What happens when surviving Crohn's disease means fighting your own healthcare system?

This week on The Survival Project, I'm joined by Ian, a Crohn's disease advocate, comedian and storyteller from New York.

Diagnosed at just 16 years old, Ian shares his journey through bowel obstructions, multiple surgeries, intestinal strictures, internal bleeding, anxiety and the emotional impact of living with inflammatory bowel disease for nearly two decades.

Together we explore the hidden realities of chronic illness, the importance of community, using humour as a coping mechanism, and the incredible financial and emotional burden of navigating the American healthcare system while trying to stay healthy.

Whether you're living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune condition, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is filled with honesty, perspective and hope.

In this episode we discuss:
• Crohn's disease diagnosis
• Bowel obstruction recovery
• Bowel resection surgery
• Internal bleeding
• Chronic illness and mental health
• Healthcare in America
• Insurance challenges
• Comedy and resilience
• Living with invisible illness
• Building community after diagnosis

If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing Ian's story.

To check out Ians work on IG: @iangoldsteinyes & @out_of_network_network

New episodes of The Survival Project are released every week.