Magician Dynamo reveals he is being tested in hospital

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Dynamo has revealed he has been taken to hospital to be checked out following a flare-up of his Crohn’s disease, two months after his coronavirus diagnosis. 

Sharing a statement on Instagram, the magician, 37, real name Steven Frayne, penned: ‘Today is IBD (irritable bowl syndrome) awareness day.

‘I was supposed to be doing some talks about it to let people know what its like and to help those suffering, but unfortunate I suffered a flare up yesterday and will be unable to fulfil my commitments today.

Tough times: Dynamo has revealed he has been taken to hospital to be checked out following a flare-up of his Crohn’s disease and two months after his coronavirus diagnosis (pictured earlier this month)

‘Really sorry to let people down…especially today. But for us going through it, it’s an IBD life, not just one day, and it can affect us when we least expect it.

‘Hate to burden you with my woe’s but feel bad to those who I have let down today. Heading to hospital to get checked out, my team will keep you posted and I will be back before you know it. Stay strong out there everyone. [sic]’

The star contracted COVID-19 in March and had been self-isolating at his North West London home after suffering from ‘a persistent cough’ and ‘lots of aches and pains’. 

He revealed he was in recovery after being stricken with ‘severe’ COVID-19 symptoms – commonly a persistent cough and feverish temperature – in an Instagram post shared with followers at the end of March. 

Announcement: He revealed the news to his 893,000 Instagram followers on Tuesday

Announcement: He revealed the news to his 893,000 Instagram followers on Tuesday

Speaking to The Chris Evans Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, Dynamo revealed he was working his way back to full health after self-isolating for two weeks, a recommendation given to all suspected carriers by the World Health Organisation.

Reflecting on his experience with the virus, Dynamo admitted his symptoms were exacerbated because he also suffers with Crohn’s disease.

He explained: ‘I obviously was struck down by COVID. My case was, you know, it was possibly a mild case, but it got quite severe because of my existing condition.

‘Last couple of weeks, I spent a lot of time, you know, in bed. I’ve been self isolating and following all of the rules. Now I’m definitely feeling in much better spirits. Still a little bit crocky, so I apologize for my husky voice right now.’

Aches and pains: The star contracted COVID-19 in March and had been self-isolating at his North West London home after suffering from 'a persistent cough' and 'lots of aches and pains' (pictured in 2012)

Aches and pains: The star contracted COVID-19 in March and had been self-isolating at his North West London home after suffering from ‘a persistent cough’ and ‘lots of aches and pains’ (pictured in 2012)

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.

Inflammation most commonly occurs in the last section of the small or large intestine but it can affect any part of the digestive system. 

Common symptoms can include:

  • diarrhoea
  • abdominal pain
  • fatigue (extreme tiredness)
  • unintended weight loss
  • blood and mucus in your faeces (stools)

Remission occurs when people with the disease go long periods of time without symptoms however these periods can be followed by flare ups of symptoms.  

Why it happens

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. However, research suggests a combination of factors may be responsible. These include:

genetics – genes you inherit from your parents may increase your risk of developing Crohn’s disease

the immune system – the inflammation may be caused by a problem with the immune system that causes it to attack healthy bacteria in the gut

previous infection – a previous infection may trigger an abnormal response from the immune system

smoking – smokers with Crohn’s disease usually have more severe symptoms than non-smokers

environmental factors – Crohn’s disease is most common in westernised countries such as the UK, and least common in poorer parts of the world such as Africa, which suggests the environment has a part to play 

Source: NHS 

Reaching out to fans, the Bradford born star insisted the merciless, indiscriminate nature of the virus should encourage people to live life in the moment.

He said: ‘I think everybody right now is going through it. And I think, you know, if anything, it just in some ways, it shows us that we shouldn’t take things for granted and we should make the most of the moments that we go through. 

‘And most of our family and I will hope everyone’s taking this time as well as, you know, taking care of themselves, but trying to be positive and use this time wisely.’

The magician admits his underlying battle with Crohn’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with at 17, helped him prepare for two weeks in self-isolation away from his loved ones.

Facing up: The magician admits his underlying battle with Crohn's disease, a condition he was diagnosed with at 17, helped him prepare for two weeks in self-isolation away from his loved ones (pictured in February)

Facing up: The magician admits his underlying battle with Crohn’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with at 17, helped him prepare for two weeks in self-isolation away from his loved ones (pictured in February) 

Dynamo – who lives with his family in north-west London – revealed his hospitalisation with the illness served to foreshadow his enforced quarantine with the coronavirus.

‘I spend a lot of time, obviously, in hospital myself,’ he added. ‘And there was a point when I was going through my worst with my Crohn’s disease and food poisoning, where the doctors thought I was contagious so they wouldn’t allow people to come in or me to go out.

‘So I was literally on my own with just my imagination for a couple of weeks. And this was a couple of years ago. So right now, you know, I’m kind of doing it again like everybody else in the country and around the world.’