January 2017. I was living my best life - fresh out of a marriage, doing a Master's degree, producing theatre shows, and getting my first tattoo (which upset my Dad more than the divorce). Then two things happened that would change everything: I met Marco, and I had an "uh oh" moment in the bathroom.

This is where my IBD and fertility journey began - though I had no idea what was coming.

In this episode:

🚽 The moment I knew something was wrong (and why I called my doctor immediately)

💕 Meeting Marco on a dating app and our disastrous first attempt at Italian romance

😳 My biggest fear: accidentally farting in front of my new boyfriend

🏥 What really happens during a colonoscopy (spoiler: it's not fun)

🎯 Getting diagnosed with "mild" proctitis... that wouldn't stay mild for long

The best part? Discovering that Marco finds my farting hilarious. Who knew that would become important later?

This chapter covers:

• Why I didn't wait to see blood in the toilet twice before calling my doctor
• The awkwardness of hiding medical procedures from your new relationship
• The farting sweet spot (like Goldilocks - not too little, not too much, just right)
• Why I trusted doctors completely back then (spoiler: that changes)
• The first diagnosis that seemed like no big deal... but was

📖 READ THE FULL CHAPTER: [Blog link] 🎙️ LISTEN ON PODCAST: [Podcast link]

⏭️ NEXT CHAPTER: Big Fun, Decisions and a Slap from Reality

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly chapters chronicling my journey through IBD, fertility struggles, premature ovarian failure, and donor eggs to holding my miracle baby at 3AM.

💬 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Have you ever dismissed early symptoms because they seemed "mild"?
• What's your most embarrassing medical procedure story?
• Did you trust doctors implicitly before your own health journey?

Share your stories in the comments - this is a judgment-free, supportive space.

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE: This episode discusses bowel issues, medical procedures, and bodily functions with humor and honesty. If that's not your thing, this might not be the channel for you - but if you're here for real talk, welcome!

WHAT'S COMING UP:

• Chapter 2: The moment Marco dropped the baby bombshell
• Chapter 3: When "mild" proctitis became anything but mild
• Chapter 4: The day my period just... stopped

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✨ Trust your gut (literally) - if something feels wrong, call your doctor

✨ Farting is healthy - don't hold it in

✨ "Mild" medical diagnoses can be deceptive

✨ Having bowel cancer in your family means you don't wait around

✨ The right partner will laugh at your farts, not judge them

Signature phrase watch: First appearance of "Fart loud, fart proud!" 🎉

#PanicInTheToilet #Chapter1 #IBDJourney #FertilityStruggles #RealTalk #Proctitis #InflammatoryBowelDisease #MedicalJourney #FilterFree #FartLoudFartProud #ChronicIllness #BowelHealth #ColonoscopyStories #WomensHealth #HealthJourney

ABOUT THIS SERIES:

This is my unfiltered journey from toilet panic to 3AM peace - chronicling five years of IBD, fertility struggles, premature ovarian failure, and ultimately becoming a mother through donor eggs. No filters. Just the messy, real, hopeful truth that nobody tells you.

Your voice deserves to be heard. Always.

📧 CONTACT: to3amthoughts@gmail.com

📱 CONNECT: https://www.instagram.com/my_3_amthoughts/DISCLAIMER: This content shares my personal health journey and is not medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals about your own health concerns. I respect the NHS and medical professionals - this is about sharing my experience, not providing guidance.