Colitis diagnosis, surgery and survival: Clare’s IBD turning point

About this episode

Clare shares her journey with indeterminate colitis, including her diagnosis, surgery, and the challenges of living with IBD.

In episode 16 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Clare, who was diagnosed with indeterminate colitis after a sudden and severe onset of symptoms that landed her in the hospital. With no clear diagnosis and little information available at the time, she was thrown into a confusing and frightening start to life with inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosed as a teenager and navigating years of flares, steroids, and uncertainty, Clare shares what it was like to grow up with IBD while trying to live a normal life. After more than a decade of remission, her condition came back aggressively, leading to emergency surgery and a life-changing ostomy. She opens up about fear, complications, mental health struggles, and the reality of starting over after major surgery. Today, Clare lives with a stoma and ongoing complications, but also with perspective, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. She speaks honestly about body image, advocacy, and why surgery should not always be seen as a last resort. Her story is raw, complex, and a powerful reminder that life with IBD doesn’t end, it changes. For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit…

People in this episode

Host: Franck Tabouring

Guest: Clare

Topics covered

• colitis
• IBD
• surgery
• mental health
• resilience
• body image

Keywords

• indeterminate colitis
• inflammatory bowel disease
• ostomy
• surgery
• mental health
• body image
• advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Colitis Unfiltered

More episodes of Colitis Unfiltered

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• Ulcerative colitis, gut health and remission: Kylie’s naturopathic IBD journey · May 21, 2026 · 25 min
• Crohn’s at nine, control and letting go: Kyle’s IBD evolution · May 8, 2026 · 35 min
• Flares, denial and acceptance: Jaime’s J-Pouch journey · April 23, 2026 · 41 min
• IBD, surgery and acceptance: Jess’ long colitis battle · March 26, 2026 · 39 min
• Ambition, Crohn’s and acceptance: Lewis’ new IBD normal · March 12, 2026 · 37 min