Clinical Cases
Welcome to our podcast series, where we put patient experiences at the forefront through the use of case studies. Our guests share their personal stories, discussing the symptoms they faced and how they managed their conditions, providing invaluable insight into the realities of living with different medical conditions.
Our case study approach goes beyond traditional medical texts, providing a deeper understanding of a range of medical conditions for both healthcare professionals and patients alike. By presenting real-life cases, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping listeners to gain a better understanding of how medical conditions can manifest in different ways.
Whether you are a patient seeking to learn about your condition, or a healthcare professional looking to expand your knowledge base, our podcast is an invaluable resource. Our episodes offer a rich source of information, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning tool that helps listeners to develop new insights and improve patient care.
Join us as we explore the triumphs and challenges of those who have faced medical conditions through our in-depth case studies. By learning from their journeys, we can gain valuable insights that help us all to provide better care for ourselves and others.
Clinical Cases
Episode 5: Can the low FODMAP diet help some patients with a stoma?
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Welcome to today’s episode of our podcast, where we’re joined by Olivia Madden, a therapist, who shares how the constant anxiety of living with an unpredictable stoma affected almost every aspect of her life—and how adopting the low FODMAP diet has been, in her words, “like a miracle.”
In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Olivia shares what day-to-day life was really like before finding an approach that worked for her—from navigating work and social situations to the emotional toll of never knowing how her body would respond. We explore how unpredictable stoma output can affect confidence, independence, and mental wellbeing, and why this is so often overlooked.
Olivia talks us through how she discovered the low FODMAP diet, what the process involved in practice, and the changes she began to notice—not just physically, but psychologically. She reflects on the sense of control she regained, the reduction in anxiety, and how this has allowed her to re-engage with life in a way that previously felt impossible.
We also discuss the importance of doing the low FODMAP diet correctly and with appropriate support, highlighting that while it can be transformative for some, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
This episode offers both professional insight and lived experience—providing hope, reassurance, and practical understanding for anyone living with a stoma or struggling with unpredictable gut symptoms.
Further information can be found at the excellent charity, Colostomy UK and their website is: www.colostomyuk.org. More information is available in the Spring 2026 edition of their magazine, Tidings.
Please note: This podcast is supported by Colostomy UK. It provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice