Bowel Moments

Send us a textWhen your gastroenterologist is also your dad, navigating the complexities of Crohn's disease takes on a whole new dimension. Angie's powerful story reveals a journey of discovery, resilience, and unexpected insights into managing IBD through life's major transitions.Diagnosed in 2017 following a period of intense personal stress, Angie shares her quest to understand why she developed Crohn's without family history. Her analytical approach has led to fascinating observations about potential triggers and management strategies. Most notably, she's discovered her Apple Watch provides possible early warnings of impending flares through heart rate variability changes.The conversation takes a particularly compelling turn when Angie discusses her pregnancy experience. While initially smooth, a flare during her third trimester created significant concerns about her baby's development. She candidly shares how her medical team balanced medication adjustments with pregnancy safety, ultimately leading to the birth of her healthy son. Beyond medical management, Angie reveals how her experience with cold exposure seemed to help her, and how changing her relationship with exercise from aesthetic goals to gratitude for movement transformed her approach to fitness. Her perspective on finding meaning through chronic illness challenges listeners to consider how difficulties might lead to unexpected gifts – deeper connections, greater self-awareness, and opportunities to help others.Whether you're newly diagnosed, preparing for pregnancy with IBD, or simply seeking fresh insights on managing a chronic condition, Angie's story offers valuable perspectives from someone who's navigating these waters with honesty, humor, and hope. Listen now to discover how technology, family support, and shifting perspectives can create a path forward through the challenges of inflammatory bowel disease.Links: Our episode with Natalie HaydenNatalie's InstagramOur episode with Dr. Tiffany TaftOur episode with Josie McGarva re: heart rate variabilityOur 2nd episode with Jose McGarva and also Stacey Collins, RD about researchLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textWhat happens when your chronic illness becomes the catalyst for global exploration and environmental advocacy? This week we talk to Nicholas Mertens! Nick was diagnosed with Crohn's disease six years ago and he's turned his health journey into a platform for investigating how climate change impacts healthcare systems worldwide.While most college students rarely venture beyond their comfort zones, Nick has represented his university at United Nations climate conferences in Dubai and Azerbaijan, researched indigenous biodiversity in Australia, and traveled to eight countries across four continents—all while managing his Crohn's disease. The political science and environmental studies major shares his remarkable journey from diagnosis to long-term remission, revealing how these experiences shaped his understanding of global health challenges.The conversation takes fascinating turns as Nick details the practicalities of international travel with a chronic condition. From refrigerating Humira during 40-hour journeys to navigating customs with medication documentation, his strategies are invaluable for anyone with IBD considering travel. His culinary adventures prove equally enlightening—discovering his body tolerated exotic kangaroo meat perfectly while rejecting familiar McDonald's hamburgers in foreign countries. These unexpected reactions highlight the unpredictable nature of Crohn's and the importance of flexibility when managing the condition abroad.Nick's involvement with the Young Patients Autoimmune Research and Empowerment Alliance (YP-AREA) demonstrates his commitment to supporting other young people with chronic conditions. This growing organization creates educational resources specifically for adolescents and young adults navigating autoimmune diseases—demographics often overlooked in medical literature and research.Listen as Nick shares his powerful perspective on remission, defining it not by lab results but by quality of life and regaining control over your condition. His parting wisdom reminds us that climate change and healthcare are "inextricably linked," and understanding these connections is crucial for anyone living with chronic illness in our rapidly changing world.Links: Young Patients Autoimmune Empowerment Alliance (YP-AREA) Instagram YP- AREA YouTube- Video of the transitioning to adult care webinar they held with friend-of-the-show, Dr. Jordan ShapiroTraveling with prescription medications- US Customs and Border ControlTraveling with IBD- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USAIBD Passport- nonprofit with advice on traveling abroad with IBDLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week we bring back our friend and friend of the show, Dr. Ashish S. Patel! Dr. Patel takes us on a global journey through the evolving landscape of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease treatment, revealing contrasts between approaches across continents and highlighting gaps in how new medications reach children.While adult IBD patients have benefited from an explosion of treatment options over the last two decades, children remain limited primarily to anti-TNF biologics as their only FDA-approved options. This forces physicians to fight insurance battles for access to newer medications or enroll patients in clinical trials that come years too late. "We have to bring evaluation of these medications to pediatrics concurrently with adult populations," Dr. Patel explains, sharing how advocacy efforts aim to shift this paradigm.