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Alliance Manchester Business School

Crohn's Disease, DASS and me

01 Jul 2025

In the second of our Lived Experience Blogs from colleagues, we hear from Kirsty Sheppard, Student Experience and Communications Manager.

Kirsty Sheppard

My name is Kirsty and I work in the MBA and Global Programmes Team in AMBS.

I have started to write this short blog on World IBD Day, which feels quite poignant as I would like to share my experience of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) with you. There are two main types of IBD, which are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. There is lots of information about IBD online but the best place to go for really useful information and advice is probably Crohn’s and Colitis UK. 

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was 10 years old. Crohn’s Disease (or just Crohn’s as I not-so-fondly will refer to it) is when the gut becomes swollen, inflamed and ulcerated which can cause a whole host of nasty symptoms such as pain, diarrhoea, rapid weight loss and fatigue. As I am sure you can imagine, being a teenager and young adult with such awful symptoms was sometimes quite difficult but as I have got older I have learnt that the best way for me to feel comfortable with my disability is to be open and honest about it. That was one reason why I decided to register with the Disability Advisory and Support Services for staff members. I had struggled in previous jobs and wanted to make sure that I had any support that I might need in place. It is such a relief to feel supported by them and by my team and line manager here in AMBS. This was not always the case for me in previous jobs so I think the University’s assistance is a breath of fresh air. As stress can exacerbate my condition, I really think knowing that the support from them is there has helped me to feel well!

On a practical level, DASS have been able to assist me with adjustments such as arranging a car parking space near to the AMBS building. I struggle with public transport due to fatigue from my Crohn’s Disease. A car parking space has been so useful on days when I have been very drained – just knowing I don’t have to trek across campus helps a little bit! They offer a variety of support based on an individual’s needs. I would really encourage anyone who is struggling and feels that DASS could provide them with that little bit of extra support to drop them an email. Taking that initial step to get in touch with them can be daunting but life with a chronic condition can be so difficult and I think it is nice to know that there are a team of people who can help you to make it that little bit easier.

If you would like to talk to me about anything relating to DASS, Crohn’s Disease (or just a general chat) then please feel free to get in touch. I would be happy to support anyone who may need it.