Michael Morgan demystifies ‘hidden disease’ in new book ‘The Secret Life of Crohn’s’

Author Michael Morgan wants to shed some light on the truth about Crohn’s disease. Photograph: Callum Scott

Those of us who don’t have Crohn’s disease may not know much about this chronic intestinal illness. But Hackney author Michael Morgan is on a mission to change that, helping people understand what Crohn’s is — and what it is not.

Morgan’s new book, The Secret Life of Crohn’s, charts his own experience of living with the disease since the age of 10. And believe it or not, it is a surprisingly upbeat read. Morgan’s main message to sufferers and those around them is that you can live a full and exciting life with this condition, despite the very serious problems it brings.

Much of Morgan’s childhood was marked by anxiety and the need to be close to a clean toilet, for he was beset by severe abdominal pain and a frequent need to go to the loo. The disease structured his life and had a major impact on his incredibly supportive family, too.

Morgan documents his journey dealing with the symptoms and psychological impact of Crohn’s in this heartfelt and humorous book. Image: Alastair Johnson

Over the years, Morgan underwent various treatments, but they all proved unsuccessful. Eventually, his condition became nearly unbearable. But things took a turn when, towards the end of his school years, he took the courageous step of having his colon surgically removed and wearing an emptiable stoma bag on his abdomen. This may sound extreme, but it transformed the young man’s life and set him on a path to enjoying the ordinary adventures of a student. When he later took to travelling the world, his medical needs were a consideration, but not an impediment.

Told with light-hearted humour, The Secret Life of Crohn’s is a touching story of one person’s determination to overcome a serious medical challenge and make the most of life. The initial chapter and its appendices on ‘Parental Guidance’ and ‘Dating Crohn’s’ reveal its main motive: Morgan is keen to educate people about the reality of this ‘hidden disease’, including the truth about sex or long-distance treks with a stoma bag and frank insights into the psychological effects this illness can have on sufferers.

This book will be of special interest to those with Crohn’s and the people around them, but it is also of wider relevance as an engaging account of perseverance in the face of adversity.

The Secret Life of Crohn’s by Michael Morgan, ISBN: 978-1-3999-9762-1.