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when comparing treatment philosophies worldwide. At the World Congress in Buenos Aires, nutritional therapy, probiotics, and dietary interventions dominated discussions—a striking contrast to North American conferences featuring pharmaceutical companies. This reveals how resource availability shapes medical approaches, with Latin American physicians developing expertise in nutritional interventions while North American practices focus on biologics.Dr. Patel's most hopeful insights come from current research aiming to personalize treatment based on a patient's unique profile. Studies collecting genetic information, microbiome data, and environmental exposures may eventually allow doctors to determine the optimal intervention—whether medication, diet modification, or environmental change—for each child at diagnosis. "In the near future, at least for certain types of IBD, we're talking about something that's curative rather than just therapeutic," he shares, offering hope that we're moving beyond symptom management toward addressing root causes.Join us for this eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional thinking about how we research, develop, and implement treatments for one of medicine's most complex childhood conditions.Links: ImproveCareNowNorth American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN)Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textWhat happens when you decide to throw caution to the wind, decline your PhD acceptance, quit your job, and travel the world for 10 months—all while managing Crohn's disease? Friend of the show and health psychologist Josie McGarva takes us along on her extraordinary global adventure, revealing both the challenges and profound joys of pursuing dreams despite having IBD.From the medication logistics nightmare of switching from the medication she was on for a long time to one that she can more easily travel with, to having her mother smuggle medication internationally hidden inside fluffy socks, Josie's preparation for this journey was an adventure itself. With refreshing candor, she shares her experience navigating living and volunteering abroad while traveling on a tight budget of just $1,000 per month.Josie's travels have taken her from the breathtaking mountains of Patagonia to the vibrant temples of Thailand, with meaningful stops volunteering at hostels, dog rescues, and teaching English in remote villages along the way. Through food poisoning in Thailand, 28-hour bus rides in Argentina, and confronting roosters at dawn in remote villages, Josie demonstrates remarkable resilience while never losing sight of why she embarked on this journey: "I'm finally healthy, which is why I have to go."Beyond the travel tales lies a deeper narrative about identity and chronic illness. Having been diagnosed at 13 and sick throughout her formative years, Josie reflects on how being in remission has allowed her to question how much space IBD should occupy in her future life and career. Her powerful message resonates far beyond the IBD community: limitations are real, but with creativity, determination, and support, dreams remain within reach.Links: Our first episode with JosieOur Research Roundup episode with Josie and Stacey Collins, RDJosie's Instagram accountWorkaway- volunteer while traveling siteThe Workaway opportunity with Dani and the dog rescueFundacion Animal ChileLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThe quest for better outcomes in pediatric IBD has taken significant strides forward, and Dr. Jeremy Adler returns to Bowel Moments to guide us through the most promising research developments of the past year. Dr. Adler is a clinical Professor in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at the University of Michigan and serves as the Interim Director of the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Center. We discuss how medication dosing strategies have evolved dramatically, with compelling evidence showing that body surface area measurements work better than traditional weight-based dosing for younger children. This seemingly simple adjustment yields dramatically better results, particularly as children grow and develop through puberty. Regular therapeutic drug monitoring—checking medication levels every 6-12 months or more frequently during growth spurts—has also proven critical for maintaining disease control in the pediatric population.Prevention emerges as the cornerstone of Dr. Adler's research and clinical philosophy. The fascinating GEM study has identified changes in gut permeability that occur before IBD diagnosis, potentially opening doors to early intervention before symptoms appear. Meanwhile, Dr. Adler's own groundbreaking research demonstrates that early, aggressive treatment with anti-TNF medications can prevent serious complications like perianal fistulas, fistulas, and abscesses—complications that significantly impact quality of life and body image.We navigate the complex terrain of treatment barriers, from insurance denials to psychological resistance to "stronger" medications. Dr. Adler challenges common misconceptions, noting that injectable or infusion medications often have better safety profiles than some oral options that patients perceive as "less intense." The conversation turns to normalizing surgical options like ostomies when needed, with Dr. Adler advocating