What does “remission” really mean when you’re living with ulcerative colitis? In this candid bonus episode of What the Poop?, Teri shares a personal story about a health scare that turned out not to be a flare — and the important lesson her gastroenterologist taught her about managing expectations in remission.

With honesty and humor, she breaks down the realities of life with UC: why little “blips” are part of the journey, why it’s never wrong to check in with your doctor, and how to balance vigilance with peace of mind.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

The panic spiral of thinking a flare might be starting — and what actually happened

Why blood doesn’t always mean a flare-up

The role of tests, follow-ups, and communication with your GI team

How infections and an already inflamed colon can mimic symptoms

The key perspective shift: remission doesn’t mean perfect, it means better

How to manage expectations so you don’t feel “crazy” when symptoms pop up

Key Takeaway
Even in remission, UC can throw curveballs. Managing expectations isn’t about lowering the bar — it’s about knowing what’s normal for your body, staying proactive, and giving yourself permission to not have it all figured out.

Resources & Links

Subscribe to What the Poop? for more real, unfiltered conversations about life with UC and invisible illness

Share this episode with someone navigating their own remission journey

When your body doesn’t cooperate the way you want it to, expectations can feel like landmines. The pressure to “keep up,” the guilt of letting people down, and the frustration of not meeting your own standards can leave you exhausted — long before the flare-ups even hit.

In this episode of What the Poop?, Teri dives into the messy reality of expectations:

The difference between self-expectations and other people’s

How to set boundaries without apologizing

Why reframing expectations can reduce stress and give you back control

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you can’t live up to what others expect — or what you expect of yourself — this conversation will help you breathe easier.

Because managing expectations isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about setting it where it belongs: in alignment with your health, energy, and reality.

In this heartfelt episode, host Teri Holland shares her personal journey with ulcerative colitis, exploring the powerful connection between gut health, spiritual healing, and holistic wellness. After years of battling chronic illness, Teri opens up about her struggles, moments of surrender, and the role faith played in her path to remission.

Key Topics Covered:

Why Listen? If you or someone you love is living with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or another chronic illness, this episode offers hope, practical advice, and a unique perspective on the mind-body-spirit connection. Discover how integrating faith, emotional healing, and gut health strategies can support your journey toward wellness.

Connect with Teri:

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding peace, purpose, and healing—inside and out.

Welcome to season two of What to the Poop! I'm your host, Teri Holland, and today we're dishing the scoop on everything food-related and ulcerative colitis. After navigating this condition for over three decades, I’m here to share my highs, lows, and a mix of humor on living with UC. From my experiments with a vegetarian diet in high school to going carnivore recently, I'll talk about what worked (and what didn’t) for me. Expect insights on listening to your body, finding the right diet for you, and why food isn't the culprit behind UC. Join me as we kick off a new season—full of community, laughs, and learning together!

Show links:

Recommended listening: The Road to Carnivore with Joanne Ozug

Connect with me: www.instagram.com/theteriholland

or at www.instagram.com/whatthepooppodcast

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Season Two

01:33 Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Food

02:57 Personal Journey with Diet Changes

07:24 Experimenting with Different Diets

09:12 Finding What Works for You

19:32 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

PODCAST disclaimer: While I make every effort to broadcast correct information, I am still learning.  I will double check all my facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art.  I am simply presenting my views based on my personal experience of living with Ulcerative Colitis. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.  I take no money from drug or device companies.  By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog.  Under no circumstances shall Teri Holland, What The Poop?, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Teri Holland or What The Poop? be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

Join me as I share my personal battle with relentless fatigue and how it's forced me to prioritize my health. I'll let you in on how I manage my business from home, the importance of sleep, and finding joy in little things like reading or watching shows. Tune in for an honest look at what it really means to be tired all the time. Subscribe now and join our community—because living with UC doesn't have to be a solo journey!

Connect with me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatthepooppodcast

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Living with Ulcerative Colitis

01:18 The Reality of Fatigue

04:11 Prioritizing Sleep and Self-Care with Ulcerative Colitis

05:55 Daily Napping Routine

06:11 Misunderstandings and Judgments

07:07 Coping Strategies and Prioritization

08:55 Finding Gratitude in Illness

09:41 Final Thoughts and Support

PODCAST disclaimer: While I make every effort to broadcast correct information, I am still learning.  I will double check all my facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art.  I am simply presenting my views based on my personal experience of living with Ulcerative Colitis. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.  I take no money from drug or device companies.  By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog.  Under no circumstances shall Teri Holland, What The Poop?, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Teri Holland or What The Poop? be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

Are Ulcerative Colitis and IBS the same thing? Short answer; no they are not. So let's talk about it and I'll share the similarities and differences and break them down for you. 

Follow me on IG: www.instagram.com/whatthepooppodcast

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ulcerative Colitis vs. IBS

00:09 Welcome to 'What the Poop' Podcast

01:08 Common Misconceptions About IBS and Ulcerative Colitis

01:46 Understanding IBD and IBS

03:25 Comparing Symptoms and Causes

05:01 Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis and IBS

06:58 Triggers and Complications

07:31 Treatment Options

08:03 Personal Experiences and Misconceptions

09:54 Final Thoughts and Advice

10:59 Closing Remarks

PODCAST disclaimer: While I make every effort to broadcast correct information, I am still learning.  I will double check all my facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art.  I am simply presenting my views based on my personal experience of living with Ulcerative Colitis. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.  I take no money from drug or device companies.  By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog.  Under no circumstances shall Teri Holland, What The Poop?, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Teri Holland or What The Poop? be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

In this episode I'm sharing what I did wrong on the road trip, what I learned to do differently, and how to eat out in restaurants with Ulcerative Colitis. 

Connect with me on IG: www.instagram.com/whatthepooppodcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:14 Road Trip Update: Challenges and Lessons

01:33 Managing Ulcerative Colitis on the Road

02:28 Dealing with Dietary Deviations

04:32 Planning for Future Trips

05:48 Tips for Eating Out with Ulcerative Colitis

10:03 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode we're talking about taking a road trip with Ulcerative Colitis. 

So pack your wipes, grab your Gatorade and let's go! 

Connect with me:

www.instagram.com/theteriholland

www.instagram.com/whatthepooppodcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to What the Poop

01:17 Road Trip Announcement

01:48 Personal Road Trip Experiences

02:52 Ulcerative Colitis and Road Trips

04:32 Travel Tips and Tricks

08:25 Community Tips for Traveling

11:15 Conclusion

Today, we're diving into some life hacks and tips to make living with Ulcerative Colitis a bit more manageable. From meal prepping and keeping a food diary to carrying a 'just in case' bag and planning for travel, I've got you covered. We'll also chat about navigating social situations and the importance of self-care and mental health. Join me as we share, laugh, and tackle the tough stuff together. You've got this!

Show Links

Connect with me on social media: @TheTeriHolland on all social accounts

www.instagram.com/whatthepooppodcast

Try Aura for FREE for 30 days: https://www.aurahealth.io/teriholland

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to What the Poop

01:14 Life Hacks for Ulcerative Colitis

01:40 Meal Planning and Food Tips

02:37 Morning Routine Strategies

04:14 The Just-In-Case Bag

05:31 Traveling with Ulcerative Colitis

10:17 Navigating Social Situations

14:52 Self Care and Mental Health

18:08 Recap and Final Thoughts

PODCAST disclaimer: While I make every effort to broadcast correct information, I am still learning.  I will double check all my facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art.  I am simply presenting my views based on my personal experience of living with Ulcerative Colitis. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.  I take no money from drug or device companies.  By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog.  Under no circumstances shall Teri Holland, What The Poop?, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Teri Holland or What The Poop? be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

In this episode I dive into the realities of living with ulcerative colitis. Drawing on over three decades of personal experience, I share insights on symptoms, diagnosis, daily impact, and management strategies.

From understanding what UC is to handling social and emotional challenges, this episode offers a wealth of information and support for both newly diagnosed individuals and seasoned Ulcerative Colitis warriors. With helpful tips and a bit of humor, we ensure that no one has to face this journey alone.

Episode links:

www.crohnsandcolitis.ca

https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/ulcerative-colitis

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

Show links:

Connect with Teri @TheTeriHolland on all social media

www.instagram.com/whatthepooppodcast

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

01:38 Symptoms and Diagnosis

04:07 Impact on Daily Life

05:42 Social Challenges and Communication

07:02 Management and Treatment Options

08:58 Lifestyle and Mindset Tips

12:19 Resources and Support

12:52 Conclusion

PODCAST disclaimer: While I make every effort to broadcast correct information, I am still learning.  I will double check all my facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art.  I am simply presenting my views based on my personal experience of living with Ulcerative Colitis. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.  I take no money from drug or device companies.  By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog.  Under no circumstances shall Teri Holland, What The Poop?, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Teri Holland or What The Poop? be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.