About Ibd

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:

Every person living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can help change public policy by sharing their story and participating in advocacy events, such as visiting legislators in Washington, D.C. Amber talks to Kelly E. Dwyer, who teaches us how to prepare an elevator speech and gives us practical tips for Hill Day logistics, working within teams, staying emotionally resilient, and following up with staffers. Advocacy is for everyone, and persistence and collaboration can lead to real policy changes to benefit the IBD and chronic illness communities. By the end of the episode, you'll have the real resources you can use to do this work as a patient advocate both locally and nationally.   This episode is sponsored by Connecting to Cure.   Transcript and more information: https://bit.ly/AIBD186   Chapters: 00:05 Introduction and Guest Background 01:23 The Role and Nature of Patient Advocacy 02:37 The Long Game of Advocacy: Successes and Challenges 04:37 Advocacy vs. Activism and Personal Motivation 0

Amber interviews artist Daniel Leighton, who shares his journey living with Crohn's disease from childhood. Daniel tells us how he didn't think of himself as an artist, but painting became a vital tool for expressing emotions and coping with complex PTSD related to chronic illness. He offers some advice for those intimidated by starting a journey into creativity and describes how art validates the experiences of people with chronic illness. Daniel's artwork, inspired by his medical journey, helps others with IBD feel seen and less alone, highlighting the role of art in emotional healing and community connection. This episode contains a discussion of medical trauma and complex PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), so please take care when listening. Check the show notes for a description and time stamps, in case you want to skip certain sections. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD185 Chapters: 00:01 Intro & Content Warning 2:40 Daniel’s IBD Journey & Surgeries 5:15 Early

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD184   Amber talks with Aaron Blocker, a Crohn’s disease patient and advocate, about the importance of finding and creating community for people touched by IBD. Online and in-person groups offer support and serve as platforms to share practical tips and counter misinformation. Aaron points out that it’s important to find a balance between advocacy, health, and personal life when offering support to others. Both emphasize the value of authenticity and learning from mistakes. The conversation stresses the importance of caring for mental health, the power of connection, and staying true to one’s own reasons for taking part in community.   Topics discussed on this episode: Importance of community for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Challenges and rewards of sharing disease experiences online Navigating negative comments and misinformation in online communities Strategies for engaging with IBD communities and providing support Bala

We get back to the basics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including the differences between Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and how IBD is different than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBDologist Dr Katie Dunleavy explains common symptoms, the diagnostic process, and treatment options, focusing on patient advocacy, regular screenings, and open communication with physicians and other healthcare providers. Also included is the importance of diet, stress management, second opinions, and multidisciplinary care in managing IBD. If you or your loved one lives with IBD, you will learn something new, and if there's someone in your life who could use help in understanding IBD, this is the episode to share with them.   Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD183   Topics discussed on this episode: Definition and overview of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Differences between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Types of IBD: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate

Stress is a huge problem for people who live with immune-mediated conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The condition causes tension in all the parts of our lives. We can't get rid of it, so we need to find ways to either minimize it or manage it. I talk to Dr. Jin Lee, neuropsychologist and CEO of IMIdeology, about managing stress while living with chronic inflammatory diseases like IBD and lupus. We discuss the impact of chronic stress on health, the challenges of fragmented care, and the benefits of a multidisciplinary, holistic approach. Dr. Lee shares practical, easy-to-implement stress management tips that you can do even when sitting at a stoplight! Plus, we tell you about the upcoming "Bridging Autoimmunity: Patient Forum" taking place on September 13th in Dobbs Ferry, NY. You'll come away from this episode understanding how integrated care, community support, and small daily habits can improve quality of life with chronic illness.   Episode transcript and more: https://bit.ly/AIBD182

