“Trust Your Gut” & the Irony Behind this SentimentI was a normal 23 year old when my life turned upside down. Outside of a very intense figure skating accident and subsequent laparoscopic knee surgery, I only experienced a... By Amanda Osowski4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
To The Newly Diagnosed, I See YouYou've just been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. You're scared and a little embarrassed to even say the words. You don't want to admit it because you fear announcing your... By Shawn2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I’m Too LittleWhen my phone began ringing early-Friday morning, I felt something wasn’t right, but my head was so heavy with sleep I couldn’t quite answer. A little while later it rang... By Holland5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Hotel BathroomWhen I first was diagnosed with Crohn’s, I was afraid to leave the house. You couldn’t pay me enough money to travel, and stay in a hotel bathroom. Over the years... By Paul Richman2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments6 comments
You Can Get Pregnant After SurgeryI spend a lot of time talking with fellow inflammatory bowel disease patients. Several times a month, I get questions from women worried about fertility and whether or not they... By Colitis Ninja3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How I Nearly Let Crohn’s Ruin Our EngagementIt was a dark and stormy night. Seriously, it was. The weather matched my mood, exactly. I was not feelin’ the day, and if I had my way I would... By Holland4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Being the Sick FriendThe unspoken label no one wants, but is referred to anyway.. the "sick" friend. Not everyone has one, but in a world full of amazing scientific research, as well as the... By Kelly J.2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The ScarMy stomach looks like I have been through a war. If you saw me walking down the beach, would say to yourself: Wow, what happened to that guy. I wrote in... By Paul Richman2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
8 tips for flying with IBDSummer is upon us and for many of us, that means jetting off to somewhere exotic. When I was first diagnosed, I was actually living in China -and for the... By Jenna Farmer2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
5 tips for living abroad with IBDMy Crohn's Disease journey actually began in China-of all places. Despite having symptoms for almost 12 years when living in the UK, it took a move of over 5000 miles... By Jenna Farmer3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Different Types of AdvocatesThe term ‘Patient Advocate’ can be a bit controversial and misleading at times. There is no one definition to show exactly what an advocate actually is. Not every advocate has... By Shawn2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Eff Your Beauty StandardsEff Your Beauty Standards is a movement created by Tess Holiday and it's one I am extremely passionate about. Media in all manners, including social media, all promote a certain... By Krystal Miller2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Guilt of Failing MedsLet's talk about an uncomfortable topic today: when medications fail you.. rather when YOU failed medications. There is much guilt, anger, and denial that is not talked about enough, and I... By Kelly J.3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Socially awkwardI'm going to blame the fact that I've only ever known life being sick as the excuse to why I am so socially awkward. You'd assume that because I live... By Krystal Miller2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
13 Tips For Traveling with IBDYou want to participate and enjoy, but unfortunately you have more on your plate to worry about than the average bear. Fact is, for a lot of us traveling can... By Shawn2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
When The Patient Is The CaregiverLiving with autoimmune diseases and the challenges they bring is enough for any one human. Then pack on raising and caring for a smaller human. And if that’s not enough... By Brooke Abbott3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
It Is Difficult To Be Your Own Advocate When You Are So IllWe all hear how important it is to be your own advocate. I think everyone with a chronic illness has heard how crucial it is to become an educated, informed... By Marisa Lauren Troy2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Breastfeeding with a J-PouchPatients living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis know all too well that malnutrition is a common occurrence. Not to mention a nuisance. It is not easy to keep on... By Colitis Ninja3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Shame of a Shower ChairLast month, I was hospitalized for the majority of its entirety. Upon each release, it was evident how weak I had become when attempting to take a shower. I was... By Kelly J.2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Fear of the TaperI felt great! I could eat whatever I wanted, with very little issues. I knew that steroids were just a band-aid and eventually I would have to get off of... By Paul Richman2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments