In this powerful episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I sit down with 37-year-old Rachael from Northern Ireland as she opens up about her 13-year battle with ulcerative colitis. After a failed attempt with biologic treatments, Rachael underwent a pan-proctocolectomy—commonly known in our community as “Barbie butt” surgery—and had her stoma formed.

Rachael shares the raw reality of long hospital stays, managing her condition through pregnancy, and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating motherhood while living with a chronic illness. But her journey doesn’t end there—Rachael’s nine-year-old daughter has also been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. As a mum and fierce advocate, she shares what it’s like supporting her daughter through monthly hospital infusions and learning to be her child’s voice.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone touched by IBD, parenthood, or the power of resilience.

Guest:Rachael Dunlop

https://www.instagram.com/rachdunlop?igsh=MXRrM3I3eDNvbjVjdg==

In this inspiring episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I sit down with the incredible Summer, a vibrant 24-year-old who shares her raw and real journey of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 19. After navigating the difficult road of steroids and failed biologic treatments, Summer bravely underwent stoma surgery at 21, followed by a pan proctocolectomy—often referred to as a “Barbie Butt” surgery.

Summer opens up about the emotional and physical rollercoaster of living with IBD, the challenges of treatment failures, and how surgery became her gateway to reclaiming life. Now thriving post-op, she talks about body confidence, breaking stigmas, and the empowering world of being a stoma advocate and brand ambassador. Her message is clear: your stoma doesn’t define you—it frees you.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating chronic illness, considering surgery, or looking for a dose of hope and resilience.

Guest: Summer Griffith

https://www.instagram.com/summers_stoma?igsh=Znl2dW43Y3prbmY4

In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode, we sit down with Nikki from Bournemouth, a dedicated mum, marathon runner, and gym enthusiast, who has faced an extraordinary battle with Crohn’s disease since the age of 16.

Nikki opens up about her journey—from managing severe symptoms and treatments to navigating pregnancy with Crohn’s. She shares the life-changing moment when she needed surgery for two strictures, only to wake up in sepsis and later undergo another emergency operation, leading to an ileostomy stoma.

But Nikki’s resilience didn’t stop there. She bravely recounts her struggles with ongoing complications, including perforations in her bowel, which ultimately led to her now living with two stomas. This journey has taken a toll on her mental health and family, but through the incredible support of the bowel community on social media, she has found strength, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose.

This is a raw, emotional, and truly inspiring story of survival, adaptation, and the power of community. Nikki’s story is proof that no matter how tough life gets, you can keep moving forward—one step at a time.

Guest: Nikki Matthews

https://www.instagram.com/jonesvscrohns?igsh=Zm1wdXI2ODkzajM1

In this incredible episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we sit down with Laura from Scotland, also known as @2 Bags for Life on social media. Diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer at just 40, Laura faced the life-changing reality of total pelvic exenteration surgery, resulting in both a urostomy and colostomy.

Laura opens up about her recovery, resilience, and embracing life to the fullest post-surgery—proving that cancer doesn’t define her. Now cancer-free, she travels the world, works full-time, and raises much-needed awareness about bladder cancer in women.

Her story is powerful, inspiring, and a reminder that life after a tough diagnosis is still worth living.

Guest: Laura Mackenzie

https://www.instagram.com/2bagsforlife?igsh=MTcydnF4eXlkdXU4OA==

In this powerful episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we sit down with the incredible Carrie, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1995 at just 23 years old. After enduring 16 surgeries—including her first stoma surgery in her early 20s—Carrie faced unimaginable challenges, but she found strength in her struggles.

Now a dedicated ostomy psychotherapist, Carrie channels her personal experiences into helping others navigate life with a stoma. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves no matter how tough the journey, there is always hope.

