Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, host Gabrielle Crichlow is thrilled to welcome back returning guest, Dominique Gates, who bravely shares her personal experiences living with ulcerative colitis, a chronic illness she was diagnosed with at just 17 years old. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that leads to inflammation and painful sores in the lining of the large intestine and rectum, causing a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue that can significantly disrupt daily life.

Dominique opens up about the deep impact this condition has had on her everyday routine. She candidly discusses the frequent trips to the restroom that have become a normal part of her life and the emotional challenges that accompany them, including feelings of embarrassment and isolation. Throughout her journey, Dominique emphasizes the critical role mental health plays in managing her illness and shares how her faith and spirituality have provided her with strength during tough times.

For many years, Dominique relied on a substantial amount of medication to control her symptoms. However, she made a courageous leap of faith by deciding to stop using these medications. Instead, she focused on making significant lifestyle changes, particularly with her diet, transitioning to a pescatarian diet and eliminating dairy products. These changes have led to remarkable improvements in her overall health. Despite this progress, she continues to receive infusions every eight weeks to support her ongoing management of the condition.

The episode also explores the importance of having a strong support system, the necessity of regular health check-ups, and the difficulties of maintaining a fulfilling social life while navigating the complexities of a chronic illness. Dominique advocates for open conversations about ulcerative colitis, aiming to raise awareness and encourage others to share their experiences, ultimately helping to reduce the stigma surrounding the condition.

Join us as Dominique reflects on her inspiring journey, emphasizing that while ulcerative colitis is a lifelong challenge, it can be managed effectively with the right support, healthy lifestyle choices, and a positive outlook. Tune in for valuable insights and uplifting inspiration from her remarkable story!

Who is Dominique Gates?
She’s first a child of God, raised by 2 awesome parents (Terry & Darlene Wilson) who taught her the ways of God and now she’s blessed to be a wife to a wonderful husband and friend (Sam Gates), homeschool mom of 3 blessings (Donovan, Gavin, and Carmyn) and touched with a God-given gift of educating children (over 20 years) while being advisor for parents in deciding the best educational path for their children.

You can find Dominique:
On Facebook # 1: https://www.facebook.com/gatesoflearning
On Facebook # 2: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093977782301

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Original date of episode: July 5, 2025