Episode 26: Katie Dolgert, 18-year Ulcerative Colitis Warrior

In this episode, 18-year Ulcerative Colitis Warrior Katie Dolgert shares her journey with IBD. She talks about her story from diagnosis at age 21, her experiences with medications, and how her pregnancy with her second child put her into remission. Focusing on good overall health through lifestyle practices, nutrition, and fitness, she continues to be in remission–medication free–for the past four years.

Although she is currently medication free, she still experiences bad days and IBD symptoms. She has learned to listen to her body, knowing when the disease is becoming more active, and how she can navigate the symptoms by knowing exactly what her own body’s warning signs are.

She focuses on rest, hydration, reducing stress, and a variety of alternative therapies to help with overall wellness–from acupuncture and cupping to float therapy and meditation.

Katie talks about the mental aspect of IBD and how she learned to accept the diagnosis and wrap her head around a lifelong condition early on. She found support in the IBD community as well as her voice for advocacy through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. It was more than 10 years after her diagnosis when Katie signed up signed up for a Team Challenge race with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Shortly thereafter she appeared on a local television station to talk about IBD and since then, she’s been helping to raise awareness, be an active member of the IBD community, and offers support for both newly-diagnosed and long-time IBD Warriors.

Instagram: @the_ulcerative_colelitist