The Joys of the Stool TestOne slightly vexing aspect of IBD is the stool test. For the uninitiated, this involves defecating in a pan before scooping out your excrement in little lab vials. I remember one... By Matt Nagin3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Stigma of UC: Breaking the SilenceI have a secret... No one can outwardly see my struggle. From all appearances, I look normal. More importantly, I look healthy. But I know differently. I'm not like everyone... By Traci Musick-Shaffer3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments29 comments
The Gut-Brain Axis and IBDI've talked on here before about how IBD can impact your mental health and why we need to do more to support patients with it. But new research has emerged... By Jenna Farmer2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Blood Clot, Thanks to Ulcerative ColitisIn 2021, I started to flare worse than any flare I’d had previous to this. My body was not responding to my mesalamine at all and a strong course of... By Eshani Agrawal2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments15 comments
Gastroparesis and IBD – An Unlucky ComboSince getting my PICC line and coming off total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in June, my body has been declining rapidly. I’ve chosen to try and keep things private, but it’s... By Kelly J.3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Dealing With Incontinence and IBDAccidents. Incontinence. Call it what you will. To be in your 20s and experiencing fecal incontinence is soul-destroying. I’m not saying it’s any less soul-destroying later or earlier in life... By Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Over 3 Decades of Crohn’s Pain… and Finally Pain-FreeOver 30 years ago, if you told me that one day my Crohn's and I would be finally pain-free, I would have probably thought it a dream. Well, I guess... By Vern Laine3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Can Biologics Change Your Periods?Today I wanted to share a personal post about my experience with a changed menstrual cycle since I started Humira (also called adalimumab). After asking in Facebook groups and doing... By Jenna Farmer2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments7 comments
6 Tips for Staying on Top of TreatmentLiving with a long-term health condition requires us to stay on top of everything: doctor’s appointments, new symptoms, insurance, and, of course, managing treatment – all while taking care of... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Bill You Didn't Ask ForAs someone who grew up in a working-class home, I’ve always been highly conscious of money and spending. As a graduate student, my attention to money has continued to be... By Christal Davis2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Gut Massage for Intestinal PainIt’s holiday vacation time. I’m sitting in a restaurant enjoying an ocean view and finishing a scrumptious seafood meal with my husband when the pain hits. The low rumble, gurgle... By Traci Musick-Shaffer3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
There's No Shame in Taking MedsAbout 4 years ago, I stopped taking my medications. I had been on mesalamine for my ulcerative colitis and had been in remission for about a year. I was in... By Eshani Agrawal2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Emotional Impact of Living with IBDWhen I first began experiencing symptoms of Crohn’s disease, I went into survival mode. Anything else took too much of my time, my energy, my hope, my life – and... By Amanda Osowski2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Faking Being Well With Crohn'sWhen you suffer from a Crohn's diagnosis or any chronic illness for that matter, we are masters at faking being well. That's right. Have an important event you need to... By thedancingcrohnie2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
IVF, Anesthesia, and My BowelsDuring the last several years, I’ve written about my life with Crohn’s disease. I’ve written in-depth about how it’s impacted my mental health, my physical health, my identity, my relationships... By Amanda Osowski3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why I Love Rectal MedicationsThe first time I started taking rectal medications I used to go to the pharmacy and fill my whole backpack with boxes of enemas. These were mesalamine enemas and I... By Eshani Agrawal3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How Do You Know When You Have A Blockage?Recently, a friend called. She'd only had Crohn's disease a few months, hadn't eaten in a few days, and was now in severe abdominal pain. Should she go to the... By Matt Nagin3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
How To Stay Organized With IBD: Medications and TreatmentsIn a recent post, I talked about how I stay organized in managing the logistical part of living with IBD – including keeping track of important contacts, symptom fluctuations, appointments... By Amanda Osowski3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
IBD Treatment Can Be Really RoughNote: These descriptions are based on my personal experience with a variety of treatments as an ulcerative colitis patient. Always remember to speak directly with your doctor about your medications... By Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
The Tin Man Effect: Joint Pain and UCA pulsating throb awakens me at night. I attempt to stretch, to ease the lightning bolts of shooting pain, but my arms don’t seem to want to move easily. At... By Traci Musick-Shaffer3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments18 comments