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 30. 

Now, Ant is thriving, saying yes to life, setting ambitious goals, and inspiring others with his newfound energy and zest for life. 

Join us as we explore his incredible story of resilience, personal growth, and the power of a positive mindset. 

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired and learn how to turn adversity into opportunity.

Guest: Ant Andrew’s (IBD Life)

https://www.instagram.com/ibdlife?igsh=MXRkdHZ6dHB0aGM1dA==

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 finally discovering the need for bowel surgery and the remarkable improvements in her quality of life since. Her resilience and positivity offer hope and encouragement to anyone facing similar challenges. 

Don't miss this heartfelt conversation filled with strength, determination, and the power of transformation.

Guest: Tayler Goectau

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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 her hopes of staying active to enjoy every moment with her grandson and family. 

https://www.instagram.com/dorrytownend?igsh=djRwOGhva2VvYmJ1

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 absorbed her twin in the womb, leading to severe health issues. 

Join us as Hunter candidly discusses her life, her diagnosis, and her incredible journey back to health post-surgery. This is a story of hope, strength, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Guest: Hunter Copeland

https://www.instagram.com/hunterjcopeland?igsh=MTJraGpnOXdlcjBlaw==

https://www.instagram.com/yourbagout?igsh=c3I4cXRxdTJzcHJ4

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 challenging period in her marriage. 

Discover how Charlie has regained her life post-surgery and why the procedure has been a game-changer for her. Plus, for those curious about intimacy after surgery, Charlie holds nothing back, offering an honest and unfiltered look at life in the bedroom. Tune in for an episode filled with resilience, recovery, and real talk.

Guest: Charlotte Ryan

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

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 positive mental attitude, supported by her faith. 

Tune in as Tori shares her life experiences, promotes positivity and ostomy awareness, and offers invaluable insights on living with medical devices. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience, hope, and the power of a positive mindset.

Guest: Tori Judson

https://www.instagram.com/toris.medical.journey?igsh=a3F1ejd2bG5vcGFz

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 Buttony Bear, a comforting teddy bear given to children facing stoma surgery. 

Join us as we explore Jessica's life as a kid with a stoma, how she navigates school and friendships with a stoma along with her inspiring Instagram page showing that life with a stoma can be filled with joy and possibility.

Guest: Jessica Dowie & Mum Kim

https://www.instagram.com/jessicasstomajourney?igsh=MW4wNDB3NDN5dGF2YQ==

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 this episode, Keith shares his journey through emergency surgery, the challenges and triumphs of living with a stoma, and how he continues to lead a fulfilling life as a bus driver. 

Tune in for an incredible conversation filled with banter, insights on STOMA life, and a testament to living joyfully despite life's hurdles. Don't miss it!

Guest : Keith Thomas 

Tik Tok

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Instagram

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Facebook

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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 football and cricket, and now working as a sports development planner, Tom discusses how he balances his career with his health challenges. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights resilience, advocacy, and the power of sharing personal stories. Follow Tom's Hirschsprung's podcast to stay connected with his journey.

Guest: Tom Richard

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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 stronger and more determined to spread awareness about IBD and stomas. 

Join us as Ben shares candid insights into his life before and after surgery, the realities of being a married man and father of two, and how he's reclaimed his quality of life. Ben's passion for raising awareness and his commitment to staying active, including his love for the gym, offer hope and inspiration to anyone facing similar battles. 

Tune in to hear Ben's remarkable story and learn how he continues to advocate for those with inflammatory bowel disease.

Guest: Ben Raybould

https://www.instagram.com/stomadiaries?igsh=MTZ1YXo5aTJoaXd0aQ==