“I Couldn’t Hold Any Food Or Drink Down” – Reality TV Star Speaks Out About Crohn’s Disease

TOWIE star Sam Faiers has spoken out about her recent diagnosis with Crohn’s disease. The reality TV star appeared on ITV’s This Morning this week, to talk about her experience in the Celebrity Big Brother house and how she fell ill, just five days into the programme. 'It was awful to have it in the Big Brother house,' she said. 'For nearly a month I couldn't hold any food or drink down.' Sam had ‘agonising cramps’’ after eating or drinking which led to alternate bouts of diahorrea and getting sick. After seeing the house doctor who thought she might have been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, she was given painkillers but instead of getting better, her condition took a turn for the worse. Symptoms of Crohn's include weight-loss, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, aching limbs and weakness. This Morning's Dr Chris Steele explained that Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract which often affects people between the ages of 15-30. Sam during her time in the Big Brother house During her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Sam often found it difficult to get out of bed due to aching joints and uncontrollable shivers. The 23-year-old couldn’t take part in some of the tasks and although viewers were kept in the dark about her condition, her mother suspected there might be a problem. 'She knew something was wrong,' said Sam. 'I was just too quiet. I just couldn't get involved with the others, it was as if I had the flu.' 'My family were really concerned and upset,' she said. 'It made me want to be more positive and I want to get awareness out there.' Dr Steele said that while there is no known cure for the condition, it is manageable with the correct medication.