UC and Chronic PainAs I'm sure you all know by now, ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms can vary from person to person. Unfortunately, that's the nature of the disease – our symptoms differ, our...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
5 Things Not to Say to Someone With IBDI'm not sure which is more infuriating, having your lab results come back completely normal when you feel like absolute death or having someone tell you, "Maybe you should give...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Crohn's Symptoms That Seem UnbelievableI was diagnosed with Crohn's disease back in 2011. It has been 12 years dealing with this diagnosis and I always found it interesting when discussing symptoms with those who don't...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Childhood Trauma and IBD: Is There a Connection?"What causes ulcerative colitis?" This question is most often asked when I explain my inflammatory bowel disease. Although no one can pinpoint the exact cause, many experts believe some of...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?Remember when we were in college or just starting out in our career and people would ask, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" And you, as a young...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
What Is "Step Therapy"?: The Impact of Insurance on Our Treatment DecisionsMy ulcerative colitis symptoms have mostly been controlled by 5-ASA medications. These medications help manage my symptoms, averting the increased urgency or bloody stool that accompanies flares. However, my UC...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Extreme IBD Fatigue That Comes With a Holiday HangoverOh, the joy of the festive season! Honestly, I do love it, but at the same time, wow... This year truly wore me out! Generally speaking, I try not to...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Pulling Yourself Out of the Lowest of LowsIt's hard to have a good day when every day seems like the worst. Experiencing repeated Crohn's or ulcerative colitis flares can take a toll on your mental health as...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
New Crohn's Disease Guidelines Should Mean Fewer Colonoscopies for PatientsIn November 2023, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) released new guidelines for managing Crohn's disease. The new guidelines may mean that people living with Crohn's disease will need fewer colonoscopies...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Social Impact of Living With IBDI was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 21 years old. In some ways, I am lucky in that I did not have to endure the excruciating symptoms during my...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What's the Root Cause of My Crohn's Disease?Wow, I wish I knew the answer to this question. Does anyone know the answer to this question? That's something I think about all of the time. In truth, we...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Is Anything Safe to Eat?I remember my complicated relationship with food starting really early on in my IBD journey. Pre-diagnosis, actually. When my ulcerative colitis symptoms started in 2007, I was dealing with incredible...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
How to Support Someone with UC or Crohn's This DecemberWhen a friend or loved one is diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease, it can be challenging to know what to say or do — especially if you don't fully...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Up-and-Down, Up-and-Down Dance of PrednisoneAt some point in your IBD journey you will need to embrace the world of pharmaceuticals from 5-ASAs to immunomodulators, biologics to steroids. If you are lucky, you may need...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
What If There Never Is a Cure for Crohn’s?There are several questions that go through my mind repeatedly while living with Crohn's such as, "When is my next infusion?" and "Didn't I just pay that bill?" And, most...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Managing My Anxiety With Ulcerative ColitisThroughout my life, I've often been plagued by 2 a.m. thoughts, sweaty hands, and constant what-ifs about worst-case scenarios. Anxiety is a familiar companion, trying its best to take care...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
IBD Travel Comfort Pack GiveawayThe IBD Travel Comfort Pack Giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your interest! Cramped airplane seats, less-than-pleasant restrooms, and a whole lot of sitting and waiting... Sometimes the journey...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
"Ask Me Anything" About Crohn's and Colitis!Thank you for your interest in our Ask Me Anything! This live forum session has ended, and the forum is closed to new comments. If you have a question about...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Are Some "Safer" Vegetables for IBD Patients?As a Certified Health Coach, I get this question a lot when working with clients who have IBD. And, as a Crohn's patient myself, I can honestly say that I once...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
No Really, I Am SickHaving a chronic illness is hard. It's exhausting battling with my Crohn's day after day, and it's frustrating and stressful dealing with those who just don't understand or don't believe...Reactions0reactionsComments36 comments