About me

Patient Advocate & Healthcare Consultant, Community Moderator, Blogger, Social Media Marketer.

My name is Sahara, and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in 2007 at 19 years old. Seven bowel surgeries later, I’m on my third and final ileostomy following a jpouch excision in 2018. I also live with fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and bladder muscle dysfunction – overactive.

At times, my journey has been challenging. I’ve experienced psychological struggles such as stress, anxiety, depression, and I live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Find me online here:

In the last few years, my focus shifted towards internal work. This started by acknowledging the trauma I’ve carried and seeing how it was manifesting in my life. By working to accept my past and heal my nervous system, I found that yoga became a vital tool. It helps me manage chronic anxiety and even allowed me to reduce some of my chronic pain medication.

I’ve also been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This diagnosis was a significant turning point, changing the way I look at many of my historical experiences and helping me understand myself better.

This journey ultimately led me to my learning era. I’ve spent the last few years completing several courses, including a 500-hr Yoga Teacher Training, Trauma-Informed Yoga, Somatic Healing, and Breathwork Facilitation, alongside a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills. Only 18 months prior, I would have laughed at the thought of energy work – I was someone who needed hard scientific evidence to believe in anything. However, after experiencing healing in ways I didn’t realise were possible, I’ve become much more open-minded and curious, and have even completed my Reiki Level 1 and 2 trainings, in the hope that I will ultimately be able to use these tools to support others in finding their peace.

I’m passionate about raising awareness and encouraging people to get involved in their healthcare decisions. I want to be the type of person I needed when I was diagnosed and struggling. I founded IBDSuperHeroes; an IBD support group and awareness project in 2015.

I believe education is critical when it comes to managing health, so I deep dive into scientific journal papers about my conditions. I try to share that information in more simplified terms with the community.

I work with companies that want to learn more about the patient journey, through healthcare and beyond, and get involved in research wherever I can – check out the Work with me page for more information.

IBD taught me my priorities and not to take things for granted.
My jpouch taught me that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and I don’t have to do everything alone.
My stoma taught me what kind of person I want to be, and what kind of people I want to be with.
Anxiety, stress, and depression taught me that the nervous system is fragile and needs constant care and consideration.
Fibromyalgia taught me that I know my body best, to listen, and to fight for it.
Gardening taught me patience, and that you can do everything right and still fail.
Nature taught me that the world doesn’t revolve around me. There’s something so much bigger at play. Beautiful, relentless, and magical. 🌱
Yoga taught me that slowing down is a necessary act of self-care.