Ulcerative colitis, surgery and humor: Janelle’s decision to let go

In this episode of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Janelle, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 25 after years of confusing symptoms, mucus, bleeding, and the constant fear that something was seriously wrong. What began as manageable flares slowly turned into nearly two decades of pain, accidents, and a body that kept pushing her to the edge.

Diagnosed in her mid-twenties, Janelle talks about navigating medications, steroids, remission cycles, and the mental toll of living with an invisible illness. She reflects on advocating for herself, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately choosing permanent ostomy surgery after her colon failed beyond repair. Her story covers the realities of surgery, body image, intimacy, and finally getting her life back.

Using humor, blunt honesty, and zero shame, Janelle shares how living with an ostomy didn’t end her life. It gave it back. This episode is raw, funny, and deeply real, and a must-watch for anyone living with ulcerative colitis, facing surgery, or trying to survive the mental weight of IBD.

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