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
Locked Out: The Misery of No RestroomA reality exists that incites immediate fear and anguish for anyone with inflammatory bowel disease. This reality, when it arrives, hits hard and sends quivers throughout the body like bolts...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Let's Talk SIBOSIBO is the acronym for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, something commonly experienced by those with Crohn's, yet often misdiagnosed or overlooked. SIBO occurs when there is an increase in the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why I Recommend Electrolyte Powders for HydrationThese days nurses are constantly commenting on how hard it is to get at my veins during bloodwork. My heart rate gets too rapid and sometimes I even feel sick...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How to Manage "Activity Fatigue" With Crohn's and UCDo you ever experience activity fatigue? Let me explain... Do you ever overdo it on the days you wake up and feel okay? It's those days that you may have slight...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
4-Ingredient GuacamoleAvocados are 1 of the foods that many Crohn's and ulcerative colitis patients can tolerate. They aren't too fibrous so as not to irritate the gut. They are full of healthy...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Living with UC and PouchitisI lived with pouchitis for many years – the majority of the time I had my J-pouch, actually. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2007, but my colon was...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Fibromyalgia and IBD: What's the Connection?It's no surprise that when it comes to inflammatory bowel disease, we are at more risk of experiencing other chronic conditions. One of these is fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Gluten-Free RecipesLiving with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis often comes with food sensitivities. Eating certain things – whether it's spicy food, nuts, or dairy – may cause symptoms to act up...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Embracing the 2 Different Types of Self-CareI recently found myself presented with the perfect opportunity for a self-care day. My partner was hosting an old college friend at our place for the weekend, and being the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
When a Rise in Temps Means a Rise in SymptomsWe all get flares from time to time throughout the year, sometimes more than we would like, but have you ever noticed that they are either worse or more frequent...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Sitting for Long Periods of Time With IBDRecently, I had to go to the salon to get my hair cut. It took about 3 hours. That meant 3 whole hours of sitting in a chair in a public...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
