Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Rosalynde - Interview 14

Rosalynde was diagnosed with Crohn's disease a few months ago and has recently been put on steroids after her initial medication, Pentas salicylatem, was not effective. Rosalynde feels that the extreme tiredness she experiences is the worst aspect of her condition.

  • Background

    Rosalynde is a retired medical representative. She is married and has grown up children. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish

  • Age at interview 70
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Linda - Interview 13

    Linda was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, aged 15. She has been on medication since and has largely controlled any flare ups with rest and occasional periods on steroids. Linda feels very well supported by her husband and medical team.

  • Background

    Linda is married. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish British

  • Age at interview 50
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Aaron and Rebecca - Interview 12

    Aaron and Rebecca found out they were carriers for cystic fibrosis when Rebecca was pregnant and a scan showed a bowel blockage. Their daughter is five and apart from surgery following birth, a bronchoscopy and course of IV antibiotics, has been in good health.

  • Background

    Aaron and Rebecca are married with one child aged 5. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish.

  • Age at interview 34
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Nicole and Katy - Interview 11

    Two of Nicole's children have been screened for the Tay Sachs gene and are carriers. It's thought the gene was passed down through her husband's family, although Tay Sachs has never been discussed openly in her husband's family.

  • Background

    Nicole works as a caterer and a nursery school teacher. She is married and has three children aged 21, 27 (Katy) and 28. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish.

  • Age at interview 54
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Carol - Interview 10

    After suffering severe abdominal pain and weight loss, Carol was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease aged 26. She had a major resection of her bowel and has remained largely free of Crohn's symptoms.

  • Background

    Carol is a retired administrator and is married. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish

  • Age at interview 66
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Harvey - Interview 9

    Harvey was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease aged 17 and had three resections on his intestine. At 56 he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had the lower part of his bowel removed in a major operation. Harvey would like more support to manage his condition.

  • Background

    Harvey is a retired primary school teacher (and continues to do some supply work). He is married and has had two children. Ethnic background/nationality: British Jewish

  • Age at interview 63
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Sara - Interview 8

    Sara's son was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease aged 12. He's had two Parenteral Nutrition courses and a section of diseased intestine removed. Sara felt isolated and unable to talk about her son's illness, however she's since found others with similar experiences.

  • Background

    Sara is married and has several children aged between 11-26 years. Ethnic background/nationality: Jewish White

  • Age at interview 48
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Sylvia - Interview 7

    Sylvia was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease aged 29. She has since had two hemicolectomies and is currently on anti-inflammatory medication. Sylvia's experiences of going out are affected and she feels it is important people don't ignore signs of Crohn's Disease.

  • Background

    Sylvia is a retired social worker. She is a widow and has had two children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British

  • Age at interview 74
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Goldie - Interview 6

    Goldie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989, which was successfully treated. Five years later she was diagnosed with lymphoedema, which she manages with a combination of exercise and arm sleeves. She has since had a knee replacement.

  • Background

    Goldie is married, retired and had 3 children. Ethnic background/nationality: mother Russian/Lithuanian, father Russian/Scottish

  • Age at interview 80
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Miriam - Interview 5

    Miriam discovered that she carries the gene for Tay Sachs as a teenager. She arranged to marry her husband who does not carry the gene and expects their children will be tested anonymously.

  • Background

    Miriam is a kindergarten teacher and married with five children. Ethnic background/nationality: Orthodox Jewish

  • Age at interview 47
  • Sex/Gender Female