About Ibd

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects people from all ethnic and cultural groups. In this limited series, we'll explore how inequalities in the healthcare system affect people from diverse backgrounds. IBD is still considered rare in some parts of the world, but incidence is increasing. Fasika Shimeles Teferra, MD of Ethiopia describes her journey to a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Being a medical doctor, she has been able to make connections in order to help other IBD patients in her country. Patients face stigma, less than optimal care, and a lack of educational resources for themselves and their friends and family members. Dr Teferra was helping patients as best she could but discovered she needed a bigger platform. She founded a nonprofit, Crohn’s and Colitis Ethiopia, in order to better support Ethiopian patients with IBD. Find Dr Teferra on LinkedIn and Twitter and Crohn’s and Colitis Ethiopia on Facebook and their web site. More about Dr Teferra and IBD in Ethiopia: Interview with Dr Teferra on Li

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects people from all ethnic and cultural groups. In this limited series, we'll explore how inequalities in the healthcare system affect people from diverse backgrounds. What is it like to not have anyone on your medical team that looks like you or understands your concerns? The diversity of the human experience is often not reflected in the healthcare system. In fact, there's little research into some areas of IBD, including the experience of LGBTQIA+ patients. Dr Cedric Pulliam, Senior Public Health Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, had a long journey to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, punctuated by less than helpful advice from specialists. His experiences as a public health advocate, a patient, and a gay male have brought him to be an open advocate for those in the LGBTQ community. Dr Pulliam has advice on how the IBD community can learn from other disease states in how to truly meet the needs of patients. Find Dr Pulliam on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects people from all ethnic and cultural groups. In this limited series, we'll explore how inequalities in the healthcare system affect people from diverse backgrounds. Nutrition is a major component of managing digestive disease. Yet people living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis may not be offered access to help managing their diet. Dr Selvi Vasudevan, founder of Dr Selvi's Keys to Ease Crohn's, discusses her Crohn's disease journey and how it led her to pursue the role diet and nutrition play in wellness as well as the cultural influence on our food choices. A child of immigrants from southern India to the United States, she is discovering how best to integrate family life, her culture, and her needs as a person with IBD. Find Dr Selvi on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on DrSelvi.com. Find Amber J Tresca at AboutIBD.com, Verywell, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Credits: Healthcare Disparities in IBD is written, produced,

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects people from all ethnic and cultural groups. In this limited series, we'll explore how inequalities in the healthcare system affect people from diverse backgrounds. Why do women of color encounter so many barriers when accessing care? Where are the spaces for black and brown patients to share their knowledge, experiences, and support around Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other immune-mediated and autoimmune conditions? Melodie Narain-Blackwell, founder of Color of Crohn's and Chronic Illness, discusses her Crohn's disease journey and how it led her to become a voice for the IBD community. She tells us why outreach to minority groups sometimes fails, how she approaches patient education, her ideas on giving patients improved access to care, and how motherhood affects her disease journey. Find Color of Crohn's and Chronic Illness at COCCI.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find Melodie Narain-Blackwell at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find Amber J Tresca

In this limited series, we'll explore how inequalities in the healthcare system affect people from diverse backgrounds who live with IBD. Why is there a lack of people of diverse backgrounds who live with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis represented in clinical trials? Why are there so many barriers for people of color in accessing IBD care? Dr Aline Charabaty, Director of the IBD Center at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital and founder of Monday Night IBD on Twitter discusses the scope of inequalities in research and access to care in IBD. What's more: she offers solutions that can be used to address disparities. Find Aline Charabaty, MD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at Monday Night IBD. Find Amber J Tresca at AboutIBD.com, Verywell, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Credits: Healthcare Disparities in IBD is written, produced, and directed by Amber Tresca. Theme music, mix, and sound design is by Cooney Studio.

Pregnancy while living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) feels scary. But thanks to the groundbreaking Pregnancy Inflammatory bowel disease And Neonatal Outcomes (PIANO) study, there is now so much more data and information to help moms and their doctors make decisions. Dr Mahadevan began the PIANO registry in 2007, which followed women and their babies through pregnancy and after. What was learned from this registry was how IBD medications, and especially biologics, affected pregnancy, birth, and infants. Learn how Dr Mahadevan has grown PIANO over the years, the most important findings so far, and how pregnant women can join the study and help the next generation of moms with IBD and their babies. Find the PIANO Study at: Twitter: @PIANOIBD Web: PIANOStudy.org   Find Uma Mahadevan, MD at: Twitter: @UmaMahadevanIBD LinkedIn: @uma-mahadevan-ibd Web: University of California San Francisco   Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIB

