Naturopath? Who KnewIn my over 36 years of Crohn’s “experience” I have seen doctors, nurses, specialists, surgeons, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and even a naturopath - to name just a few. And after...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Unusual and Unexpected Symptoms: Share Your ExperienceLiving with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can sometimes mean facing unexpected and perplexing symptoms that aren't always easy to discuss. In our community, many members have bravely shared their experiences...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
One Thing I Would Change About My Crohn’s JourneyLooking back on my Crohn’s journey, one of the biggest mistakes I did was isolate from my friends and community. And by isolate, I mean that I didn’t reach out...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
How to Get Over Your Food FearsThere are many fears to be had when living with Crohn's or UC. Many fear needing a bathroom urgently during a traffic jam, having a nonworking commode on a 2...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Not-So-Daunting Transition to a New MedicationAfter managing ulcerative colitis with 5-ASA medications for nearly a decade, I recently took a significant step in my treatment plan by starting Zeposia, an oral medication (S1P receptor modulator)...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Transitioning to Home Healthcare for Infusion MedicationAs a Crohn’s patient, I was prescribed my first biologic in early 2016, just a few months after my official diagnosis. When it came time to navigate logistics, I was...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Planning Events with Crohn’s: Stress Lowering TipsPlanning a wedding (or other major events) as a healthy person can be stressful, but planning a wedding with a Crohn’s diagnosis can be extra stressful. Thankfully so far, planning...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
4 Lessons I Learned Navigating Ulcerative Colitis and FoodAfter an inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis, the world of food takes on an entirely new complexion. Suddenly, harmless snacks become potential landmines, and mealtimes transform into bouts of digestive distress...Reactions0reactionsComments18 comments
When "Hot Girl Summer" is Really "IBD Girl Summer"For some people, summer is the most glorious time of the year. School's out, the beach awaits, fresh foods are plentiful, and you just can't beat sitting on the deck...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Fear of Being Discharged From My GastroenterologistI recently had a conversation with my gastroenterologist that really put the fear of the universe in me. I’ve had the same gastroenterologist since I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
IBD Disclosure in the WorkplaceAlmost a year and a half ago, I left my full time corporate job in patient advocacy at a small biotech company. The demands on my time and energy were...Reactions0reactionsComments28 comments
Managing My UC During Times of Stress and AnxietyIt’s no wonder I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at age 19. As a child, I learned to wad up my feelings as tight as they’d go and stuff...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Fear of "The Look"Fear of “the look” holds far too much power over me sometimes. I imagine we’ve all gotten the look at least once. Sometimes it might be a look of pity...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Wedding Planning with Crohn’s DiseaseThere are major moments in life that remind you how Crohn's disease does not take a pause. Life moves on and Crohn's remains present. In January I got engaged, and...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis: My First Steps into the IBD CommunityIn early 2013, I began experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues - abdominal cramping, urgent bowel movements, bloody diarrhea. At first, I chalked it up to a stubborn case of food poisoning...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Living with UC and POTSAfter many bouts of dizziness, abnormally high heart rate, and long periods of air hunger (where it felt like I could never get a full breath) I was diagnosed with...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why Practicing Mindfulness is Important When Living with IBDWe can practice mindfulness in many ways in our lives. We can practice mindfulness before replying to an angry email as to not escalate the situation. We can also use...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Managing My UC with Natural Therapies“How are you able to work full-time with ulcerative colitis?” I am often asked this question by people newly diagnosed with IBD. After living over 30 years with UC, I’ve...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Coping Strategies During a Flare UpFlares can be life-altering and completely rock you to your core, especially if it is your first flare. If you have Crohn's disease, your flares can also be unpredictable not...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Understanding Mouth Ulcers in Ulcerative ColitisToday, I want to talk about the relationship between ulcerative colitis (UC) and mouth ulcers, highlighting the challenges faced and sharing practical strategies for coping with this aspect of the...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments