About Ibd

The truth about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is that it goes beyond the gut. In this first ever live recording of About IBD, Amber talks with Dr. Puja Khanna from Cedars-Sinai to explore the extra-intestinal impacts of IBD, from skin conditions and eye inflammation to debilitating fatigue. Learn how sex-specific factors affect women and why building a multi-disciplinary care team is the best strategy for long-term health. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD206 Chapters: (00:01): Amber introduces the first-ever live recording of the "About IBD" podcast, recorded at an event in Los Angeles. (01:31): Amber and guest expert Dr. Puja Khanna are introduced, detailing their backgrounds and expertise in the IBD space. (03:26): Dr. Khanna discusses common extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD, including issues with the eyes, liver, skin, and joints. (05:45): A discussion on how women are uniquely affected by IBD, including hormonal influences during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Emergency room visits are a source of stress and can lead to fragmented care. Amber speaks with psychologist Dr Stephen Lupe to learn why inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients avoid the ER, the reality of medical trauma, and how a multi-disciplinary approach like the IBD Medical Home can revolutionize patient care.   Transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD205   Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson: http://tremfyaradio.com/   Find Stephen Lupe, PsyD at: Cleveland Clinic: https://providers.clevelandclinic.org/provider/stephen-lupe/4826753 Twitter: @Psylupe LinkedIn: @stephen-lupe Resources mentioned: Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute: Explore the multidisciplinary healthcare programs where integrated care models such as the IBD Medical Home are being used and expanded. https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/clinical-institutes/digestive-disease-surgery/inflammatory-bowel-disease Posttraumatic Stress in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Read the full

Amber Tresca talks with Andrew Giffin, a product manager in Toronto who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 19 after years of symptoms in high school. Andrew shares his experience navigating three major surgeries, adjusting his career path away from law enforcement, and learning to manage stress as part of living with a chronic illness. He also discusses developing apps, including Brown Note, a free, anonymous peer-support app for people with digestive diseases. Brown Note was inspired by his own feelings of isolation while preparing for his third surgery and is available on Apple, Android, and the web. Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD204 What you'll learn:

 Personal journey with Crohn's disease, including challenges in high school and college and the impact surgery has on personal and professional life. What goes into developing apps to support individuals with digestive diseases.  What goes into creating a bathroom finder app such as "Flusher." Explanation of Brown Note, an anonymous peer su

Certified travel advisor, business owner, and ulcerative colitis patient Sarah McGovern joins Amber to give tips and tricks on traveling with IBD. Sarah relates her IBD journey, including a rare medication side effect that landed her in the hospital. Now in remission, Sarah breaks down her blueprint for traveling with an invisible illness. On this episode, you'll learn concrete, practical strategies for traveling with IBD and how a travel advisor can help you relax on your next trip.   Transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD203   Chapters: 00:04 — Introduction to Sarah McGovern 02:16 — Sarah's Ulcerative Colitis Journey 04:18 — Medication-Induced Pancreatitis 09:03 — Planning Travel with IBD 14:23 — Packing Tips for IBD Travelers 20:39 — Managing Food Restrictions While Traveling 25:38 — The Value of a Travel Advisor 33:00 — Traveling to Disney with IBD 37:03 — Disney's Disability Access Service 43:46 — Travel Hacks 48:16 — Essential Travel Programs 55:07 — Where to Find Sarah Online Resour

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD202 Katie Neu and Amber Tresca talk over the results of the IBD Social Circle white paper, "The Power of Community in Inflammatory Bowel Disease." A survey of more than 500 patients puts a spotlight on the ways IBD affects body image, relationships, intimacy, and mental health. Amber and Katie discuss masking symptoms, the difficulties of working a corporate job, and why having community is critical.   Chapters 00:05 — Host Amber Tresca introduces the podcast and her guest, Katie Neu, who lives with Crohn's disease. 01:25 — Amber and Katie discuss the IBD Social Circle, a community for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 04:25 — The conversation turns to the experience of "faking being well" to manage social and professional expectations with an invisible illness. 10:17 — Katie shares her experiences with the stigma surrounding IBD, from high school and college to the workplace. 13:59 — The discussion focuses on the significant b

After a devastating Crohn's disease flare, marketing executive Bari Gratton traded a high-stress career for the healing path of yoga therapy in California. Bari joins Amber Tresca to discuss the "Five Layers of Being," the toxicity of "pushing through," and how she is building community for the next generation of IBD patients. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD201 Key Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Welcome to About IBD with Amber Tresca [00:04:40] – Diagnosis in the late 90s: Life as a teen with Crohn's [00:12:35] – The 2017 Crisis: Three surgeries and a temporary ostomy [00:19:40] – The Barn Door Moment: Finding safety in a yoga studio [00:23:00] – Healing the Next Generation: Camp Oasis and teen advocacy [00:30:30] – Intro to the Pancha Maya Kosha (The 5 Layers of Being) [00:32:15] – Layer 1: Annamaya Kosha (The Physical Body) [00:34:10] – Layer 2: Pranamaya Kosha (The Energy/Breath Body) [00:36:45] – Layer 3: Manomaya Kosha (The Mental/Emotional Body) [00:39:50] – Lay

Did you know that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) isn't only a digestive condition? It can also attack your vision. Your host, Amber J Tresca, breaks down some of the most common eye-related extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Learn how to identify the warning signs of episcleritis, uveitis, and scleritis, and find out when you need to see an ophthalmologist right away to protect your eyesight. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD200 Key Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Protecting your vision with IBD 02:07 - What are Extra-Intestinal Manifestations (EIMs)? 04:21 - How common is eye disease in IBD patients? 05:43 - Condition 1: Episcleritis (Symptoms and treatments) 07:15 - Why episcleritis often tracks with IBD flares 10:14 - Condition 2: Uveitis (Red flags and risks of vision loss) 13:58 - Condition 3: Scleritis (Rare but severe complications) 16:51 - Condition 4: Dry Eyes 18:23 - Risk Factors: Who is most likely to de

T.L. Wright, known as The IBD Athlete and author of The SCD Athlete Cookbook, tells Amber about her frustrating decades-long journey to a Crohn's disease diagnosis. She explains the health reasons behind her pivot from triathlons and Ironman races to competitive bodybuilding. You'll leave this episode with a better understanding of how to fuel for your sport or workout while managing an immune-mediated condition. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD199 The SCD Athlete Cookbook: Amazon and Bookshop.org Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the IBD Athlete 02:39 - A Lifetime of Unexplained Symptoms 04:18 - The "Go Hard" Endurance Sports Trap 08:09 - The Overlooked Connection Between IBD and Oral Health 11:04 - The 3-Year Promise 14:26 - Can IBD Patients Compete at an Elite Level? 21:21 - The Pivot to Natural Bodybuilding 26:54 - 5 Tips for Consistency on the SCD Diet 33:04 - The Dangers of AI Recipe Generation 35:29 - The Accidental Influencer 40:44 - Where to Find the IBD Athlete What

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD198 What does a pregnant woman do when they need a biologic medication, but pregnancy isn't included in drug trials? Dr. Sonia Grandi and Dr. Christina Longo talk to Amber Tresca about the BIONIC study, a groundbreaking project using decades of real-world data to understand how biologics affect a pregnant woman and her baby. The BIONIC study is designed to empower patients to make confident, evidence-based decisions about their own health and their children's future. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Sonia Grandi and Dr. Christina Longo. 04:14 – What exactly is an Epidemiologist? 06:33 – Why childhood asthma research led to the BIONIC Study. 11:05 – Why children and pregnant women are historically excluded from trials. 13:00 – Defining "Remission" in children: Why it's more than just labs. 17:01 – The BIONIC Study explained: Safety and biologics in pregnancy. 22:04 – The Patient Advisory Committee: Why lived experience matters.

Everyone needs sleep, but so many of us struggle to get enough. People living with IBD know that a good night's sleep can feel like a distant dream, whether it's pain, urgent bathroom trips, or racing thoughts keeping you up. But why exactly does IBD disrupt our sleep even during remission? And what is your sleep telling you about the risks of a flare-up? Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD197 Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Host Background 01:32 IBD and Sleep: The Problem 03:00 Why Sleep Matters for IBD 04:14 Defining Sleep Disturbance in IBD 05:23 Inflammation's Role in Sleep Disruption 07:08 Wearables and Sleep Research in IBD 08:29 Mental Health, Pain, and Medication Effects 11:06 Why Prioritizing Sleep is Crucial 12:30 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 14:57 Communicating Sleep Issues and Seeking Support 16:12 Episode Wrap-Up and Resources  16:20 Credits and Outro More Information on Sleep: Alien: How IBD Inspired an Iconic Movie: 10 Tips to Get More Sleep Talking to Your D

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized in healthcare for many purposes. Patients are wondering how they can safely and effectively use AI tools to educate themselves and to manage their health. Amber and guest Michael Tresca discuss what AI is, how it works, and why skepticism and source verification are essential. They highlight practical, lower-risk ways patients might use AI, such as organizing personal health data, drafting appointment questions, and explaining medical terms. The emphasis is on ongoing education, privacy concerns, responsible use, and the importance of "trust but verify" when using AI for critical health decisions without professional input. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD196 Sign up for Mike's AI newsletter: AI Unplugged on LinkedIn Timestamps: 00:05 — Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:20 — Recap of Previous Episode and Relationship Disclosure 02:16 — Defining AI and Common Misconceptions 04:14 — AI in Clinical and Patient Use 05:11 — AI in Every

The bedroom can be a place of anxiety for people of all genders living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). How can you boost your confidence and deepen your connection with your partner while living with IBD? Dr. Stacy Friedman is a clinical sexologist and intimacy coach living with ulcerative colitis. She explains how IBD affects intimacy, body image, dating, and relationships. Dr. Stacy shares her personal experiences and professional advice, with a focus on communication, trust, and how to know if a partner will be supportive. In this episode, we talk about why intimacy is more than sex and give tips about how to manage challenges. Dr. Stacy also encourages listeners to seek out support and embrace connection in the ways that work for them.   Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD195   Get Dr Stacy's book "Confessions & Lessons of a Sexpert: The Ultimate Guide to Intimacy and Better Sex"   Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction and Episode Overview 03:10 — Dr. Stacy's IBD Journey 05:30 — Sex and Inti

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. How can we approach AI with both curiosity and caution, especially as it becomes more integrated into daily life? If we're not aware of it and looking for it, AI could become inserted into spaces where we aren't comfortable with it. Amber talks with her son Brenden, a computer science student, about recognizing AI-generated content, the importance of media literacy, and the ethical challenges technology brings. This conversation offers some practical uses for AI, such as learning new skills or automating mundane tasks, while pointing out that creativity and critical thinking are human pursuits. We stress how AI isn't a replacement for expertise and that we should all question what we see online to encourage the responsible use of AI tools. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD194 Find Brenden Tresca at: LinkedIn: Brenden Tresca WHNU 88.7: Tech Fest radio show Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Hea

We explore the idea of setting intentions instead of resolutions in the new year, which are more adaptable for people living with IBD. Amber shares clips from guests who explain their intentions, such as prosper, discipline, generosity, consistency, and the importance of taking breaks. Each guest highlights how intentions guide actions and mindset, emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and kindness, despite unpredictability. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD193 Chapters: 00:05 — Introduction to Intentions Clip Show 01:14 — Why Intentions Over Resolutions 02:31 — Lisa: Prosper and Uplift 04:48 — Rachel: Discipline, Accountability, Generosity 06:46 — Stacey: Grounded Goals and Consistency 10:57 — Jen Hubley: Give Yourself a Break 12:06 — Episode Wrap-Up and Call to Action Find Lisa Zawrotny of Positively Productive Systems at: Web: Positively Productive LinkedIn: Positively Productive Systems Facebook: Positively Productive Twitter: Positively Lisa Instagram: Positively Lisa Y

Looking for your next great read? Host of About IBD, Amber Tresca, gives her year-end roundup of books, with brief summaries and her reflections on each. The selections cover a mix of genres, from speculative fiction and psychological thrillers to memoir and dark fantasy, often touching on themes of trauma, community, self-acceptance, and chronic illness. Amber shares how the stories resonated with her experience as a GenX mom living with a chronic illness, offering both recommendations and caveats. She also discusses practical tips for accessing books affordably through libraries and apps, and encourages exploring local bookstores or thrift shops to boost your reading journey and sense of community. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD192 Find Amber's 2025 books at Bookshop.org Chapters: 00:05 — Introduction and Episode Overview — Amber introduces herself, the podcast, and the year-end book review episode. 01:08 — Book 1: Beautyland by Marie Helene Bertino — Summary, themes, and r

