James Jordan Recounts Severe Ulcerative Colitis Battle, Near Colostomy Bag

Professional dancer James Jordan has shared details of his severe battle with ulcerative colitis, a chronic bowel condition that caused him to become so unwell that medical professionals considered a colostomy bag.

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colon's lining. In an interview, Jordan, 48, described how the autoimmune condition has affected him over the years, stating that at its worst, he was "wasn't able to leave the house."

He previously discussed his health challenges on his "Manopause" podcast with co-host Brendan Cole, admitting that during the peak of his illness, he had not had a solid bowel movement in three years and considered the condition a disability.

Jordan explained to the Daily Mail that he has adopted an unconventional approach to managing the chronic inflammatory bowel disease. After stopping smoking, his condition worsened, and medication proved ineffective. "I was getting really, really ill, to the point where I had no energy and wasn't able to leave the house," he said. "The next step was steroids and then perhaps a colostomy bag, which I didn't want to go down that route."

Seeking alternatives, Jordan consulted several specialists. He found that resuming smoking led to a significant reduction in his symptoms within two weeks. However, he noted that stress can still trigger flare-ups. "I haven't got it under control, but it's much better than it was when I was on the medication," he stated.

Jordan cautioned that his approach is not medical advice, emphasizing that he is not a doctor and chose this route due to the severity of his symptoms. He acknowledged that smoking is discouraged and carries significant health risks.

According to UK guidelines, smoking is strongly advised against for individuals with ulcerative colitis, as it is a leading cause of preventable illness and early death. Crohn's and Colitis UK notes that while some small studies have indicated a positive effect of nicotine on ulcerative colitis, it is not a routinely recommended treatment due to potential side effects and inconsistent efficacy.

Jordan also spoke about his podcast, "Manopause," describing it as cathartic. He highlighted the importance of open conversations, particularly among men, and how sharing personal struggles can provide support. He and Cole, 50, have developed a close friendship through their discussions about midlife challenges, mental wellness, careers, and health.

Recently, Jordan also spoke about experiencing a midlife crisis following his split from his wife Ola after 22 years together. He described the past few years as difficult and admitted to struggling with life, career choices, and a lack of purpose. The "Manopause" podcast aims to help middle-aged men navigating similar issues.