Crohn’s disease: what it is, the celebs who have it, and more

'Abbott Elementary' star Tyler James Williams reveals near-death battle with Crohn's disease

Stars Insider

18/01/23 | StarsInsider

HEALTH Ilness

'Abbott Elementary' star Tyler James Williams recently revealed that he suffered a near-death experience with Crohn's disease after being diagnosed in 2017. He was finding it difficult to gain muscle due to stomach pain. "I was really pushing my body to the limit," he said in an interview with Men's Health of his experience at the time, which coincided with his busy schedule on 'Criminal Minds' and 'Detroit.'

His body soon "crashed," his gastroenterologist found scar tissue in his bowels, and he had to undergo emergency surgery to remove six inches of lower intestine. But his intestines perforated amid recovery, resulting in him going septic and being rushed back into surgery. "The last thought I had was, 'Holy s—t, this could be it,'" he remembered saying to himself. "'If this is it, I'm not happy. I worked a lot. I did a lot of things. I didn't enjoy any of this. This can't be it.'"

Luckily, the 'Everybody Hates Chris' alum recovered, and he said the health scare helped him "learn how to stop making a dramatic change happen really quickly and learn how to have a better relationship with my body." Williams added, "The important thing for me, and those like me, to remember is that longevity is a big part of the game." He also said the experience shifted his career goals towards more "purpose-driven" roles, like his character Gregory Eddie on 'Abbott Elementary.'

Crohn's disease is a surprisingly common disease, with 1.3% of all American adults suffering from it. Even so, and despite the pain it causes, it is not talked about enough. Living with Crohn's disease is a constant battle against pain, and there is no cure. It is possible, however, to live a relatively healthy and happy life with it.

People with Crohn's disease usually experience intense abdominal pain and diarrhea. The pain can be anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Thankfully, influential figures who have the disease are speaking out to spread awareness of its symptoms and solutions. These celebrities serve as an inspiration for those with Crohn's disease because, despite the difficulties they've faced, they have led incredible lives.

From Dwight Eisenhower to Pete Davidson, click through to learn more about Crohn's disease and who has it.

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