By Katherine Huitema
In October of 2021, at the age of 25, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC). I had no idea what it was. Since March, I had been experiencing symptoms, mostly rectal bleeding. I didn’t know anyone else with UC much less any close family with the disease.
When I was first diagnosed, I remember being in complete denial. I have had tummy troubles since I was a child. There were plenty of experiences that I missed out on, including going caving in BC because of a ‘bad stomach’. When I was nine, my family and I took a road trip to the Grand Canyon, and we had to make an emergency stop on the side of the road because I had diarrhea.
In high school, I knew something was wrong with my mental health. A psychiatrist diagnosed me (a misdiagnosis as I later realized) with Bipolar II and I was placed on a cocktail of mood stabilizers and anti-depressants. Despite all of the medication, I struggled with depression and self-loathing for almost a decade.
It was a year after I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, when I finally realized how emotionally suppressed I was. I went off of the toxic cocktail of medication; cold turkey. I remember that going off the medication, although it was the right decision for me, triggered another flare and more rectal bleeding. I bounced back and forth between specialists, the ER, my naturopath, acupuncturist, private clinics and my family doctor. Nothing that I did, including taking high doses of prednisone and three rounds of biologics, could calm the fire that was raging inside of me.
In July of 2023, after a week of having diarrhea more than 25 times a day, I was so malnourished and so dehydrated that my mom had to make the call. She says it was one of the hardest things she had to do in her life. An ambulance arrived 20 minutes later and took me to the hospital.
Despite having a c-reactive protein level of 150 (for clarification, c-reactive protein is a blood marker for inflammation, and a healthy person should be less than three) I was in the emergency room for 15 hours before I was admitted.
I had two IV poles to hold the bags for the iron, blood transfusion, and fluids. I also had to have nutritional feeds through a PICC line (*Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) that took two attempts to insert because I was so dehydrated. I lost close to 60 lbs. in a very short period of time. My lowest weight in the hospital was 102 lbs. and for my 5’11 frame, it’s extremely shocking to see when I look back at pictures. One thing I never lost though, which I’m so proud of, was my smile.
On July 21, 2023, after spending 10 days in the hospital where the doctors worked around the clock to stabilize my failing body, I had emergency ileostomy surgery.
Because of my journalism background and my natural curiosity, I love to ask questions, and I love to disarm people with not only my curiosity but also with my empathy.
There was a doctor at the hospital and, every time I saw her, she was very matter of fact and she seemed very abrasive. Seeing her interact with the other staff, the nurses all seemed like they were on the verge of tears. Even as a patient, I was definitely scared and extremely intimidated. One evening, I noticed how clear and healthy her skin looked. When I complimented her, she seemed to change into a completely different person. Instead of being short and to the point, she became verbose and animated when talking about her own skincare brand that was a passion for her.
My mom stayed with me full-time at the hospital for three weeks. I was lucky enough to get a private room, and she slept on the window ledge that doubled as a bed. My dad was back and forth to home and work and still managed to spend most of his time with us. I remember thinking that despite how sick I was, it was so cool how I got to spend so much time with my parents.
I also remember that the nurses were complaining about how hot it was outside. A perk of being in an air-conditioned building!
Almost immediately after ileostomy surgery and for several months after, I was still bleeding from my rectal stump that was left intact. I consulted with my surgeon, and we decided that I should have a complete proctectomy in January 2024 to make my ileostomy permanent.
One of the biggest challenges with recovery was reintroducing solid foods and attempting to gain back my weight in a healthy way. At first, I was eating junk food in hopes of just getting calories back into my body. I gradually got into a routine and actually trained Muay Thai three days a week for five months in January 2025, resulting in getting my white belt. What a difference a year makes.
emergency surgery 2023
I embraced my ostomy pouch, but I still felt isolated, not knowing anyone who had gone through a similar experience. A woman from the Calgary Ostomy Society Visitor Program had come to my house shortly after my first surgery and it was a huge benefit for me at the time. I didn’t feel part of any kind of community until I was a day volunteer at the Ostomy Youth Camp in the summer of 2025. I am excited to have the opportunity to apply again for summer 2026. It was a life changing experience because I met so many amazing people! My community of friends with similar experiences just keeps on growing.
