Do I know myself better than my medical team?Self-advocacy is a funny word. It's something I've always tried to encourage in my writing but lately, I'm struggling with a different kind of dilemma: Is self-advocacy working with your...reactions1comment
Finding a New Nightly Routine with an OstomyEveryone has a nighttime routine they follow before collapsing into bed at the end of the day. For some, the typical bedtime routine may include having a small snack or...reactions1comment
Give Yourself Permission To FeelI was recently watching an episode of Ted Talks. If you're not familiar with Ted Talks, it's basically a "nonprofit dedicated to ideas worth spreading" - Defined by their Facebook...reactions1comment
The Recent PainIt all started about two weeks ago. I was helping a friend move, and I had received a horrible cramping pain in my stomach. I didn’t make anything of it...reactions1comment
7 Awkward Moments When Using a Public BathroomBathroom. Toilet. Restroom. Loo (as us Brits are prone to calling it). Whichever phrase you prefer to use, there's no getting around that using one in public is AWKWARD! I'd...reactions1comment
How to Support a Loved One In a FlareThere are a lot of questions people ask when I tell them I'm flaring. Most of the questions are about how people can help, what they can bring over and...reactions1comment
10 Steps To Becoming An Empowered PatientBeing diagnosed with any chronic condition is overwhelming in itself. Being diagnosed with IBD is especially hard because there are many topics related to our condition that even doctors disagree...reactions1comment
IBD in the GenesDid you know that over 50 genes have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Although no one knows exactly what causes IBD, your genetics may factor in. So if...reactions1comment
Helpful Hints for the Newly Diagnosed - Part 1These are some helpful hints that I've found based on my experience for the person who's been recently diagnosed with IBD. They may even be helpful for those who weren't...reactions1comment
Think you might have IBD? Here's what you can do!Digestive issues can lead to a lot of confusion. What is causing this pain? Where is the blood in the toilet coming from? Why do I have to use the...reactions1comment
Don't Lose Yourself To Your DiagnosisAfter living with any chronic condition for a number of years, it's easy to forget the person you were before it. Or if you're anything like me, diagnosed as a...reactions1comment
Staying Positive During A FlareDealing with an IBD flare is challenging. It can be hard to keep a positive outlook when you're dealing with so much pain and frustration. Even when I'm not flaring...reactions5comments
Patients Have Power, Don't Be Afraid to Use ItHow many times have you sat in a doctor appointment and felt at a loss for words? Then, the moment you're walking to the car everything you wanted to say...reactions1comment
Crohn's Disease of the VulvaIn the last few articles (What Women Should Know About Living with IBD, and Crohn's Disease in Your Where?), we've talked about the complications that the female reproductive system can...reactions19comments
Self-esteem and IBDSo many that I sometimes even wonder what kind of person I'd be without my condition. I wonder this simply because all of those embarrassing moments impacted me so much...reactions1comment
Expecting the UnexpectedOne of the worst parts about going to bed with chronic illness is knowing that you’ll wake up still next to it, soon realizing you can’t do a walk of...reactions1comment
Crack, Creak, Pop: The Sounds of a Post-Surgery WorkoutI have been there before. You’re into a great routine working out. You have been going to the gym week in and week out. You feel great, and then boom! ...reactions1comment
Advocacy & Politics.I grew up in a family that didn't speak of politics. I mean, I don't remember politics EVER being brought into a conversation in any family or one on one...reactions1comment
Why Small Bowel MRIs are the Absolute WORSTTwo weeks ago, I found myself laying on my belly, holding my breath on autocue while desperately wondering how long I could hold off dashing to the nearest bathroom. What...reactions11comments
My Disordered Relationship with FoodI have talked a decent amount about how much inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has impacted my relationship with food. I have learned through a lot of your comments, along with...reactions5comments