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD191 Kinsey Beagley, a pediatric medical assistant diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 15, shares about her experiences with IBD, including struggling with symptoms, multiple medication failures, and eventually having J-pouch surgery. Kinsey shares how reframing difficult experiences and adopting a positive mindset—her mantra is "I can do hard things"—has helped her cope. Chapters 00:04 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:05 Kinsey's Diagnosis Story 04:42 Initial Treatments and Medication Journey 06:06 Decision for Surgery 07:09 Emotional Impact of Taking a Gap Year 09:05 How and When Surgery Was Discussed 10:12 Life After J-Pouch Surgery 12:30 Reframing Difficult Experiences 14:04 Advice on Positive Mindset 15:35 Inspiration for a Healthcare Career 17:38 Applying Patient Experience to Her Work 18:52 Hiking and Bathroom Anxiety 21:19 Managing Hydration and Pouch Function 22:29 Coping with Bathroom Anxiety in Daily Life 26:24 Practicing Pouch C

Katryna Loewen, a registered nurse diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020, shares her journey through severe flare-ups, incontinence, and her decision to have a colectomy and ileostomy in 2024. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of living with IBD, the stigma of ostomies, and how these experiences shaped her life, relationships, and career. Katryna also describes managing her mental health, planning her wedding, and preparing for motherhood, offering hope and practical advice to others with IBD. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD190 Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Guest Background 02:09 Katrina's Nursing Career 03:08 Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis 04:48 Remission and Flare-Ups 05:09 Severe Flare in 2023 07:08 Decision for Surgery 10:36 Facing Ostomy Surgery 14:08 Acceptance and Life with an Ostomy 16:08 Impact of IBD on Mental Health 17:18 Incontinence Experiences 23:31 Tracking Symptoms and Advocacy 26:23 Wedding with IBD 28:45 Therapy and Emotional Recovery 3

Samantha Sauer, BCPA, president of Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments (G-PACT), uncovers the challenges of living with gastroparesis and how it can overlap with IBD or other conditions. Sam shares her personal journey with gastroparesis and gives insights on symptoms, diagnosis, misconceptions, and the daily impact on patients' lives. Topics include the difficulties in getting the right diagnosis, the emotional toll of dietary restriction, and the importance of support communities. Sam also highlights resources offered by G-PACT, including support groups and educational outreach, while encouraging self-advocacy and perseverance for those seeking answers or support for their condition. Timestamps on this episode: 0:04 – Introduction and Guest Background 1:25 – Samantha's Diagnosis Journey 4:17 – What is Gastroparesis? Symptoms and Diagnosis 7:19 – Misdiagnosis and Overlapping Conditions 10:50 – Inflammation and Gastroparesis 12:18 – Impact on Daily and Social Life 16:22 – Social Challe

Amber and Mariah discuss how women with chronic illnesses cope with advice on medication use in pregnancy—especially in light of the confusion around acetaminophen. Mariah shares her experiences with rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy, focusing on changes in medication safety data. They talk about the pressure, stigma, and lack of support for pregnant women, the need for nuanced guidance, and provide resources. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD188 This episode sponsored by Fathom Care! Fathom is an AI-powered wellness companion made for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Over 2.4M people in the United States are navigating IBD alone, and Fathom is here to change that. Learn more at: https://fathom.care/ Chapters: 00:04 Intro & Guest Introduction 01:26 FDA Statement on Acetaminophen & Pregnancy 02:55 Concerns About Acetaminophen Guidance 04:03 Mariah’s RA & Pregnancy Experience 07:13 Impact of Medication Decisions 07:33 Biologics & Medication Safety 09:45 P

Sean Lochran, who lives with IBD and an ileostomy, describes his IBD journey, including complications such as blood clots and adrenal insufficiency. Sean shares advice for staying active on difficult days, including the importance of personalization, hydration, and tracking health data. He debunks misconceptions about exercise with IBD or an ostomy and describes his client-centered approach to fitness coaching, grounded in empathy and lived experience. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD187 This episode sponsored by Fathom Care! Fathom is an AI-powered wellness companion made for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Over 2.4M people in the United States are navigating IBD alone, and Fathom is here to change that. Learn more at: https://fathom.care/ Chapters in this episode: 00:04 – Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:20 – Sean’s Diagnosis Journey 02:59 – Complications: Adrenal Insufficiency and Prednisone 04:08 – Living with Adrenal Insufficiency 05:34 – Blood Clots and IBD 08: