In episode 13 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Sarah, whose IBD symptoms began at just 15 years old. What followed were eight years of colonoscopies, misdiagnoses, eating disorder accusations, and being told it was “just IBS” before she finally received a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at 23.

Through law school stress, repeated flares, and worsening symptoms, Sarah tried to power through until her body forced a breaking point. After multiple hospitalizations and a final severe flare, she underwent emergency ileostomy surgery in July 2024. What was meant to be relief turned into a medical marathon: bowel perforation, ICU, ventilator support, additional surgeries, and months of recovery.

Today, Sarah hikes, runs races, and lives without the constant intestinal pain that defined her teenage years and early adulthood. She  ...