#auguts hard to talk about
Eric experienced sepsis after diverticular disease caused his bowel to rupture. He spoke to Dr Madusha Peiris, a researcher from Queen Mary University of London, about their experiences living with bowel disease and working within the field.
Eric Douglin was diagnosed with diverticulitis two years ago, leading to his bowel rupturing and developing sepsis. In this emergency situation, he underwent surgery to have a stoma created and was told he would have died within twelve hours had it been left any later.
Dr Madusha Peiris is a Lecturer in Neuroscience at Queen Mary University of London. Her research centres on how the nervous system in the gut controls digestive function and the ways it is impacted by the environment. This includes work on appetite regulation and how pain is sensed within the gut.
On his work with Bowel Research UK, Eric says: “Without the work Bowel Research UK funds I would not be here today to share my journey with other people.”
Madusha talks about the importance of inclusive research: “We try really hard to get a whole range of people into our studies, so men and women, people from different ethnic backgrounds because the more we have a diverse background of people, the better it is in terms of getting data that is applicable to everybody rather than a single population.”
Read more about Dr Peiris’ work here:
www.bowelresearchuk.org/research-hub/nutrient-sensing-and-obesity/
www.bowelresearchuk.org/latest-news/lower-bowel-holds-secret-to-weight-loss-new-research-reveals/
Watch Eric and Madusha discuss the difficulties of talking about health issues within the Black community and the importance of conducting research that includes people of different genders and from different ethnic backgrounds.
You could help our researchers make the breakthroughs that leads to life-saving and life-changing treatments.
Donate nowGut health is unique to you, so hear from experts, people with lived experience and the community to find out ways they manage their gut health. Scientists believe that, from birth, the gut microbiome is linked to virtually every aspect of our health. There is still much more to discover but take your first step here.
In 2005 I had a c-section with twins and after that I struggled with abdominal pain and some incontinence for years afterwards. This was diagnosed as IBS. In 2016 the incontinence got worse but this time with bleeding. I went to my GP and was referred for tests within three weeks.
Rebecca shares her story from diagnosis with IBD to Bowel Cancer and the importance of research. A keen allotment grower, Rebecca joined the charity at the debut of the Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024.
Sid Hill and Chris Hull, created, the Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden, an edible meadow focussing on the connection between the ecological health of the landscape, it’s soil and the health of our own gut microbiome.
Join the #auguts campaign by sharing your own recipes, tips and stories via video or the written word!
Your video or written story will appear on our website and be shared on our social media channels. Please include your social media handles if you feel comfortable with us tagging you when we share your story. Submissions may be edited slightly, for example by adding captions or putting several videos together, or adding our logo.
Take a look at this guide for some tips on filming video on your phone. If you have any questions, email hello@bowelresearchuk.org
By completing this form you are agreeing to enter our newsletter database to receive additional email updates from Bowel Research UK about research, patient information and fundraising. Access our privacy policy at the bottom of the page.
Welcome to our #auguts campaign. This year we are focussing on the MicrobioME because gut health is unique to you. Discover our recipes, share your tips and get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Watch the video