035 - The Female Experience Of IBD: Identity, Illness & Rebuilding Yourself - Sarah & Terri

World IBD Day Special | The Female Experience of IBD, Chronic Illness & IdentityIn this episode of The Survival Project, Sarah O’Connor and Terri Brannigan join me for a powerful conversation on the female experience of living with Crohn’s disease, IBD, invisible illness, fatigue, body image, relationships, and resilience.We speak honestly about the realities women face while navigating chronic illness, from the pressure to “look well” and keep pushing through fatigue, to the emotional impact of body changes, medical dismissal, dating, intimacy, and uncertainty around the future.Sarah shares her experience living with both Crohn’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), while Terri reflects on how stoma surgery transformed her confidence, identity, and outlook on life.This conversation explores:• Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis• Invisible illness & chronic fatigue• Women’s health & medical gaslighting• Body image & confidence after illness• Stoma surgery & identity• Relationships & vulnerability• Motherhood fears & uncertainty• Mental health & resilience• Finding yourself again after diagnosisA deeply honest conversation about womanhood, strength, and rebuilding your life through chronic illness.Thank you to Sarah and Terri for their openness and honesty throughout this episode.