Kristen Opens Up About Crohn’s Disease, Her Ostomy, and Owning Her Story
Kristen was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 12 years old. For anyone wondering what does Crohn’s disease look like, her story offers a vivid picture. Living with this chronic illness so young meant navigating growing pains and medical challenges simultaneously. She talks about how her world shifted from being a sports-loving, active kid to someone grappling with daily pain, blood in her stool, and emotional isolation. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that chronic illness changes more than your body — it affects how you relate to the world.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Throughout her teenage years, Kristen faced mounting symptoms and emotional struggles. By high school, her condition had worsened significantly. She bounced between treatments and doctors, often feeling let down. When she was in college, everything changed during an appointment when a doctor told her she needed an ostomy.
With her health deteriorating, Kristen agreed. That surgery, though overwhelming and unknown to her at the time, saved her life. She had no prior education about ostomy care and struggled initially, but she and her mom figured it out together.
Kristen is honest about the mental health toll of chronic illness, including medical PTSD and anxiety. She didn’t always advocate for herself, but she learned how to speak up. That shift empowered her. She realized that her voice mattered, especially when navigating multiple surgeries, including a total colectomy that made her ostomy permanent. While that decision was emotionally heavy, especially after being told it would be temporary, she eventually accepted it as necessary for her well-being.
Instead of letting shame or misinformation define her, Kristen started sharing her story online to educate and empower others. She uses Instagram as a blog, breaking stigmas around ostomy bags and showing the reality of life with one. She answers common questions about intimacy, product use, and body image. Kristen keeps it real but is always supportive, encouraging others to ask questions and never feel ashamed.
Body positivity plays a huge role in Kristen’s story. She’s chosen to love and appreciate her body for all it has endured. Even with an ostomy, she’s traveled the world, held full-time jobs, enjoys paddleboarding and rollerblading, and continues to thrive. She’s all about hope, mental health awareness, and creating inclusive spaces for people with invisible illnesses. Her message is clear: don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, embrace your body, and know that even in the hardest moments, you’re not alone.
Watch Kristen’s video to find out more about her story:
- What products she swears by for stoma care, and which ones she skips.
- Her reaction when she found out that her ostomy, which she was initially told would be temporary, was going to be permanent.
- What does Crohn’s disease look like and life with an ostomy, and how she lives fully and freely.
- From hospital anxiety to medical PTSD, how Kristen’s mental health was impacted and how she’s healing.
- How a single doctor changed Kristen’s entire life trajectory.
- Name: Kristen F.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 12
- Diagnosis:
- Crohn’s Disease
- Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal cramps
- Blood in stool
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent, painful bathroom visits
- Perianal disease (open wound)
- Mouth sores
- Joint pain
- Treatments:
- Multiple medications
- Surgeries: Temporary ostomy, total colectomy (permanent ostomy), Barbie butt surgery (proctectomy)
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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More Crohn’s & Colitis Stories
Kristen F., Crohn’s Disease (IBD)
Symptoms: Fatigue, abdominal cramps, blood in stool, loss of appetite, frequent and painful bathroom visits, perianal disease (open wound), mouth sores, joint pain
Treatments: Multiple medications, surgeries (temporary ostomy, total colectomy and permanent ostomy, Barbie butt surgery or proctectomy)
Jess G., Crohn’s Disease (IBD)
Symptoms: No appetite even when offered a favorite dessert, weight loss
Treatments: Steroids, blood transfusions, biologics, surgeries (colectomy, small bowel resection, colostomy)
Ariel D., Ulcerative Colitis (IBD)
Symptoms: Overactive bowel, heavy cramps in stomach area, abdominal pain
Treatment: Surgery (ileostomy)
Alli R., Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms: Blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, constant defecation
Treatment: Surgery (ileostomy)
Sarah A., Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms: Bowel irregularity, severe stomachaches, blood in stool
Treatments: Surgery (ostomy surgery), steroids, anti-inflammatory medication (mesalamine), biologic therapy
Dana D., Crohn’s Disease (IBD)
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool
Treatments: Surgeries (colon resection, total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy,
abdominal perineal resection, myocutaneous flap), steroids, biologic therapy
