Did you know that being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease is a disqualifying condition to serve in the United States military? However, it seems that it's not always an automatic reason for discharge. Lt Colonel Joshua Nelson was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and needed to have ileostomy surgery. It cast into question his future as a pilot in the Air Force Reserve. Learn his story of how he worked with his medical team in order to keep doing the job he loves, his advice for others like him, and tips on flying that any ostomate can use.

Concepts discussed on this episode include:

• Types of Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
• Pseudopolyps in IBD
• Cryptosporidium Infection
• How to Prepare Yourself for Ileostomy Surgery
• Ulcerative Colitis Surgery
• Do Men Become Impotent After Ostomy Surgery?

Find Amber J Tresca at AboutIBD.com, Verywell, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Credits: Mix and sound design is by Mac Cooney. Theme music, "IBD Dance Party," is from ©Cooney Studio.

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