Desiree Schmidt, a 500-hour yoga instructor and owner of a personal training business, shares her passion for helping people with chronic illnesses, which is inspired by her own experience with Crohn's disease. She discusses how yoga has been key in her journey, both physically and mentally. Amber and Desiree discuss the benefits of different yoga forms and how to choose the right practice based on whether one is in a flare-up or in remission. Desiree points out how it is important to modify poses when living with a health condition, including IBD, to ensure comfort and safety during classes. She offers insights into providing options for different needs, making the yoga accessible for everyone. Gain valuable insights into the world of yoga, its benefits for chronic illness, and how to embark on your own yoga practice with confidence and guidance. Find Desiree (Schmidt) VanDaalwyk, NASM-CPT, FNS at: Facebook: @desiree.schmidt.566 LinkedIn: @Desiree VanDaalwyk Instagram: @desireevandaalwyk Radect Health: Desi

Brad Watson-Davelaar, founder of Gaming for Guts, shares his experiences in living with Crohn’s disease and how he found support and community through his IBD journey. He talks about his ostomy surgery and how for him, it is a beginning rather than an end. Brad describes the upcoming fundraising event sponsored by Gaming for Guts to celebrate World IBD Day on May 19th. It will feature Canadian-themed activities in support of Crohn's and Colitis Canada. The IBD and gaming communities are encouraged to get involved with the fun. Brad also shares his thoughts on how the gaming community helps people with IBD connect to form meaningful relationships. Find Brad Watson-Davelaar at: Facebook: @bwdphoto Facebook: @crohnsawarenessproject Twitter: @bwdphotocanada Instagram: @bwdphoto Find Gaming4Guts at: Facebook: @gaming4guts Twitter: @gaming4guts Instagram: @gaming4guts Web: www.gaming4guts.com Discord: https://discord.gg/BpXcmz7 About IBD Episode 83: The Streamers from Gaming4Guts Find Amber J Tresca at: About

When is the last time you pooped your pants? Amber speaks with April Michelle Harris, who lives with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), for over 13 years. April shares her journey, from her initial diagnosis to her struggles with depression and anxiety, and how she has managed to build a fulfilling life despite the many challenges that come with living with a chronic illness. We also dive into April's new book "I Pooped My Pants", where she shares her story and those of 20 other IBD warriors who have bravely shared their experiences with living with the disease. April's book provides a refreshing and honest perspective on what it's like to live with IBD, and it's a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the disease and how it affects people on a daily basis. Tune in to hear April's inspiring story and learn more about living with a chronic illness, and how you can build a fulfilling life despite the challenges that may come your way. Find April Michelle Harris at: Web

Going to a movie can be a frustrating experience for anyone with a digestive or urinary condition. Not only are the bathrooms sometimes far from the theaters, it’s difficult to know when to duck out if nature calls. Enter RunPee. The RunPee app is designed to help moviegoers know when the best time is to use the restroom (a peetime) during a movie without missing any important scenes. The creator, Dan Gardner, discusses how he and his team choose the best times to use the restroom while still ensuring that users do not miss any critical moments in the film. Additionally, Gardner talks about the other features of the app, such as movie ratings and reviews, and the importance of understanding the needs of different demographic groups. Find RunPee at: Web: RunPee.com Twitter: @RunPee LinkedIn: @runpee RunPee Android: Android App Store RunPee iPhone: iPhone App Store Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram:

What happens when your professional life and your IBD overlap? Sari Grossman is a research scientist, Crohn's disease patient, and advocate for patients with chronic illnesses. She shares her experience with Crohn's disease, including her family history of IBD, diagnosis at a young age, her unusual symptoms, and the impact it had on her life. She speaks candidly about the physical and emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness, and how she has learned to cope with the ups and downs of her condition. Find Sari Grossman at: Twitter: @saribari99 Instagram: @saribari99 LinkedIn: @Sari Grossman Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD13

Is it possible for kids to look at their touchpoints with medical care as empowering experiences? Adam Finkelstein, a medical student and author, shared his experiences of living with IBD from a young age, and how he coped with surgeries and doctor's appointments as a child. Adam provides tips for helping kids develop positive associations with going to the doctor, which include building trust with healthcare professionals, being honest about what to expect during appointments, and creating a comfortable environment for kids. Adam's book, "Up and Adam," is a resource for children with IBD and their families. Contact Adam Finkelstein at adamibdstory@gmail.com. Get "Up and Adam: A Patient's Experience on Winning with IBD" at Barnes and Noble. Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycompos

Caitlin McGinnis, LCSW was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 22 and had her entire colon removed. This experience prompted her to become a social worker and specialize in providing mental health support for patients with various digestive health issues. Through her own experiences and connecting with support groups, Caitlin has learned the importance of creating communities, bringing awareness, and being a source of support for those going through similar struggles. She strives to provide her patients with the support she did not have when she was diagnosed. Find Caitlin McGinnis, LCSW on: Psychology Today Alma Concepts discussed on this episode: United Ostomy Associations of America Support Group Finder Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Support Groups Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer

