In episode 18 of the Colitis Unfiltered podcast, I speak with Kyle, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just nine years old after months of vomiting, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and exhaustion. What began as a confusing childhood illness quickly turned into a lifelong battle with active inflammation, failed medications, and a body that never seemed to fully cooperate.

Diagnosed in elementary school and never fully reaching remission, Kyle talks about growing up embarrassed by his symptoms, hiding his disease from others, and pushing his body beyond its limits through school, college, travel, and intense work environments. He reflects on years of Remicade, methotrexate, prednisone, and the emotional toll of feeling like his own body was constantly working against him.

Today, Kyle uses his experience with Crohn’s disease to advocate for others living with chronic illness and co-founded Tummy, a platform helping patients better understand how food and lifestyle impact their symptoms. His story is honest, introspective, and deeply hopeful, showing that even without full remission, it’s still possible to build a meaningful life beyond IBD.

For more stories from the bathroom floor, subscribe to the podcast and visit colitisunfiltered.com