I analyse your stool for a living — and as someone with ulcerative colitis, I know firsthand how much a tiny biomarker can change your life. Let’s talk faecal calprotectin: the test that’s saved countless people from unnecessary colonoscopies and transformed how we diagnose and monitor IBD. It’s simple, powerful, and (despite the smell…) one of my favourite things we run in the lab. Here’s what it is, how it works, and why it matters more than you think.

IB3 was born from a moment of unexpected shame—one glance at a packet of bulky diapers left on my living room floor. That experience made one thing clear: no one should feel embarrassed about the products they rely on. That’s why IB3’s packaging is intentionally discreet, anonymous, and stigma-free.

Many people with IBD feel tired, foggy, or weak even when their flare is under control — and nutrient deficiencies are often the hidden reason why. As an NHS Biomedical Scientist living with ulcerative colitis, I regularly see B12 and folate deficiencies show up in patient blood results long before they’re recognised clinically. These vitamins play a crucial role in DNA synthesis and red blood cell production, and when levels drop, the effects appear clearly on a full blood count as macrocytosis and megaloblastic anaemia. In this post, I’ll walk you through what these deficiencies mean, why they happen in IBD, and how you can spot the clues in your own lab results.

Ever wondered what really happens to your blood or stool sample once it leaves the clinic?
I’m Chris — a Senior Biomedical Scientist who’s spent over a decade working behind the scenes in a busy NHS lab. In this post, I take you inside the world of IBD testing — from the machines that run your calprotectin, CRP, and full blood counts, to the high-speed track system that moves thousands of samples a day. You’ll learn what each test actually shows, how we process them, and even how to collect the perfect stool sample (hint: please, no shopping bags!). It’s a look at the science, the stories, and the people quietly powering 70% of NHS diagnoses.

Living with IBD means navigating a world of unpredictable guts, questionable diets, and hospital gowns that refuse to close properly. From “Satan’s Sprite” colonoscopy prep to watching your insides on a 4K screen, it’s a journey that demands equal parts patience and humour.

“The Ballad of My Rebellious Bowels” is my love-hate poem to life with IBD — the pills, the scopes, the flare-ups, and the brave laughter in between. Because if we don’t laugh about it, well… we’ll probably just cry (and let’s be honest, dehydration is already an issue).

In the middle of my worst IBD flare, I couldn’t find a discreet pad — so I decided to create one. That’s how IB3 was born.

Ultra-processed foods double IBD risk. Study of 116k adults links processed meats, soft drinks, fried foods & additives to higher inflammation.

Research shows poor sleep quality can significantly impact inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sleep deprivation raises inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, which drive gut inflammation. One study found IBD patients with poor sleep (PSQI >5) had relapse rates of 47% at 3 months and 67% at 6 months, compared with 0% in patients with healthy sleep. With up to 50% of IBD patients reporting sleep issues during flares, improving sleep—especially slow-wave sleep (SWS)—may be as crucial as diet in achieving remission. Sleep is not just rest; it regulates immunity, gut function, and relapse risk.

6 successful people with IBD. IBD doesnt define us, and it doesnt need to hold us back either. Sometimes, i like to remind myself, there are people who who have come out of the other side. Found what works for them, and still built a successful, fulfilling life. If they did it, and you are ambitious, you can do it to!