Are we getting close to predicting how Crohn's disease might change over time? Dr. Corey Siegel, co-director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Jessica Caron, a patient key opinion leader who lives with Crohn's, discuss a prognostic tool called CDPATH. This tool may help patient and healthcare providers understand how the disease may change over the next few years, and better inform a discussion of treatment options. Find Corey Siegel, MD on: Twitter: @DrCoreySiegel Find Jessica Caron at: Instagram: @chronicallyjess_ Twitter: @ChronicallyJess Facebook: @ChronicallyJess Web: Chronically Jess LinkedIn: @jessica-caron Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance P

For years we were told that diet doesn’t matter in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We know now that diet is important in IBD. What’s still not clear is how we should be thinking about it in terms of management. Helena Murphy is a photographer, yoga teacher, and Crohn’s disease patient who brought her skills and experience to writing a book entitled, "The Plant-Based Crohn’s and Colitis Cookbook." She shares her secret to publishing her book, as well as how her life has changed since being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Find Helena Murphy at: Instagram: @helenarose_photography Web: Helena Rose Murphy.net Buy: The Plant-Based Crohn’s and Colitis Cookbook Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @michaelandrewcooney Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode

Caring for pelvic health is important for people of all genders who live with an inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Dr. Amanda Olson, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy and is the President and Chief Clinical Officer for Intimate Rose, has dedicated her professional life to helping people improve their pelvic health. Learn more about pelvic therapy and how she has developed resources and tools to help people living with all types of conditions. Find Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC at: Instagram: @intimaterose Twitter: @IntimateRose Web: Intimate Rose Buy: Restoring The Pelvic Floor: How Kegel Exercises, Vaginal Training, And Relaxation, Solve Incontinence, Constipation, And Heal Pelvic Pain To Avoid Surgery Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @michaelandrewcooney Instagram: @maccooneycompo

What did you read over the past year? If you made a reading goal: did you hit it? The books I read this year ranged from self-help to true crime to science fiction. Hear more about some of the books I enjoyed in 2022 (and in the year after I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis) and if you’ll want to pick them up for yourself. Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide The Comfort Book Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers) The House in the Cerulean Sea Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI The Case of the Murderous Dr. Cream: The Hunt for a Victorian Era Serial Killer Dune The Scarlet Letter Slapstick or Lonesome No More!: A Novel Hocus Pocus Turtles All the Way Down Project Hail Mary: A Novel Artemis: A Novel Feed Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_

For some people living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the disease puts roadblocks in the way when it comes to going to school, having a career, and participating in sports. For Lauren Thibodeau, a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis led to a complication of medical catatonia, which derailed her life and her career as a college golfer. However, with her family, her medical team, and her teammates around her, she made her way back to the golf course and in fact, wound up playing better than ever. Lauren shares what kept her motivated during the long and difficult recovery and how it changed her perspective on her golf game as well as her outlook on life. Find Lauren Thibodeau at: Instagram: @lauren_t_99 Twitter: @LTgolf247 LinkedIn: Lauren Thibodeau Awards: Lauren Thibodeau Named Class of 2022 Honda Inspiration Award Winner, Thibodeau Wins Kim Moore Spirit Award Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Ins

Does living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis make a person more resilient? And is resilience something that should be a part of management plan for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other chronic illnesses? Mara Shapiro, healthcare journalist and Crohn’s disease patient, has had no other choice but to find a way towards resilience in her life, having lived through grief and loss early in life, followed by the diagnosis of several chronic illnesses. She provides deep insight on coping mechanisms and resilience, including the various ways we can look at these ideas to fit our own needs. Find Mara Shapiro (and Morty) at: Instagram: @marajshapiro and @morty.the.red.corgi Twitter: @marajshapiro Trellus Health: Mara’s Journey Crohn's and Colitis Young Adult Network: Interpretations of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost Blogspot: A Reflection on 2020 Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Inst

When it comes to people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis serving in the military, the usual policy is that the two things are incompatible. The reason being that people living with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) need care and treatments that are incompatible with being deployed. However, sometimes there are other considerations, as Dr Daniel Rausa describes. Dr Rausa was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease while serving in the Navy, and he has advice for people who live with an IBD and want to serve or who want to pursue a medical career. He also describes why it’s so important to follow up and stay on top of transition of care when leaving military service. Find Daniel Rausa, DO at: Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielrausado Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: http://aboutibd.com/ Verywell: https://www.verywell.com/ibd-crohns-colitis-4014703 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboutIBD Twitter: https://twitter.com/aboutIBD Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aboutibd/ Instagram: https://www.in