In episode 12 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Oktober, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 18 after months of relentless bathroom trips, joint pain, exhaustion, and rapid weight loss. What began during a stressful year quickly escalated into six years of failed biologics, steroid cycles, and a life shrinking around the nearest toilet.

After losing response to every available treatment, Oktober faced the reality of stoma surgery. What was meant to be temporary turned into emergency surgery, intensive care, and ultimately a permanent ostomy. She opens up about fear, body image, leaks, panic attacks, and the moment she realized she couldn’t keep living confined to four walls.

Now living with a permanent stoma while still managing Crohn’s, Oktober shares how surgery gave her back freedom, travel, and control. She cha ...