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.

What began as severe abdominal pain during college spiraled into months of weight loss, vomiting, emergency room visits and being repeatedly dismissed as a drug seeker. Despite worsening symptoms - including intestinal rupture and near-fatal complications - John struggled to be believed. Ultimately, exploratory surgery at the University of Pennsylvania revealed the truth: advanced Crohn’s disease requiring immediate intervention.

John opens up about the physical toll, temporary ostomy, 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.

His message is clear: advocate for yourself, seek providers who listen and be cautious about online horror stories. Crohn’s may be life-changing, but it is not the end of the world. John’s powerful story is one of resilience, validation and hard-earned hope.

For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Music:
Rainbows Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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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.

For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Music:
Rainbows Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

A good night’s sleep is hard enough without worrying about leaks. Attends Sleep Comfort Premium Overnight Underwear is designed to help you stay dry and comfortable through the night, with up to twelve hours of overnight protection. These premium incontinence underwear offer advanced absorbency and a secure fit that works while you rest, even during extended sleep. It offers premium overnight protection without a premium price. Visit Attends.com for

In this moving patient story, we speak with Gerri, a Crohn's patient, about her journey from debilitating digestive symptoms to complete remission.

Gerri shares what it was like to live in New York City while navigating relentless urgency, severe abdominal pain she describes as “hot lava,” and the constant need to locate the nearest restroom. After months of worsening symptoms and a turning point moment with her mom, she sought specialist care, leading to bloodwork, testing, colonoscopy and, ultimately, a diagnosis.

Hers is a story of relief and hope. She explains how biologic therapy dramatically eliminated her symptoms within 24 hours and how ongoing treatment has allowed her to live fully - working, running and becoming a new mom - without her disease defining her life.

Her message is clear: Don’t wait. Seek care, advocate for yourself and find a doctor you trust. For anyone struggling with unexplained GI symptoms, this episode offers reassurance that effective treatment - and real freedom - is possible.

For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Music:
Rainbows Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

A good night’s sleep is hard enough without worrying about leaks. Attends Sleep Comfort Premium Overnight Underwear is designed to help you stay dry and comfortable through the night, with up to twelve hours of overnight protection. These premium incontinence underwear offer advanced absorbency and a secure fit that works while you rest, even during extended sleep. It offers premium overnight protection without a premium price. Visit Attends.com for