A children's book leads to this conversation, which bridges the worlds of chronic illness, creativity, and connection. I talk with MB (Britt) Mooney, author of "The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese," a children's book inspired by a young woman named Alex who lived with severe Crohn's disease. MB, a science fiction and fantasy author, stepped outside his usual genre to create a story that helps kids and families understand invisible illnesses and the power of friendship. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insight on MB's creative process, the lessons learned from working with Alex's family, and the message he hopes every reader takes away—whether they live with inflammatory bowel disease or not.   Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD181   Topics in this episode include:

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD180   Grassroots organizations are an important part of the IBD landscape, helping fill in the many gaps in our underserved community. Amber talks with Angela Clark, president and CEO of Propel a Cure, a grassroots nonprofit that funds research projects looking for the causes of Crohn's disease. They discuss the challenges of finding cures for IBD and the importance of supporting innovative, early-stage research. Angela explains their grant selection process, highlights current research they fund, and shares how the organization communicates complex science to the IBD community.   Topics in this episode include: Origins and mission of Propel a Cure, a nonprofit organization focused on Crohn's disease research. Angela Clark's personal connection to Crohn's disease and her role in Propel a Cure. The grassroots nature of Propel a Cure and its all-volunteer structure. Challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit organization dedicated to IB

Amber speaks with Hindy Klein, a member of the Orthodox Jewish community living with Crohn’s colitis. Hindy shares how she manages IBD while observing Jewish laws, discussing challenges with diet, fasting, and hospital care during Shabbat and holidays. She also talks about overcoming stigma, the importance of community support, and how her faith helps her cope. The episode highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare and the value of sharing personal stories to support others with chronic illness.   Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD179   ✨ Intersection of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and religious faith ✨ Personal experiences of managing Crohn's colitis within the Orthodox Jewish community ✨ Challenges related to diet, fasting, and hospital care during religious observances ✨ Cultural tendencies towards privacy regarding chronic illness in the Jewish community ✨ Importance of community support and mutual aid in times of health crises ✨ Navigating healthcare comm

Amber interviews Dr. Ali Navidi, a gastropsychologist specializing in mental health for people with gastrointestinal disorders. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health alongside conditions like IBD and IBS, highlighting the stigma surrounding these issues. Dr. Navidi explains cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnosis, emphasizing their effectiveness in managing symptoms. He also shares insights on the challenges of accessing mental health care and introduces a new therapeutic group program for IBD patients developed in collaboration with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, aimed at making treatment more accessible and affordable.   Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD178 Mental health challenges associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Stigma surrounding mental health in gastrointestinal disorders The connection between mental and physical health in digestive disorders Disorders of gut-brain interaction and their implications Importa

Elizabeth Coldrick, a nutritional therapist and breathwork facilitator living with IBD and a permanent ostomy shares her experiences living in Bali, the challenges and benefits of managing IBD abroad, and the importance of nutrition and breathwork for mental and physical health. She explains how breathwork can reduce stress and inflammation, offers a simple breathing exercise, and discusses her new nutrition e-book for people with ostomies. The episode highlights self-care, community, and practical strategies for living well with IBD.   Episode highlights The connection between breathwork and mental health, particularly for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The significance of breathwork in managing stress and promoting overall well-being. Personal experiences of living with IBD and an ostomy, including challenges faced while living abroad. The impact of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, on health while living in a different country. The physiological effects of breathwo

Jonathan Stewart, co-founder of Evergreen Adventures, a nonprofit focused on connecting the chronic illness community with outdoor activities, shares his journey with type one diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and sarcoidosis. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of staying active despite health challenges, describes the need for planning outdoor adventures, and encourages everyone to find joy in nature, no matter the circumstances.   Concepts discussed on this episode: Personal experiences with chronic illnesses, including ulcerative colitis and type one diabetes. The journey of misdiagnosis and the challenges of managing chronic conditions. The emotional impact of surgical decisions, such as colectomy and living with an ileostomy. The importance of community support and advocacy for individuals with chronic illnesses. The significance of restroom access and related laws for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The role of outdoor activities in promoting physical and mental well-being for peop

