet habits.

"Now I would encourage anyone to ring the doctor to get an appointment. If you spot any kind of early symptom, such as blood in stool, get on to the doctor."

Chris Walton (Image: Chris Walton)

Crohn's disease affects people of all ages. The symptoms usually start in childhood or early adulthood.

The main symptoms are:

The symptoms may be constant or may come and go every few weeks or months. When they come back, it's called a flare-up.

The research, which was carried out by scientists at the University of Nottingham, shows that half a million people (1 in every 123) are living in the UK with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, another chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

If anyone would like to participate in Chris’ song email: [email protected].

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