Guest: Carrie Hellman

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/15vNUxngtA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Website

https://parasolcounselling.co.uk/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-helman-dip-couns-mbacp-mcma-066aa0284/

Facebook (Parasol Counselling):https://www.facebook.com/share/1YSWVSLjyH/ 

Facebook (Group Therapy for Ostomates):https://www.facebook.com/groups/241792642313982/

One year ago, Jodie joined us to share her story, and today, she’s back with an inspiring update! 

After facing the challenges of a failed ACE stoma, Jodie underwent bowel surgery to receive her colostomy stoma bag. In this episode, she opens up about: Receiving the news that she needed stoma surgery, Navigating surgery and recovery with quadriplegic cerebral palsy,  The joys of life with a stoma and newfound independence, Moving into her purpose-built home and Experiencing her first holiday and attending concerts & gigs. 

Jodie’s resilience shines through in every part of her journey. Tune in for an uplifting and empowering conversation!

Guest: Jodie Ireland

https://www.instagram.com/jodies_wheels?igsh=MTdqbGh6bDF3NDg4OA==

https://www.tiktok.com/@jodieireland_?_t=ZN-8usKlBuuRy2&_r=1

In this raw and real episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I sit down with the brilliant and bold Charlie Ryan - known online as @justCharlieRyan - to dive deep into the world of dating with a stoma. From navigating dating apps to tackling those vulnerable first-time conversations, Charlie shares it all with honesty and humour.

We get into the nitty-gritty: body confidence, mindset shifts, getting intimate, and even dressing up to feel your best. Nothing is off limits in this conversation, and it’s an absolute must-listen for anyone who’s single and either living with or preparing for stoma surgery.

Whether you’re wondering if love is still possible post-op (spoiler: it absolutely is) or just need a boost of courage to put yourself back out there—this episode will leave you feeling seen, heard, and empowered.

Tune in, laugh, learn, and feel inspired—you are never alone.

Guest: Charlie Ryan

https://www.instagram.com/justcharlieryan?igsh=Zjh4dW5ydzBsMnRo

In this episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I sit down with Ian, also known as @StomaDad75, to talk about his lifelong journey with Hirschsprung disease. 

Diagnosed at just four years old, Ian underwent multiple surgeries, including a colostomy at age eight and eventually a permanent ileostomy. He opens up about the challenges he’s faced, the resilience he’s built, and how life as a dad has flourished with his stoma. 

Despite ongoing struggles, Ian proves that life with a stoma can be full, active, and incredibly rewarding.

Guest: Ian Barton

https://www.instagram.com/stomadad75?igsh=MWthNG5hMGRjNTJyMg==

Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 11 years old, Vonnie has faced an unimaginable medical journey—enduring 63 surgeries, including a colostomy stoma and Barbie butt surgery. In this episode, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of living with multiple chronic illnesses, navigating pregnancy with a stoma, and the life-altering experience of undergoing emergency bowel surgery during an emergency C-section.

Vonnie’s story is one of unwavering strength, self-compassion, and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. From intensive care with her premature baby to overcoming countless health battles, her journey will leave you in awe. Tune in for an episode you won’t forget!

Guest: Vonnie Holley

https://www.instagram.com/crohns.mummy?igsh=MWoyNnB3bTZ3OGhhOA==

At just 12 years old, Lottie has faced more medical challenges than most do in a lifetime. Diagnosed with serious bowel conditions from the age of two, she has undergone 13 major surgeries in the past year alone. Lottie has lived with an ACE stoma, a colostomy, and an ileostomy—at times, all three at once! 

In this episode, Lottie and her incredible mum, Angela, share their powerful journey of resilience, advocacy, and hope. From navigating life with multiple stomas to the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, this conversation will leave you in awe. Angela’s unwavering advocacy reminds us why speaking up for our children is vital—they need us to be their voice.

Tune in for an unforgettable story of courage, determination, and the power of never giving up.

Guest: Lottie Turner

https://www.instagram.com/lottie_bleau_her_stomas_two?igsh=MTR5emd0OWlvc2J2dA==