Katryna Loewen, a registered nurse diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020, shares her journey through severe flare-ups, incontinence, and her decision to have a colectomy and ileostomy in 2024. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of living with IBD, the stigma of ostomies, and how these experiences shaped her life, relationships, and career. Katryna also describes managing her mental health, planning her wedding, and preparing for motherhood, offering hope and practical advice to others with IBD.

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD190

Chapters:

• 00:04 Introduction and Guest Background
• 02:09 Katrina's Nursing Career
• 03:08 Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis
• 04:48 Remission and Flare-Ups
• 05:09 Severe Flare in 2023
• 07:08 Decision for Surgery
• 10:36 Facing Ostomy Surgery
• 14:08 Acceptance and Life with an Ostomy
• 16:08 Impact of IBD on Mental Health
• 17:18 Incontinence Experiences
• 23:31 Tracking Symptoms and Advocacy
• 26:23 Wedding with IBD
• 28:45 Therapy and Emotional Recovery
• 32:06 Pregnancy After Ostomy Surgery
• 37:50 Preparing Pets for Baby
• 41:54 Support Networks and Advice
• 43:32 Where to Find Katrina
• 43:38 Closing Remarks

Find Katryna Loewen at:

• Instagram: @goingpains88

Find Amber J Tresca at:

• AboutIBD.com: About IBD
• Verywell Health: Verywell Health
• Facebook: @aboutIBD
• Twitter: @aboutIBD
• Pinterest: @aboutibd
• Instagram: @about_IBD
• YouTube: @AboutIBD
• https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

• Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
• Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
• YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
• Web: Cooney Studio
• Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

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