Colitis diagnosis, surgery and survival: Clare’s IBD turning point

In episode 16 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Clare, who was diagnosed with indeterminate colitis after a sudden and severe onset of symptoms that landed her in the hospital. With no clear diagnosis and little information available at the time, she was thrown into a confusing and frightening start to life with inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosed as a teenager and navigating years of flares, steroids, and uncertainty, Clare shares what it was like to grow up with IBD while trying to live a normal life. After more than a decade of remission, her condition came back aggressively, leading to emergency surgery and a life-changing ostomy. She opens up about fear, complications, mental health struggles, and the reality of starting over after major surgery. Today, Clare lives with a stoma and ongoing complications, but also with perspective, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. She speaks honestly about body image, advocacy, and why surgery should not always be seen as a last resort. Her story is raw, complex, and a powerful reminder that life with IBD doesn’t end, it changes. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com