Dynamo speaks about reality of suffering from Crohn’s disease

‘The way someone looks isn’t necessarily a great indicator of health’

Dynamo has opened up about the reality of living with Crohn's disease, stressing that a person's appearance isn't necessarily indicative of good health.

The chronic condition, which has no known cure, causes inflammation in the digestive system and can lead to symptoms including stomach cramps, fatigue and diarrhoea.

The magician, whose real name is Steven Frayne, was diagnosed with Crohn's as a teenager and subsequently had to have half of his stomach removed at the age of 17.

On Thursday 28 February, Dynamo spotted an online article in which he was described as looking "fighting fit" as he "continues to battle" the disease.

The 36-year-old responded to the article on Twitter, explaining that while he is grateful for the support, the reality of suffering from the lifelong condition isn't quite so simple.

"I'm doing better thanks, but as any Crohn's/RA [rheumatic arthritis] sufferer will tell you, the way someone looks isn't necessarily a great indicator of health," he tweeted.

"Like many others, there are times when I look great but feel like absolute dog s*** and vice versa!"

Dynamo's tweet received a flurry of responses from many of his two million followers, several of whom thanked the magician for raising awareness about living with a chronic condition.

"Well said Dynamo! It's so important to highlight invisible illnesses and combat the stigma," one person tweeted.

"So very true," another added. "An illness that shows no obvious physical manifestation is impossible to measure from the outside.

"Being well and looking well with Crohn's seldom comply. It's a lifelong battle for those who suffer from it. And there's no medal. It's tough."

In March 2018, Dynamo shared a ​video on Twitter illustrating the impact Crohn's disease has had on his body.

The magician revealed that he'd been hospitalised the previous summer due to food poisoning, and outlined how the condition had caused him to put on weight.

While there's no cure for Crohn's, the condition can be treated with medication to control or reduce the symptoms, the NHS states.

The majority of people diagnosed with the disease take steroid medication to reduce the inflammation in the digestive system.

For everything you need to know about Crohn's, click here.

If you wish to speak to Crohn's and Colitis UK for support or guidance, you can call the charity's helpline on 0300 222 5700.