The Power of Patient Advocacy: A Behind-The-Scenes LookPatient advocacy has a way of pulling at your heartstrings. There are moments that stand out and make you pause to recognize that the work you are doing is changing...reactions1comment
Foods That Help With Iron Deficiency AnemiaSince I was a child, I've always struggled with slight anemia. I remember going in for my annual check-up before school would start, and across the board, all my blood...reactions11comments
Three Things I Wish I Did Sooner as a PatientI remember feeling overwhelmed 5 years ago after my initial diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. It was an illness that I knew little about and felt ill-prepared to fight. I still...reactions16comments
Raspberry and Banana Vegan SmoothieSmoothies are one of my favorite ways to get fruit into my diet. I can eat some fruits (like bananas) but others-such as berries-are much harder for me to digest...reactionscomments
The Flu-2021I really strive for myself to be at work every day. I teach 182 days a year, and up to last week, I had perfect attendance. Of course, it is...reactions2comments
Silver Linings of Crohn’s DiseaseBeing diagnosed with Crohn’s disease is devastating. No one is thrilled to hear that they have an autoimmune condition. It may be relieving to finally know why you are feeling...reactions5comments
Tips for Covering Odor and Noise in Public RestroomsI have been talking openly and honestly about having inflammatory bowel disease for years now. I guess that would make most people assume that I am not embarrassed about it...reactions8comments
3 Tips If You've Just Been Diagnosed with UCAs someone who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) 20 years ago, I have experienced a lot. I also know firsthand how difficult it is to navigate a new diagnosis...reactions5comments
Gas and Bloating With IBDInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to several conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two most common are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD can cause symptoms such...reactionscomments
Zucchini Potato PancakesThis is a twist on traditional zucchini pancakes, and is tailored to the dietary needs of those with Crohn’s disease. Peeling, seeding, and grating the zucchini make it easier to...reactionscomments
The Humira Diaries, Month TwoEditor's Note: Response to treatments are different for every person. Please discuss any concerns about medications with your healthcare professional. If you've been following my writing on here, you may...reactions2comments
Four Unconventional Techniques For Managing Abdominal PainIBD sufferers frequently experience abdominal pain. This is often chronic and debilitating. In other cases, it can force you to go to the hospital for an obstruction. Certainly, at the...reactions6comments
Planning For Your Next In-Person VisitWhile some appointments can be done virtually using telemedicine, there are still many visits that need to be done in person. If you need to attend an in-person visit, planning...reactionscomments
My Early Signs of Crohn's DiseaseI sometimes get asked: how did you know you had Crohn's disease? And the answer is, I didn't. I had no clue what was going on in my body and I...reactions38comments
The Difference Between Soluble and Insoluble FiberWe have all heard of fiber and are familiar with what it does. To formally define it, fiber is the part of plant-based foods (grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans) that...reactions9comments
Why IBD Invisible Day or Week Isn't Good Enough For MeInvisible awareness day; it’s talked about all of the time. We’re aware. Down in the trenches of advocacy and activism in whatever form your's looks like - we’re all just...reactions3comments
Mexican-Spiced Meatballs and Tomato SauceTo be honest, I'm not a huge fan of mince (ground beef). In fact, I'm not really that fussed about whether I eat meat at all! But, these 5% fat...reactionscomments
Navigating The Fear of Increased Symptoms vs. FlareManaging an active toddler, life in social isolation, and full-time work is a lot. I literally worry every single time I am in the bathroom that this will be the...reactions12comments
Finding Little Wins Along Our Crohn's JourneyBeing handed a lifetime sentence with a chronic illness is devastating. The uncertainty, panic, and endless questions wrapped up in a body that feels like it has been completely drained...reactions3comments
Crohn's Disease & Dermatologic ConcernsSearching for and starting a new medication to treat IBD always comes with a hint of hesitation and distress. Personally, I was in the hospital for the umpteenth time when...reactions7comments
