For nearly a decade, Michelle Hobson lived with excruciating pain, fatigue, and digestive issues—only to be repeatedly dismissed by doctors. Told it was stress or diet-related, she endured years of uncertainty, missed diagnoses, and emergency hospital visits. It wasn’t until 2023, when a severe flare left her bedridden and unconscious, that she was finally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). By then, her condition had become life-threatening. Now, Michelle is not just surviving—she’s thriving.
What is IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and extreme fatigue. The two main types are:
- Crohn’s Disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative Colitis, which specifically impacts the colon and rectum.
Unlike Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which affects gut function but does not cause permanent damage, IBD can lead to complications such as intestinal strictures, malnutrition, and increased cancer risk.
In February, Crohn’s & Colitis Australia released its State of the Nation report, which highlighted that 179,420 Australians are living with IBD, with 41% taking more than five years to get their symptoms under control.
Michelle’s diagnosis journey
Michelle’s symptoms began after the birth of her second child in 2016. Bloating, abdominal pain, and frequent bathroom trips became part of her daily life. When she sought medical advice, doctors suggested it was a food intolerance or post-pregnancy hormonal changes. She eliminated gluten, followed strict diets, and tracked everything she ate—yet nothing improved.
Over the years, Michelle had multiple emergency hospital visits, where she was given pain relief, fluids for dehydration, and sent home with no real answers. She adjusted her entire life around bathroom access, avoided travel, and even wore nappies just to take her kids to school. “I felt like my body was betraying me, and I had no control over my life,” she recalls.
It wasn’t until 2023, after collapsing at home and being rushed to the hospital, that doctors finally discovered she had severe Ulcerative Colitis. After nine years of misdiagnosis, she was immediately placed on immunosuppressants and biologic therapy.
Managing IBD: Michelle’s path to thriving
While there is no cure for IBD, Michelle has found ways to manage her symptoms and reclaim her life. Some key strategies include:
- Medication & Treatment – Michelle now receives biologic therapy; a targeted treatment that helps reduce inflammation. She also works closely with her gastroenterologist to monitor her condition.
- Diet & Nutrition – While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for IBD, she follows a low-residue diet during flares and reintroduces nutrient-rich foods when her gut is stable.
- Mental Health & Support – Living with a chronic illness can be isolating, so Michelle prioritises mental wellbeing through mindfulness, exercise, and connecting with others in the IBD community.
- Advocacy & Awareness – Determined to help others avoid the struggles she faced, Michelle founded IBD Hub and wrote The Ultimate IBD Handbook: Your Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving. Her mission is to raise awareness, provide support, and empower others with IBD to take control of their health.
Recognising the symptoms of IBD
If you or someone you love experiences persistent digestive issues, it’s important to recognise the warning signs of IBD, including:
- Chronic diarrhea (often with blood or mucus)
- Severe abdominal pain and cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent urgency to use the bathroom
- Fever and night sweats
Early diagnosis is key to managing IBD effectively. If you suspect IBD, seek medical advice and push for further testing, including colonoscopies and inflammatory marker blood tests.
Living with IBD: you’re not alone
A diagnosis of IBD can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to live a fulfilling life. Whether you are newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, know that you are not alone.
For more insights, practical tips, and personal stories, Michelle’s book The Ultimate IBD Handbook is a must-read, and you can find more resources and a support group near you by visiting www.crohnsandcolitis.org.au.
About Michelle Hobson
Michelle Hobson is an IBD advocate, speaker, and founder of IBD Hub. After years of misdiagnosis, she now dedicates her life to raising awareness and supporting others living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She is the author of The Ultimate IBD Handbook: Your Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving, a resource filled with practical advice and real-life experiences to help others navigate life with IBD and is the facilitator of the Townsville Crohn’s and Colitis Support Group.
For more information and to purchase her book, visit www.ibdhub.com.au.
DISCLAIMER: All content supplied is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice from a qualified health practitioner.
Statistics reference: Crohn’s & Colitis Australia State of the Nation report, released 11 February 2025.
IBD State of the Nation – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA)
Crohn's Disease Symptoms – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA)