Living with Crohn’s disease can have its ups and downs. Some days you might feel completely fine, and others can bring sudden pain, fatigue, or urgent symptoms that throw your plans off course. It’s one of those conditions that reminds you just how important it is to be prepared for anything. 

That’s where something as simple as a medical bracelet can make a real difference. It’s a small step that offers peace of mind — helping first responders or others understand your condition quickly if you ever need help.

But first ... what is Crohn’s disease? 

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which means it causes inflammation in parts of the digestive tract. It can show up anywhere along the gut — from the mouth to the colon — though it often affects the small intestine or large intestine. While Crohn’s is a lifelong condition, many people manage it successfully with treatment, support, and the right care plan.

Symptoms of Crohn’s can vary because the disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract, and the severity can change over time. 

Some of the more common symptoms include: 

• • Diarrhoea — sometimes urgent or containing blood or mucus. 
  • Abdominal pain & cramping — which can range from mild discomfort to more intense pain. 
  • Weight changes, loss of appetite, or feeling generally unwell or fatigued  

Crohn’s can also affect other parts of the body, not just the gut. These “extra-intestinal” symptoms might include joint pain or swelling, skin issues, eye problems, or bone thinning (osteoporosis) — sometimes related to inflammation itself or as a side effect or treatment. 

It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different. Understanding these symptoms can help you manage flares and communicate effectively with your care team. 

To find out more about what Crohn’s disease is, have a read on the Catherine McEwan Foundation website.

How is Crohn’s Diagnosed?

Because symptoms often overlap with other conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, or even infections, diagnosis of Crohn’s disease can take time. 

Typical steps in the diagnostic process include: 

• • Blood & Stool Tests. These can check for signs of inflammation, anaemia, or rule out infections.   
  • Imaging & Scopes. Colonoscopy, endoscopy (or gastroscopy), and sometimes MRI, CT, or ultrasound help doctors see inside the digestive tract and take small tissue samples if needed.  
  • Specialist Review. A gastroenterologist will look at all the results and confirm the diagnosis. 

How a Medical Alert Bracelet Can Help

During a flare-up, things like dehydration, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or even bowel complications can happen suddenly. A medical bracelet ensures that first responders or hospital staff know you have Crohn’s disease — and any key treatments, medications, or allergies — even if you’re unable to communicate.

A bracelet engraved with “Crohn’s Disease”, or “IBD” gives immediate, potentially life-saving information to anyone trying to help you. This prevents misdiagnosis as the emergency responders will be aware of your condition and won’t mistake it for IBS. 

For a medical alert bracelet to be truly effective in an emergency, the engraving should be clear and concise. It should include your name, your medical conditions, your allergies (if any), and emergency contact details. 

Have a browse of our full medical jewellery collection to find the perfect style for you. 

Symbols & Awareness

The awareness colour for Crohn’s disease and other forms of IBD is purple, and each year, World IBD Day on May 19 helps shine a spotlight on the condition worldwide. Purple has become a symbol of solidarity, support, and raising awareness for people living with Crohn’s and colitis.

In the US, there’s also Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week in the first week of December, which encourages education, advocacy, and community support during the holiday season.

You can add the colour purple to your medical bracelet if you like, for example our Soul Bracelet can be made with purple cord. Or why not wear a purple awareness ribbon pin to raise awareness?

Where to get support?

Crohn’s disease often shows up in your teens or early adult years, though it can really start at any age. Diagnosis for this condition is increasing, and thankfully, research is constantly finding better ways to understand and treat it. Still, because Crohn’s is often an “invisible illness” it can be easy for others to miss what you’re going through. 

Reaching out can make a big difference, not just for managing symptoms, but for feeling understood and supported. You deserve that kind of care and connection.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK is the leading UK charity supporting people with Crohn’s disease and colitis. Through this organisation you can find local support groups, fundraising events and awareness resources. 

There is also a similar charity based in the US. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a major US non-profit organisation focused on research, support, and education for both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

“Own Your Crohn’s” is a blog by Tina, who writes about her own experiences with Crohn’s. 

You can also check out social media hashtags such as #IBDwarrior, #CrohnsDisease, and #PurpleRibbonIBD where people share their stories, daily challenges, successes, and community support. 

In conclusion, if you live with Crohn’s disease, wearing a medical bracelet can help you be prepared and give you an extra layer of safety. It can also be a tool for advocacy — it signals that this invisible illness matters and that awareness and understanding are needed. When people see the purple ribbon, it might prompt a question, open a conversation, reduce stigma, or simply help another person recognise how significant this journey can be. 

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with it for many years, wearing a medical bracelet can offer you, and those who care about you, peace of mind — and potentially help save your life in an emergency. 

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