From 100 Toilet Trips Daily to Crohn's Diagnosis: A Man's Gut Health Journey
When Sas Parsad, a 45-year-old from Eastbourne, woke with severe stomach cramps and an urgent need for the toilet 15 years ago, he initially dismissed it as food poisoning. However, what began as a presumed short-lived ailment spiraled into a debilitating ordeal that would redefine his life. For months, Sas endured relentless pain, weight loss, and isolation, visiting the bathroom up to 100 times a day, before doctors finally identified the cause: Crohn's disease.
The Onset of Symptoms and Initial Misdiagnosis
Sas recalls the night his symptoms first struck, attributing it to something he ate. "I thought I’d eaten something dodgy and that it would pass after two or three days," he explains. But when the pain persisted for over a week, medical professionals suggested salmonella, leading to a series of tests that failed to provide answers. His condition worsened, with crampy pains, urgency, and a heavy anxiety-like sensation dominating his days. He became housebound, unable to work or socialize, and lived in constant fear of eating, which exacerbated his bleeding and soreness.
During this period, Sas lost approximately 15 kilograms, developed psoriasis flares, and saw his life grind to a halt. His mother, Jaleh, urged him to seek further medical help, but the process was slow and frustrating. He underwent multiple MRIs, a colonoscopy, and an endoscopy, with doctors initially suspecting irritable bowel syndrome. The uncertainty took a toll, as Sas navigated public spaces strategically, always mapping out toilet locations—a stark contrast to his previous active lifestyle.
The Life-Altering Diagnosis and Emotional Impact
In March 2012, after two years of suffering, Sas received the diagnosis: Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gut. "They hit me with: 'It’s Crohn’s disease. You’ve got inflammation and ulcers in your upper and lower intestine,'" he remembers. The news was devastating; doctors described it as severe and lifelong, recommending steroid medication, immunosuppressants, and potential bowel surgery within a few years. Sas fainted upon hearing the prognosis, overwhelmed by the prospect of a bedbound future or a stoma.
Crohn's disease is incurable and can cause symptoms like diarrhea, pain, constipation, and complications such as joint pain and skin rashes. For Sas, the diagnosis brought a mix of despair and relief—finally, he knew what was wrong. As a former football coach and property entrepreneur, he had always prioritized fitness and nutrition, making the diagnosis even more shocking. He reflected on his prime years slipping away, questioning his social and romantic prospects due to his health struggles.
Transforming Health Through Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Instead of succumbing to despair, Sas took control of his health by diving into nutrition research. He eliminated ultra-processed foods, sugars, and protein supplements, which he believes aggravated his condition. Adopting a diet centered on simple, home-cooked meals like chicken, eggs, and yogurt, he also embraced intermittent fasting, eating his first meal around 2-3 PM daily. These changes led to a dramatic improvement: his symptoms faded, energy levels soared, and he regained his ability to train and work.
Sas incorporated daily outdoor movement, vitamin D exposure, hydration, and structured sleep into his routine, all contributing to his well-being. Within a year post-diagnosis, he achieved the best shape of his life, reclaiming his social and professional life. He later married, had a daughter, and founded The Gut Co., a company dedicated to helping others support their gut health based on his experiences.
Living with Crohn's: Acceptance and Optimism
Today, Sas manages his condition without surgery or medication, though he acknowledges occasional fatigue and cramps. "For me—the glass is half full. Yes, I’ve got a chronic condition which can be challenging at times, but compared to what some people have to go through, it’s a drop in the ocean," he insists. He emphasizes that his approach may not work for everyone, as Crohn's affects individuals differently, but he focuses on the wins in his journey.
Sas's story highlights the importance of persistence in seeking a diagnosis and the transformative power of lifestyle adjustments. While Crohn's disease remains a lifelong challenge, his optimism and proactive management offer inspiration to others facing similar battles. He concludes, "I don’t know what the future holds, but for now I’m feeling optimistic," underscoring a message of hope and resilience in the face of chronic illness.