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I categorize my life in two different ways; the before and the after. I didn’t like who I was before I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and I don’t that think I was living up to my potential or finding out who I truly am. I blame part of that on the antidepressants and other medication I shouldn’t have been on, but I also thought so poorly of myself. I hardly even recognize that version of myself now. After my surgeries and recovery is the other version of me. I truly believe I am the healthiest and happiest version of myself, both mentally, physically and emotionally. That is the version I want people to remember, and this version is the one that I feel the most like myself.
Of course, there are moments when I don’t love my pouch, especially in the summer when I’m dealing with dehydration and when I sweat and my skin gets so itchy.
Since recovering, I have started a podcast, written and hired an illustrator to publish a children’s book, and I’m starting a business that I’m proud of.
I have also done two book signings now for a poetry book I wrote about my struggle with depression and my journey to self-compassion. It’s amazing to me how the gut and brain are connected. I truly hope my words can help other people who are struggling with depression and life transitions the way that I struggled. I always said that if I could help at least one person on this earth realize they aren’t alone in their thoughts and emotions, then my work here is done.
I always say that getting sick was one of the best things that ever happened to me, which may sound strange. I am so enormously grateful for the life that my stoma, named Charlie, gave me; life just keeps getting better and better.
Getting sick from ulcerative colitis and having multiple surgeries has been a big chapter of my life. However, it’s only one chapter of my story, and I am so thankful I get to write new ones thanks to my ostomy pouch.
Katherine lives in Calgary, AB.
Katherine’s book is titled – New Beginnings: A Journey to Self-Compassion (Poetry) 2024 by Katherine Nicole
Katherine’s books can be found on Amazon
Katherine writes –
I lived for years in my notes app on my phone. I would use poetry and writing down my thoughts as a way of expression of how I felt in my darkest times. I felt so much better after writing down the things in my head as a way of not bottling things up. Approximately 1 in 3 Canadians, will experience a mental illness during their lifetime.
Mental illness can be very isolating in that sometimes we can feel like we are the only ones who are struggling. Through poems and journal entries, I wanted to share my personal journey of self-love and compassion in the hopes that I might help someone else understand that they are not alone.
Reviews for New Beginnings: A Journey to Self-Compassion
Tammy Gano – 5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a must read!
I recently finished reading this and I can say with confidence that this book is a powerful and transformative read. The author has bravely laid bare their feelings of self-doubt and depression, crafting an honest narrative that resonates deeply. As I turned the pages, I felt as if I was looking into a mirror, reflecting my own struggles and fears.
At times, the book is raw and poignant, and it doesn’t shy away from the darkness that can accompany mental health challenges. The author’s vulnerability is palpable, drawing you into their journey in a way that feels intimate and personal. I found myself nodding in agreement at their thoughts, as they articulated feelings I had long kept bottled up inside. It’s both cathartic and heart-wrenching to see such honesty about experiences that often feel isolating.
This is a must-read for anyone grappling with self-doubt or sadness. It’s a book that encourages introspection while offering a guiding light along the journey to resilience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking understanding, healing, or simply a reminder that it’s okay to feel.
Lisa Gausman – 5 stars!
Katherine’s book of poetry is a deeply emotional and inspiring read. It honestly explores the pain of deep depression, but what makes it truly special is its message of hope, healing, and resilience. The journey from despair to happiness is beautifully written, as Katherine does not shy away from talking about the pain of deep depression. That honesty carries a lot of emotional weight and feels real, showing that recovery takes strength, perseverance, and resilience. This is more than just a book about struggle, it’s a reminder that even in the darkest places, healing is possible. It is a powerful reminder that brighter days are ahead. This is a touching and worthwhile read.
Katherine has recently published two more books – titled, Lost and Found: A New Beginnings Journey under the name Katherine Nicole and a children’s book titled, Christopher’s Closet
This story was sourced by Lisa Gausman, Ostomy Canada Senior Editor.
Disclaimer: The information shared by Ostomy Canada Society is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person’s ostomy experience is unique. Please consult your health care provider with any questions about your condition, care, or treatment plan.