The Bowel Chronicles

In this episode, we sit down with Ant, also known as IBDlife on social media—a 34-year-old fitness enthusiast, passionate cook, and dedicated advocate for ostomates. Ant’s journey began at 18 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis after a challenging start to university life.  Despite trying numerous treatments, nothing seemed to work until he underwent a life-changing ileostomy surgery at...

In this inspiring episode, we meet the incredible Tayler from Oregon, USA. Just 10 weeks ago, Tayler underwent permanent ileostomy surgery, and today she bravely shares her story with us.  Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Tayler faced a paralyzed large bowel, leading to severe abdominal pain from a very young age without any clear answers.  Tune in as Tayler recounts her journey of fin...

In this inspiring episode, we meet the incredible Dorry from Idaho, USA. At 60+, Dorry has battled ulcerative colitis for over 25 years. After 18 years in remission, a severe flare-up led to life-changing surgery in January 2024.  Dorry shares her journey of overcoming fears about living with an ostomy and how her life has flourished since the operation. Tune in to hear her empowering story and he...

In this episode, we meet the inspirational Hunter, a remarkable young woman from Oklahoma, USA. Hunter's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity, as she shares her experience of living in excruciating abdominal pain from the age of four until she was 21.  Enduring multiple surgeries, Hunter's journey includes an astonishing diagnosis of teratoma, a condition where she absorbe...

In this episode, we meet the vivacious Charlie, a fitness instructor in her 30s with a passion for dancing, walking, gym workouts, and water activities.  Charlie shares her inspiring journey of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease, and then developing Sweet syndrome. She recounts her experience with emergency ileostomy surgery and how she navigated this challengin...

In this week's episode, we meet Tori, a resilient 24-year-old from Minnesota, USA, living with a urostomy, an ileostomy, and a central line. Tori is one of the few people in the world diagnosed with Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN), a rare and challenging condition.  Despite facing severe incontinence and the challenges of her bladder and bowel giving up, Tori maintains a positiv...

In this heartwarming episode, we chat with nine-year-old Jessica and her mum Kim. Jessica has been living with a colostomy since she was four due to dysmotility of the large bowel and chronic constipation.  Despite these challenges, Jessica thrives, managing her condition with grace and positivity. She's not only an ambassador for a major ostomy company but also a passionate fundraiser for But...

Join us this week as we meet Keith, affectionately known as the Welsh Bus Driver. Keith is a beacon of positivity and humour, sharing his day-to-day life on social media and inspiring many with his infectious spirit.  After battling ulcerative colitis and undergoing a total proctocolectomy 12 years ago, Keith has not only adapted to life with an ileostomy but thrives at almost 63 years old. In thi...

In this week's episode, we sit down with Tom, who was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease at just three weeks old. Having undergone 10 surgeries, including two stomas and reversals, Tom shares his remarkable journey.  As an advocate for Hirschsprung's disease, Tom uses his platform on Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness and support others. With a background in professional foot...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben, also known as Stoma Diaries on Instagram, to discuss his inspiring journey with Crohn's disease. Ben, a dedicated secondary school biology teacher, has been navigating life with inflammatory bowel disease since his late teens.  Despite the challenges, including two major surgeries—a subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy and a proctectomy—Ben has emerged s...

In this episode, we introduce Beth, a resilient 29-year-old who was diagnosed with slow colon transit in 2014 after years of battling chronic constipation. Despite undergoing biofeedback therapy, using bowel irrigation systems, and adhering to a strict regimen of laxatives and enemas, Beth found no relief.  By June 2022, her condition worsened, leaving her on a soft liquid diet and in constant pai...

In this inspiring episode, we meet Jodie, a 20-year-old powerhouse from Belfast. Born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Jodie navigates life as a full-time wheelchair user and legally blind individual. Her resilience shines through as she shares her story of overcoming bowel and bladder failure at 14, managing a suprapubic catheter, and enduring the challenges of a failing ACE procedure. Now, as s...

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the incredible story of Chris, a 54-year-old firefighter with 31 years of dedicated service. Seven years ago, Chris faced a life-altering diagnosis: a tumour that led to permanent colostomy surgery. Rather than letting this challenge define him, Chris embraced his new reality with remarkable resilience. From participating in charity events to completing a t...

In this inspiring episode, we hear from Ayesha, a resilient young woman from Northern Ireland who has battled severe digestive issues since 2008. Diagnosed with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 11 years later, Ayesha endured numerous treatments, including immunosuppressants and biologics, before undergoing emergency surgery to create a life-saving ileostomy. Despite the trauma of surgery, Ayesha...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into the courageous journey of Nienke a 37-year-old woman from the Netherlands who has battled with bowel issues her entire life.  In 2018, her condition reached a critical point, leading to two tubes, a central line, and ultimately, ileostomy surgery. Diagnosed with CIPO (chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction) compounded by hEDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrom...

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of a new mother whose joy of welcoming her newborn son is quickly overshadowed by the unexpected news of his need for stoma surgery at just one day old. Despite the initial shock and uncertainty, her unwavering strength and determination shine through as she navigates the challenges of caring for her fragile baby while facing the reality of sur...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into the remarkable journey of Abby, a university student who faced the daunting diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at just 15 years old.  From enduring numerous hospital stays to undergoing stoma surgery at 18, her resilience knows no bounds. Now, on the brink of graduating as a nurse, she shares her empowering story of overcoming adversity, battling thr...

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of a remarkable young woman who faced the challenges of living with an ileostomy from the tender age of 12. From navigating the complexities of childhood with a debilitating bowel condition to overcoming hurdles in school and university, her resilience knows no bounds. Join us as we uncover her inspiring story of determination and perseveran...

**Since the posting of this interview I’ve been informed that most things in James’s story is lies. You can check my Tik tok for an explanation video. Nicky Kilpatrick Coach. ** Join us for a deeply moving first episode as we meet James and delve into the raw and courageous journey of Ulcerative Colitis, life-altering bowel surgery, and confronting a terminal diagnosis. Through this heartfelt conv...

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