He Hid His Stomach Pains and Bleeding for 6 Months—What Doctors Found Nearly Killed Him

Hamish was 16 when the symptoms started—severe stomach pain, fatigue, and constant trips to the bathroom. At first, he tried to ignore it. But when he started seeing blood, he panicked.

Still, he said nothing.

At the time, he was working as an apprentice carpenter. His frequent absences didn’t go unnoticed. Coworkers assumed he was slacking off, and he was too embarrassed to explain. For six months, he kept quiet. The pain got worse. He lost weight, energy, and eventually his job. He didn’t protest—he believed they needed someone more dependable.

The breaking point came when he woke up one morning in too much pain to move. His mother found him and he finally told her everything. She took him straight to the hospital. After several tests, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease—a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers in the digestive tract, leading to pain, bleeding, weight loss, and exhaustion.

The diagnosis hit hard. Hamish had never heard of Crohn’s and wasn’t prepared to live with a lifelong illness. He struggled mentally—cycling through denial, anger, and fear. For years, he tried to hide it. He turned to alcohol and self-destructive habits to cope.

Eventually, he accepted the disease wasn’t going away. What could change was how he responded to it. He started focusing on fitness and nutrition. Today, with medication and a healthy lifestyle, he’s managing his condition. There are still challenges, but he’s no longer hiding.

Hamish’s message to others is clear: don’t stay silent. Speak up. The people who care will listen.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, but it most often impacts the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. It is one of the main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), along with ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis. These conditions all involve inflammation in the digestive system, but Crohn’s can occur anywhere along the digestive tract.

Other names for Crohn’s disease include regional enteritis, granulomatous ileocolitis, and ileitis.

What Causes It?

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. It is thought to occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation.

Genetics may play a role, as Crohn’s disease often runs in families. People with a family history of the condition or those of Eastern European Jewish descent are at a higher risk. Environmental factors and smoking can also increase the likelihood of developing Crohn’s.

While stress and certain foods don’t cause Crohn’s disease, they can make symptoms worse. The disease most commonly affects people between the ages of 15 and 35.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

The symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary depending on where the inflammation occurs and how severe it is. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Other symptoms can include:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Joint pain or swelling
• Nausea
• Eye redness or pain
• Skin changes, like red, tender bumps under the skin
• Mouth ulcers
• Swollen gums

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go, with flare-ups. Stress and certain foods, like carbonated drinks or high-fiber foods, can worsen symptoms.

You Are Not Alone In This

Hamish’s story is a reminder that staying silent only makes the struggle harder. Crohn’s disease is life-changing, but with the right support, it’s manageable. The turning point for him wasn’t medication or fitness—it was finally speaking up.

Chronic illness can feel isolating, but hiding it won’t help. The people who care will listen—and they’ll stand by you. Whether it’s a doctor, a parent, a friend, or a partner, start the conversation. Don’t wait until things get worse.

Crohn’s is part of your life, not the end of it. Take back control. Get the help you need. And remember—you’re not in this alone.