You probably won't hear as many success stories as you should because (unfortunately, IMHO) folks that are doing well and have learned to manage their IBD don't hang out on the forums much... they're out living life.
In my experience, it's a long, hard road to get to the point where your IBD is under control and you know how to manage it and keep your digestive system healthy, but it can be done. It takes a LOT of research, experimentation and commitment. You have to be willing to give up unhealthy foods and activities.
I was extremely ill for the first couple of years after my diagnosis and my docs didn't give me much hope. When I asked what things I could change in my diet and lifestyle to support healing, I was told I was "in denial" and would never be well again. I quickly learned I would have to be responsible for my own body and my healing process.
I read everything I could get my hands on about IBD, the immune system and digestive health. I tried alot of different things - supplements and dietary changes - and kept a journal of meds, supplements, what I was eating and what my current symptoms were. I gradually began to feel better and better and I believe I've found the combination of things that work for me personally. I have some minor flareups, but these are usually caused by getting too lax with my diet, so it continues to be a learning process. The good news is I'm healthier now and in better shape than I was in my teens and 20s. I'm active and I travel and I do what I want to do without worrying about where the bathrooms are.
So hang in there. You can heal, rebalance the gut ecology, eat healthier and get back to all those things you want to do.