Real Stories. Real Answers. Navigating Life With IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be difficult to recognize, diagnose, and manage—and many patients spend years searching for answers.
This campaign brings together real patient stories and expert perspectives to help you better understand IBD, from early symptoms to diagnosis, treatment options, and living well with the condition.
Whether you’re just starting to notice symptoms or looking for new options, these stories and resources are designed to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered to take the next step.
Recognizing IBD: Understanding Symptoms and Getting Answers
For many people, the journey with IBD begins with symptoms that are easy to dismiss or difficult to talk about. Delays in recognizing these signs can lead to frustration, uncertainty, and prolonged discomfort.
Here, you’ll hear from a patient and expert about the early signs of IBD, what to watch for, and why paying attention to your symptoms matters. These stories highlight the importance of trusting your body and seeking answers sooner.
IBD Demystified
In this episode of Life With Leaks, we sit down with Dr. Maria Roell, who breaks down what inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is and how it can show up in everyday life.
She explains the symptoms people often overlook and when it’s time to seek care. Whether you’re newly experiencing symptoms or navigating a recent diagnosis, this episode is a great primer for understanding symptoms, knowing what to look for, and how to get help.
Living with Crohn's Disease: Gerri's Story
In this moving patient story, we speak with Gerri, a Crohn’s patient about her journey from devilitating digestive symptoms to complete remission. She shares what it was like to live in NYC while navigating relentless urgency, severe abdominal pain, and the constant need to locate the nearest restroom. Hear how she finally found releif throught treatment, and her advice to anyone struggling with unexplained GI symptoms.
Watch Gerri's Story
From Diagnosis to Remission. Navigating Living With IBD
Getting a diagnosis is a major turning point—but it’s only the beginning. Many patients face challenges as they learn to manage symptoms, explore treatments, and adjust to life with IBD.
This section focuses on what happens after diagnosis, including the path to remission, ongoing symptom management, and the emotional realities of living with a chronic condition. You’ll hear honest perspectives on what works, what doesn’t, and how patients find stability over time.
Straight Talk About IBD: From Diagnosis to Remission...What You Need To Know
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, for a breakdown on what sets Croh’s disease and ulcerative colitis apart from other digestive conditions, the complexity of inflammation, the role of the immune system and how IBD can impact far more than the gut, including joints, skin, eyes and mental health. You’ll also hear about treatment goals, the expanding range of medications available, and why personalized treatment plans are essential.
Jonathan's Story: No One Believed Me. One Man's Fight for a Crohn's Diagnosis. - Coming soon! Episode launches March 30th
In this gripping episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with John, a law enforcement officer, father of two and competitive strongman, about his harrowing journey to a Crohn’s disease diagnosis. John opens up about the physical toll, temporary otomy, slow recovery and the psychological impact of medical trauma. He shares how therapy, strength training and community helped him reclaim his identity and rebuild confidence.
Watch John's Story
Exploring New Options: Treatment Advances and Hope for the Future
IBD treatment is evolving, and patients today have more options than ever before. But navigating those options—and advocating for the right care—can still feel overwhelming.
In this section, patients and experts discuss emerging treatments, the importance of speaking up about your needs, and the hope that comes with ongoing innovation. These stories are a reminder that better outcomes are possible—and that patients play a key role in shaping their care.
IBD Breakthroughs: Why No One Should Accept A "New Normal"
In this powerful episode of Life Without Leaks, we welcome world-renowned IBD expert Dr. Marla Dubinsky of Mount Sinai to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis treatment. Learn why early diagnosis and timely use of advanced therapies can dramatically change a patient’s long-term trajectory, and why too many people are still suffering unnecessarily.
Olivia's Fight: How She Overcame Ulcerative Colitis
In this deeply personal episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with Olivia about her life-altering battle with severe ulcerative colitis.
Olivia shares candid advice about self-advocacy, overcoming embarrassment, finding the right care team and preparing for the unexpected. Her message is powerful: don’t lose hope. Effective treatments exist, community matters and you deserve to fight for your health — and your life.
Watch Olivia's Story
Download Free IBD TOols To Help!
Click the images below to download our free IBD tools and guides!
This educational resource was made possible through the generous support of Eli Lilly and Company, and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation. The National Association for Continence retained full editorial control, and the funder had no role in the development of the content or materials.
Latest Articles
IBD Demystified: Understanding the Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we sit down with Dr. Maria Roell, an internal medicine resident specializing in gastroenterology, to break down the essentials of inflammatory bowel disease.
Understanding IBD: From Diagnosis to Remission… What You Need to Know – Copy
In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we’re joined by Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, for a deep dive into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Dr. O’Leary breaks down what sets Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis apart from other digestive conditions, explaining how IBD can affect patients at any age, from early childhood to later adulthood, and why diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. He explores the complexity of inflammation, the role of the immune system and how IBD can impact far more than the gut, including joints, skin, eyes and mental health.
The conversation also covers realistic treatment goals, the expanding range of medications available today, dietary considerations, when surgery becomes part of care and why personalized treatment plans are essential. Importantly, Dr. O’Leary addresses the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition and emphasizes the importance of persistence, advocacy and specialist care.
If you or a loved one is navigating unexplained GI symptoms or an IBD diagnosis, this episode offers clarity, reassurance and a hopeful look at what’s possible with modern care.
Learn more about a wide range of bowel conditions and get free resources here.
Severe Ulcerative Colitis at 26: Olivia’s Fight for Remission
In this deeply personal episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with Olivia about her life-altering battle with severe ulcerative colitis.