The Dream

I owe it to myself to go all out.

Where I’m heading, who this is for, and why I’m doing it - in my own words. This page grows as the journey does.

Where I’m starting from

I live with ulcerative colitis. It’s incurable, and I have my struggles. But I know how fortunate I am.

My gran and granda lived through a world war. That was a real fight. All I have to do to try and make some sort of go of my life is talk to a camera and post it. They went through much worse.

So although I’ve an incurable illness, I’m still fortunate for the life I live. I just want more - and I owe it to myself to go all out and get it.

The dream for the people who find this

I’d love The Honest Colon to be in a position to say it’s helped thousands of people like me. To help people feel less trapped, and less alone - and to give them the confidence to go on and try new things without fear.

If you’ve just been diagnosed

From me, not a doctor. The first while can be hard as you get used to this new you. Try and find routines that work for you, and food you enjoy that won’t give you pains after you’ve eaten. Trust your doctors with the medication - and alongside that, eat the best food you can manage and give your gut every chance of healing. There’s no cure, so it can always come back.

Be patient, and be kind to yourself. Say no to plans if you’re tired, and don’t feel the guilt.

Newly diagnosed? Start here.

The dreams that are just mine

I don’t pretend these don’t matter to me. They do.

The book

Have You Not Just Been? - the honest story of living with ulcerative colitis. Out on Amazon on 28 January 2027.

The London Marathon

Running is a thing I was once good at. Maybe not the long distance - but I’ve no doubt I could be good at that with the right training. I want to do it for Crohn’s & Colitis UK. The sense of achievement after must be immense.

A villa abroad

Getting up early and out into the morning sun, exploring wherever I am. A big bit of open land, and as many dogs as I can feasibly manage - rescue dogs that deserve more.

The honest bit

I’m nervous about putting myself out there. But the thought of not trying - of being stuck in this life of just being ill - makes me more nervous.

I don’t have it all figured out. I’m building this as I go, and you’re welcome to come along.

Where it’s at

  • Oct 2026Went all in on The Honest Colon. First videos out on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
  • NowWriting the book, a chapter at a time.
  • 28 Jan 2027Have You Not Just Been? comes out on Amazon.

IBD might change your life. But it doesn’t get to decide what your life becomes.

Who I am Read the stories
Cover of Have You Not Just Been? by Alexander McVicar - a toilet door with an ENGAGED sign
The book · out 28 January 2027

Have You Not Just Been?

An honest story of living with ulcerative colitis

The title comes from my 29th birthday. I’d been to the toilet one time too many, and a friend asked the question. I laughed it off - I’d been laughing it off for months. The book is the full story: the hiding, the diagnosis, the hospital, and living with it since. Join the list and I’ll email you when pre-orders open in December, and the day it’s out. No spam, no miracle cures, ever.