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
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Pretzel Bark'Tis the holiday season, full of fun treats and decadent desserts, many of which you may not be able to tolerate due to your dietary restrictions. Living with Crohn's, I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Burden of Lab Work and Stool SamplesAs a Crohn's patient on medications like Remicade and Azathioprine, my doctor asks that I get routine lab work done, usually every three months. I am an incredibly hard stick...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
IBD and PancreatitisUlcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes long-term inflammation and ulcers (sores) on the inner lining of the large intestine. The other common type of...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Tips for Dealing with Oral Symptoms and Crohn'sHave you ever dealt with mouth sores during a Crohn's flare? Or perhaps inflamed gums? How about just overall soreness of the mouth? Teeth sensitivity to certain temperatures? If you've said yes to...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Want to Write for Us?Would you like to share your experience with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis and help others who are also living with the condition? We're looking to add new voices to our...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Only Foods I Can Eat During a FlareThe unpredictability of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's flares can be anxiety-inducing. I would constantly ask myself, "Is it ever going to get better?" when feeling down during a UC flare...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
Boursin Cheese PastaWhen people ask me what's my favorite food group, my honest answer would be "pasta." I know that as a health coach, I am supposed to say fruits or vegetables...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Queasy Does It: Dealing With IBD NauseaNausea is a symptom that is all too common for those with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately it comes with the diagnosis and must be dealt with regularly. For me...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
Almond Butter-Stuffed DatesWhen I think of the perfect snack, it requires 4 things: sweet, portable, nutritious, and won't weigh me down. These almond butter stuffed dates check all of those boxes, and an...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Putting on My "I'm Not Sick" FaceDuring the early years of my ulcerative colitis diagnosis, I used to go about my days wearing a mask. Not a surgical-style mask like many of us have worn throughout...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
What Women Don't Share About Crohn'sI am a huge advocate of speaking about my disease. Since being diagnosed in 2009, I have shared my high and low points, the several medications I have tried that have...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Here's My Flare Action PlanIn my experience, ulcerative colitis flares happen at the worst possible moment. In those times, I'm not able to think as clearly or react as well as I'd like, which...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
What Will My UC Be Like on My Wedding Day?There I was, my hair curled, my make-up done, smiling brightly as my mom and future mother-in-law zipped up my dress. My bridal party cheered and held up their glasses...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
How to Be a Supportive Partner to Someone with IBDMy husband and I have been married for 5 years, been together for 9, and we met just 3 weeks after my partial colectomy for my Crohn's disease. It may...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Trying a New Medication: Will It Work for My UC Flare?Another flare. Another drug. It's the cyclical nature of life with IBD. After years of remission, I have returned to the land of medication. Mind you, I've returned kicking and...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Garden Quinoa SaladI know what some of you are thinking. Quinoa and salad in the same line are an automatic "NO." I understand that. I get that many IBD patients cannot tolerate grains...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why Am I Avoiding My GI?It wasn't long ago that my GI was basically on my speed dial. Whenever I had a health issue, the first call I made was to my gastroenterologist, as I...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
What Do I Use for IBD Pain Relief?The dictionary defines pain as "physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury" and pain relief as "the alleviation of pain by means of medication." But is medication the...Reactions0reactionsComments26 comments
Feeling Stuck in the MuckThis has been a really hard season for my IBD. I've been having flare-like symptoms, but they've been associated with other health issues too. Sometimes I'm sure it's my Crohn's...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments