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About IBD - The Truth About Surviving IBD and Incontinence
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The Truth About Surviving IBD and Incontinence

About IBD

11/18/25

•

45m

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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
  • 32:06 Pregnancy After Ostomy Surgery
  • 37:50 Preparing Pets for Baby
  • 41:54 Support Networks and Advice
  • 43:32 Where to Find Katrina
  • 43:38 Closing Remarks

Find Katryna Loewen at:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Previous Episode

undefined - What You Need to Know About IBD and Gastroparesis Featuring Samantha Sauer, BCPA of G-PACT
What You Need to Know About IBD and Gastroparesis Featuring Samantha Sauer, BCPA of G-PACT

November 4, 2025

•

40m

Samantha Sauer, BCPA, president of Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments (G-PACT), uncovers the challenges of living with gastroparesis and how it can overlap with IBD or other conditions. Sam shares her personal journey with gastroparesis and gives insights on symptoms, diagnosis, misconceptions, and the daily impact on patients' lives. Topics include the difficulties in getting the right diagnosis, the emotional toll of dietary restriction, and the importance of support communities. Sam also highlights resources offered by G-PACT, including support groups and educational outreach, while encouraging self-advocacy and perseverance for those seeking answers or support for their condition.

Timestamps on this episode:

  • 0:04 – Introduction and Guest Background
  • 1:25 – Samantha's Diagnosis Journey
  • 4:17 – What is Gastroparesis? Symptoms and Diagnosis
  • 7:19 – Misdiagnosis and Overlapping Conditions
  • 10:50 – Inflammation and Gastroparesis
  • 12:18 – Impact on Daily and Social Life
  • 16:22 – Social Challenges and Stigma
  • 18:47 – Common Myths and Misconceptions
  • 22:00 – Gastroparesis and IBD Overlap
  • 24:57 – Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges
  • 27:32 – GPACT Resources and Support
  • 31:32 – Advice for Suspected Gastroparesis Patients
  • 33:09 – How to Connect with GPACT
  • 36:18 – Samantha's Treadmill and Movement Routine
  • 38:42 – Closing Remarks and Gratitude

More information on the topics discussed:

Find Samantha Sauer, BCPA and Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments (G-PACT) on:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Next Episode

undefined - How To Build Resilience and Manage Life With IBD Featuring Kinsey Beagley
How To Build Resilience and Manage Life With IBD Featuring Kinsey Beagley

December 2, 2025

•

29m

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD191

Kinsey Beagley, a pediatric medical assistant diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 15, shares about her experiences with IBD, including struggling with symptoms, multiple medication failures, and eventually having J-pouch surgery. Kinsey shares how reframing difficult experiences and adopting a positive mindset—her mantra is "I can do hard things"—has helped her cope.

Chapters

  • 00:04 Introduction and Guest Introduction
  • 02:05 Kinsey's Diagnosis Story
  • 04:42 Initial Treatments and Medication Journey
  • 06:06 Decision for Surgery
  • 07:09 Emotional Impact of Taking a Gap Year
  • 09:05 How and When Surgery Was Discussed
  • 10:12 Life After J-Pouch Surgery
  • 12:30 Reframing Difficult Experiences
  • 14:04 Advice on Positive Mindset
  • 15:35 Inspiration for a Healthcare Career
  • 17:38 Applying Patient Experience to Her Work
  • 18:52 Hiking and Bathroom Anxiety
  • 21:19 Managing Hydration and Pouch Function
  • 22:29 Coping with Bathroom Anxiety in Daily Life
  • 26:24 Practicing Pouch Control and Mental Adjustment
  • 27:26 Where to Find Kinsey Online
  • 28:07 Closing Remarks and Outro

Some of the topics discussed include:

  • Personal journey of living with ulcerative colitis from diagnosis to treatment.
  • Decision-making process regarding surgical options and the emotional impact of surgery.
  • Experiences and challenges of living with a J-pouch post-surgery.
  • Importance of maintaining a positive mindset and reframing difficult experiences.
  • Strategies for managing anxiety in social situations and daily activities.
  • Tips for outdoor activities and managing bathroom access while hiking.
  • The significance of community support and patient-centered care in chronic illness management.

Find Kinsey Beagley at:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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