You’re Not Alone: Living with IBD, Gastroparesis & Chronic Illness Challenges

You’re Not Alone: Living with IBD, Gastroparesis & Chronic Illness Challenges

Author: G-PACT non profit June 10, 2026 Duration: 49:08

In this episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam chats with Amber Tresca of AboutIBD to discuss the realities of living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroparesis, and other chronic health challenges. Amber shares her personal journey with J-pouch surgery, navigating life after major medical interventions, and learning how to balance work, health, and personal growth.Sam and Amber talk about the emotional and practical aspects of chronic illness, including managing unpredictability, building supportive communities, protecting mental health, and finding resilience during difficult seasons. They discuss the importance of flexibility, radical acceptance, and creating a life that works with your condition rather than constantly fighting against it.Whether you're living with IBD, gastroparesis, a chronic illness, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers honest insights, encouragement, and practical wisdom for navigating the ups and downs of long-term health challenges.Where to find more from Amber? IG: @aboutIBDYT: @aboutIBDWeb: www.aboutIBD.comEmail: amber@aboutibd.com


Hosted by two people navigating life with gastroparesis, Surviving out of Spite is a raw and real conversation from the G-PACT non-profit. This isn't a clinical lecture; it's the sound of two friends unpacking the daily reality of a chronic condition, finding humor in the absurd moments and solidarity in the shared struggles. You'll hear candid personal stories that range from frustrating to triumphant, alongside practical tips forged from lived experience. The dialogue covers everything from managing health and relationships to simply preserving your identity beyond a diagnosis. Tuning into this podcast feels like pulling up a chair to a kitchen table conversation where no topic is off-limits and laughter is considered essential medicine. It builds a community through audio, reminding anyone facing a similar journey that they are understood. Each episode explores the complex patient experience with honesty, aiming to inform, connect, and affirm that navigating life with gastroparesis is a story of resilience, often fueled by a bit of defiant spirit.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Surviving out of Spite
Podcast Episodes
Living with Gastroparesis & Building a Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:22
One year ago, Surviving Out of Spite launched to share stories, insights, and real-life experiences living with gastroparesis. In this special episode, Sam reflects on the journey of building the podcast, the lessons lea…
Gastroparesis, Gut Health & Everything in between [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Gut health is complicated, especially when you’re living with gastroparesis. In this episode, Sam sits down with Liz Roman to unpack the complex systems involved in digestive health and how they impact people with chroni…
What a Panic Attack Feels Like | Anxiety & Chronic Illness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:11
What does a panic attack actually feel like, especially when you're already living with gastroparesis and chronic illness?In this raw and unplanned episode of Surviving Out of Spite, Sam shares a deeply vulnerable moment…
Chronic Illness Might Be Your Superpower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:36
Living with a chronic illness is often framed as a limitation—but what if it could also be a strength?In this episode, Lilly Stairs joins us to share the concept of your “secret sauce”: the powerful combination of your n…
Resilient Body, Fragile System: Living a Full Life on TPN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:33
What does it look like to grow up managing central lines and still build a life full of strength, independence, and purpose?In this inspiring episode, Vincent shares his journey of growing up with complex chronic illness…
What Doctors Miss: HCM, Women’s Health, and Patient Voices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
What does it mean to be diagnosed with a serious heart condition at a young age, and then have to fight to be believed?In this powerful conversation, Hannah shares her journey as a heart patient diagnosed with HCM and th…
Gut-Immune Connection Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:55
#ChronicIllness #GutHealth #DigestiveHealth #gastroparesis In this week’s episode, Sam sits down with Dahlia and James Marin, co-founders of Married to Health, where they unpack the gut-immune connection and why food is…