Ambition, Crohn’s and acceptance: Lewis’ new IBD normal

In episode 14 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Lewis, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 23 after waking up one day with relentless diarrhea, bleeding, and inflammation that doctors described as “off the charts.” Fit, healthy, and in the best shape of his life, Lewis had no warning signs before his body suddenly changed overnight.

After months of waiting for a colonoscopy through the NHS, Lewis finally saw the damage on screen for himself. What followed was enemas, steroids, a revised diagnosis of Crohn’s colitis, and the mental battle of accepting a new normal. He opens up about health anxiety, joint pain, fatigue, and learning to listen to his body instead of pushing through flares.

Now in remission on biologic injections, Lewis shares how chronic illness reshaped his mindset, deepened his compassion, and pushed him to advocate openly about IBD on social media. His story is honest, motivational, and a powerful reminder that life with colitis may be harder, but it is not impossible.

For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com