Retired Teacher with Crohn's Hails New Research as Potential 'Game-Changer'
A retired primary school teacher who has endured four major surgeries due to Crohn's disease has described new research into the condition as a potential "complete game-changer" for patients. Maureen Dalgleish, 65, from Edinburgh, was first diagnosed with the inflammatory bowel disease in 1988 at the age of 28.
Four Decades of Struggle with Crohn's Disease
Since her diagnosis, Dalgleish has undergone surgery in 2001, 2006, 2013, and most recently in 2025 to manage fibrosis in her bowel, a common complication of Crohn's. The condition has forced her to spend long periods on either liquid diets or heavily restricted eating plans, particularly following surgical procedures, to help control debilitating symptoms.
Before her most recent operation, she experienced severe abdominal pain and spasms, accompanied by nausea, fever, dizziness, and even episodes of loss of consciousness. "Before my surgery, I was in and out of hospital and it was incredibly exhausting," Dalgleish recalled. "It can feel like your life is on hold."
Participating in Groundbreaking Research
Dalgleish was invited to donate tissue from her surgery to a research team at the University of Edinburgh, an opportunity she eagerly accepted. "I wanted to get involved in the research to help them," she said, referring to other patients living with Crohn's. "Although I realise it probably won't benefit me personally, this research could potentially be a complete game-changer for others like me."
She expressed particular gratitude to the "marvellous team" at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital who have provided her care over the years. Despite the challenges, Dalgleish has learned to adapt: "I've learnt to plan my life around things and try not to let the condition stop me."
The Challenge of Fibrosis in Crohn's Treatment
While Dalgleish has witnessed significant advances in Crohn's diagnosis and treatment during her nearly four-decade journey, surgery remains the only current option for managing fibrosis. The disease process typically restarts after each operation to remove damaged bowel tissue, eventually leading to renewed scarring and blockages.
This cyclical pattern underscores why new research approaches are so crucial. "The idea of having medication to control or stop the fibrosis would be amazing," Dalgleish emphasized, highlighting the potential for pharmaceutical interventions that could break this destructive cycle.
The University of Edinburgh-led study represents a promising avenue toward developing such treatments, offering hope to the approximately 115,000 people in the UK living with Crohn's disease who face similar challenges with fibrosis complications.
