In this inspiring episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I sit down with the wonderful Jennie from Blackpool, who shares her powerful journey of resilience and hope. After undergoing emergency surgery in 2018, Jennie was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and faced a total colectomy. 

Despite ongoing health challenges and being told she was unlikely to conceive, Jennie defied the odds and welcomed another baby into her life. Jennie’s story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there’s always hope for a brighter future.

Tune in for an honest and uplifting conversation that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.

Guest: Jennie Higgins 

https://www.instagram.com/ostomummy?igsh=M3Q3dWV2MWkyZ2Ez

In this episode of The Bowel Chronicles, I sit down with Joshua, a 19-year-old from Birmingham, whose story is both inspiring and authentic. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2023, Joshua underwent ileostomy stoma surgery just eight days after being admitted to the hospital.

Despite the challenges, including navigating the loss of dignity as a young adult with IBD and a stoma, Joshua has reclaimed his life and become a powerful advocate for the stoma community. He shares what it was like to suffer severe symptoms during his school years, his love for art, tattoos, and sports, and how his journey has shaped his mission to raise awareness.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking for raw honesty, resilience, and the courage to face life head-on.

Guest: Joshua Nicholls

https://www.instagram.com/joshua.nicholls.142?igsh=MWE1Z3h5d2dldDBldg==

In this powerful episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we sit down with Charlotte from Birmingham, a true warrior who’s faced Crohn’s disease head-on for over 21 years.

Her journey began at just 16 with a life-changing bowel resection, sparking a cascade of complications that tested her resilience. From unexpected symptoms like blood clots, abscesses in her eyes, and painful skin breakouts, Charlotte pulls back the curtain on the lesser-known realities of living with Crohn’s.

Despite it all, Charlotte’s spirit is unshakeable. She shares how she persevered through education and built a career while navigating the daily battles of a chronic illness. Her story is one of hope, courage, and unstoppable determination.

Guest: Charlotte Dunlop

https://www.instagram.com/charl.dunlop?igsh=cTY3czBoa2V5cjZp

This week on The Bowel Chronicles, we welcome Lucy, a 30-year-old from Coventry with a passion for coffee, cooking, and living life with resilience. Lucy’s health journey is a testament to strength and perseverance. From living with a slow colon transit to managing a suprapubic catheter and an ileostomy stoma, Lucy opens up about the challenges of rectovaginal stage 4 endometriosis and the realities of navigating life with an eating disorder alongside chronic illness. Her story is raw, real, and inspiring — a reminder that no matter the obstacles, hope and strength can brew something beautiful.

Tune in for an honest conversation about the complexities of health, identity, and the power of community.

Guest: Lucy Dengate 

https://www.instagram.com/lucys_health_and_wellbeing?igsh=YjlzdWNzNHE3MHF

In this inspiring episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we chat with Harvey, also known as @mr.colitisstoma on social media. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 14, Harvey’s life took a major turn at 17 when he underwent stoma surgery and a full colectomy. Now, at 21, he’s thriving as a triathlete and Ironman competitor, proving that life with a stoma is truly a life for living.

Harvey shares his raw and real journey from illness to endurance, offering insight into his health and fitness routine, his love for travel, and the mental resilience it takes to overcome challenges. From race days to adventure-filled getaways, Harvey’s story is a powerful reminder that anything is possible with the right mindset.

Tune in for a conversation filled with hope, determination, and practical advice for anyone navigating life with a chronic illness or considering stoma surgery.

Guest: Harvey Gladwell

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.colitisstoma?_t=8s39SLXYA0O&_r=1

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mr._colitis_stoma?igsh=d2xxOWtkZm1wNXN1

In this episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we’re joined by the incredible Fiona from Scotland, whose health journey is nothing short of inspiring. Fiona shares her unique experience of living with not one, but two stomas—a colostomy and a urostomy —alongside her GJ peg for tube feeding.

She opens up about living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, slow colon transit, and GI dysmotility, and how these conditions shaped her life before surgery. Now, post-surgery, Fiona is thriving with a better quality of life. From attending live concerts and going on holiday to tackling everyday tasks with confidence, Fiona’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the positive impact stomas can have on life.

Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation that’s sure to inspire anyone navigating their own health challenges

🎙️ Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

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Guest: Fiona Kerr

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/theforgottenostomy?igsh=bDY5MjZ6NGJqYjcz

In this episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we sit down with the lovely Hollie from Kildare, Ireland. At just 28 years old, Hollie shares her journey of living with stage 5 endometriosis and how life has transformed since undergoing ileostomy surgery. From navigating debilitating symptoms to finding hope and joy on the other side of her diagnosis, Hollie offers invaluable insights and practical advice for living a healthier, more fulfilled life despite chronic illness.

Whether you’re on your own health journey or simply looking for inspiration, Hollie’s resilience and positivity will leave you empowered.

Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation about finding strength, redefining life with a stoma, and embracing every moment.

Guest: Hollie Barror

Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/holandstace?igsh=MXIzNmV1YWNucjdkag==

Tik Tok

https://www.tiktok.com/@holandstace?_t=8rwPFxWnBlx&_r=1

In this episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we sit down with the inspiring Vicky from Durham, UK, as she shares her journey with ulcerative colitis. Diagnosed three years ago, Vicky has chosen a path of positivity, relying on medication to manage her condition and embracing life to the fullest.

Vicky talks openly about her love for fitness, mindfulness, and how staying active in the gym helps her thrive despite living with a chronic illness. Her story is a beacon of hope for others navigating life with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), offering practical insights and encouragement for those seeking to live well and stay resilient.

Tune in to hear Vicky’s empowering message of strength, self-care, and embracing life with joy, no matter the challenges.

Guest: Vicky Welsh

https://www.instagram.com/meandthebigbadibd?igsh=ZmxwNzBqenp4bnkz

In this heartwarming episode of The Bowel Chronicles, we meet 8-year-old Katie from Leeds, along with her amazing mum, Kelly. Katie has faced a tough journey since birth, living with chronic idiopathic refractory constipation, slow colon transit, and GI dysmotility. But in April 2024, her life changed after undergoing colostomy surgery.

Katie shares her inspiring journey from struggling with everyday activities to regaining her quality of life. Now, she’s back to enjoying school, outings, and even concerts! She also opens up about important issues like disabled toilets and facing discrimination.

Joining her, mum Kelly talks about making the life-changing decision for Katie’s surgery and how it has given her little girl the chance to thrive.

This episode offers a unique perspective on living with a chronic bowel condition through the eyes of a child and the courage of a parent. Don’t miss this powerful story of resilience and hope.

Guest: Katie Thirling

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/katies.stoma.journey?igsh=ajk5OGc2M2JwcGU1

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with the inspiring Rachel, known as @gutsy.mum on social media. 

A 35-year-old mother of two, Rachel has lived with Hirschsprung’s disease her entire life and has undergone stoma surgery twice. But her journey doesn’t end there—both of her young boys have also been diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease and are living with stomas.

Just seven months postpartum, Rachel shares the raw and emotional story of what it’s like to navigate motherhood while managing her own health challenges. From advocating for herself to fiercely protecting and caring for her two little ostomates, Rachel’s journey is one of resilience, strength, and unwavering hope.

Tune in to hear her candid perspective on living with a chronic condition, parenting through medical challenges, and using her platform to bring awareness and support to others walking similar paths. You won’t want to miss this powerful story of courage, community, and positivity.

Guest: Rachel Allen

https://www.instagram.com/gutsy.mum?igsh=ejZtNXpoZnVoZWJ1