In this episode, Victoria, founder of GetYourBellyOut, shares her journey with ulcerative colitis and the importance of community support for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). She discusses her diagnosis experience, the challenges of navigating healthcare, and the need for better patient advocacy. Victoria highlights the organization's growth, its initiatives like the IBD Nurse Helpline leaflets, and the significance of connecting patients with healthcare providers. She emphasizes the importance of funding to expand their services and create more opportunities for support, while also reflecting on the personal connections that drive her passion for this work.   Topics covered on this episode: Personal journey with ulcerative colitis and diagnosis experience Emotional and physical challenges of living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Importance of community support and connection for individuals with chronic illnesses Founding and evolution of the organization "GetYourBellyOut" Advoc

Amber and gastroenterologist Dr Neil Parikh discuss technology’s impact on IBD management. Dr Parikh emphasizes the importance of patient diaries and open communication between patients and providers. They also address concerns about data privacy, integrating holistic approaches in patient care, and the potential of wearable technology in gastroenterology.   Find Neil D. Parikh, MD at: Web: Connecticut GI LinkedIn: Neil D. Parikh, MD   Find The Gut Doctor Podcast at: RSS feed Apple Podcasts Spotify All other podcast apps   Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_IBD   Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer  Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.   Episode transcript and more in

People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (forms of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD) were told for many decades that diet didn't affect the disease. Even today, some patients are still told this, even though there is now significant evidence that diet absolutely matters in IBD. Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN describes how her journey with ulcerative colitis led to j-pouch surgery. Her philosophy as a registered dietician is one of “nutrition by addition" rather than by dietary restriction. Stacey also focuses on the emotional aspects of eating with IBD, including the understandable fear and anxiety around food.   Topics discussed: The role of diet in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Personal experiences with ulcerative colitis and dietary management. The misconception that diet does not impact IBD management. The philosophy of "nutrition by addition" versus dietary restrictions. The importance of individualized dietary approaches for IBD patients. The impact of food on gut health

IBD patients are innovative, resilient, and powerful. My guest, Rachel Bee, is an incredible example of all these virtues. Rachel is a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at just 13 years old. She turned her experiences with IBD into a mission to help others by founding Infusion Hero, a company that designs innovative hoodies specifically for young patients receiving infusions.   Infusion Hero hoodies provide comfort and feature a unique design that allows for easy access during medical treatments. Rachel shares her story of navigating the challenges of her diagnosis, balancing high school, and running a business—all while maintaining her health and staying connected with friends. Don't miss Rachel's insights on how to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.   Discussion points include: Personal health journeys related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Experiences of living with Crohn's disease as a teenager The impact of chronic i

It's not easy to manage both a career and chronic illness like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis). We need tools and tips in order to keep everything moving and succeed at work while caring for ourselves. I talk with Jen Hubley Luckwaldt about how freelancing can be a valid way of meeting both goals. Jen shares her journey from traditional employment to freelancing, including how it offers her flexibility in balancing work, health, and family. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries with clients, how to identify your marketable skills, and building a supportive community. Jen emphasizes the value of an abundance mindset in freelancing and offers practical tips for finding work and managing time effectively. If you've ever wondered how you can manage to work while still making it to infusions and appointments: we have a roadmap for you.   Episode highlights: Managing a career while living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Challenges of maintaining traditio

Do you find it difficult to find the time and energy to deal with mental or physical clutter? Lisa Zawrotny, a productivity coach and founder of Positively Productive Systems, helps us learn how to manage clutter, even when flaring. We discuss practical strategies for decluttering both your physical space and mental load, and how to celebrate even the smallest victories in your day-to-day life. Plus, Lisa reveals her insights on creating systems that work for you, no matter your circumstances. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by expectations or struggled to find balance, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you reclaim your time and energy.   Key points: Intersection of productivity and chronic illness Challenges faced by caregivers and individuals with chronic conditions Personal journey of caregiving and its impact on productivity coaching Importance of compassion and realistic approaches to productivity Strategies for managing stress and clutter Prioritization of tasks and setting

Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_IBD   Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer  Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.   Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD169