About Ibd

Katryna Loewen, a registered nurse diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020, shares her journey through severe flare-ups, incontinence, and her decision to have a colectomy and ileostomy in 2024. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of living with IBD, the stigma of ostomies, and how these experiences shaped her life, relationships, and career. Katryna also describes managing her mental health, planning her wedding, and preparing for motherhood, offering hope and practical advice to others with IBD. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD190 Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Guest Background 02:09 Katrina's Nursing Career 03:08 Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis 04:48 Remission and Flare-Ups 05:09 Severe Flare in 2023 07:08 Decision for Surgery 10:36 Facing Ostomy Surgery 14:08 Acceptance and Life with an Ostomy 16:08 Impact of IBD on Mental Health 17:18 Incontinence Experiences 23:31 Tracking Symptoms and Advocacy 26:23 Wedding with IBD 28:45 Therapy and Emotional Recovery 3