The $30 million toll of undiagnosed microscopic colitis

Alex Ortiz's embarrassing accident on holiday was the final straw in a year-long battle with a rare bowel condiiton. Microscopic colitis affects thousands of people in the UK, but many suffer in silence due to misdiagnosis or lack of awareness.

According to a survey of 185 patients with microscopic colitis, 70% were initially wrongly diagnosed with IBS. This highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the condition.

Why 4,000 unsold units became the prize

Alex's story is a stark reminder of the human cost of undiagnosed microscopic colitis. The condition is twice as common in women and often occurs in those over 50, with symptoms including watery diarrhoea, faecal incontinence, stomach cramps, fatigue, and weight loss.

Despite its prevalence, microscopic colitis remains a mystery, with no clear cause identified. However, certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are linked to the condition.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

Alex's experience is not unique. Many people with microscopic colitis suffer for years before being correctly diagnosed. In fact, a survey of patients with microscopic colitis found that 70% were initially wrongly diagnosed with IBS.

This highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the condition. By sharing Alex's story , we hope to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out about their experiences.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The exact number of people affected by microscopic colitis is unknown, but it's estimated that thousands of people in the UK suffer from the condition. By sharing Alex's story, we hope to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out about their experiences.

As Chris Probert, a professor of gastroenterology at the University of Liverpool, notes, microscopic colitis is 'a bit less common than inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's, but it's more common than people realise.'

What auditors flagged in the May filing

Alex's experience highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of microscopic colitis. By sharing her story,we hope to raise awareness and encourage others to speak out about their experiences.

As Alex notes, 'it was a huge relief to finally know what the problem was.' But for many others,the journey to diagnosis is long and difficult.