for early introduction to surgical teams—not because surgery is imminent, but because establishing relationships reduces trauma if intervention becomes necessary.With new medication mechanisms emerging and genetic markers helping to personalize treatment approaches, the research landscape offers real hope for children with IBD. Join us for this candid, informative discussion about protecting children from the worst outcomes of IBD through early intervention, personalized treatment, and collaborative care models that address both physical and mental wellbeing.Links: Research article- Preventing Fistulas and Strictures Among Children with Crohn's DiseaseJournal Article referenced- National Perspectives of Barriers by Insurance and Pharmacy Benefits Managers in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseImproveCareNowLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week Alicia and guest co-host Stacey Calabro talk to Stephanie LaFlamme! Stephanie takes us on an extraordinary journey through simultaneous health battles that would challenge anyone to their core. In late 2020, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, but it wasn't until 2023 that her health challenges truly escalated. Stephanie discovered a breast lump that led to a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer—all while her IBD symptoms were spiraling out of control.From multiple hospitalizations to living with an ostomy, from chemotherapy to a double mastectomy, Stephanie's story reveals the physical and emotional complexities of becoming a patient after years of working as a mental health professional. Her insights into the shame and self-blame that often accompany chronic illness offer a healing perspective.Throughout her medical odyssey, Stephanie discovered unexpected sources of strength. Her daily journaling practice became a lifeline during her darkest moments, helping her process emotions and find her way back to herself. She shares wisdom about setting boundaries, managing energy, and practicing "unrelenting patience" with your body during recovery.Her story reminds us that while cancer often receives significant attention and support, living with IBD can feel isolating and less understood—yet both require tremendous courage and compassion.Join us for this deeply moving episode that will resonate with anyone navigating chronic illness, supporting a loved one through health challenges, or seeking to understand the profound ways illness can transform our relationship with ourselves.Links: Journal prompts for people living with chronic illnessesAnother journaling toolLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textDiscover the cutting-edge world of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research and management with Dr. Charlie Lees, a leading gastroenterologist and professor at the University of Edinburgh. In this episode, Dr. Lees guides us through his groundbreaking initiatives, including the Atomic IBD series and the insightful PREDICT study. Learn how innovative predictive health tools, such as sweat sensors, are shaping the future of IBD care and how the series has become a beacon of hope and knowledge for both patients and professionals.Dr. Lees provides a deep dive into the findings from his PREdiCCT study, including finding on how mental health testing and diet may help indicate a possible flare. He also sheds light on the role of calprotectin levels in indicating inflammation and how patients can understand these levels and how to use them to track their health. This episode also emphasizes the importance of holistic patient care by addressing psychological factors like depression and inactivity, offering actionable strategies to enhance patient well-being.Explore technological advancements in non-invasive health monitoring, from wearable tech to smart toilets, and their potential in revolutionizing IBD management. Dr. Lees also shares insights on the successful adoption of biosimilars across Europe, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and efficacy in improving patient outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable healthcare, as it advocates for clear communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and patients to harness the full potential of these innovations globally.Links: Dr. Lees' SubstackDr. Lees' YouTube ChannelDr. Lees' patient video on Fecal CalprotectinDr. Lees' video on biosimilarsLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textImagine navigating a life filled with complex medical diagnoses while juggling the everyday challenges of parenthood. That's the reality for our guest, Tish, the insightful creator of Luminous Wounds. Her journey with Crohn's disease, endometriosis, and other autoimmune conditions is not just a story of survival but a testament to resilience and advocacy. Tish shares her experiences of battling medical gaslighting and the importance of finding compassionate healthcare providers willing to listen. The path to motherhood wasn't straightforward for Tish, and she courageously shares her struggles with fertility.  Despite the heartbreak of miscarriage and the challenges of pregnancy during a pandemic, Tish now cherishes life as a mother to three, including twins. Her experiences bring to light the emotional and physical trials of fertility issues, alongside a narrative of hope and triumph over adversity with complications like hyperemesis gravidarum.Yet, through all these trials, Tish emphasizes the significance of advocacy, trusting one's instincts, and the power of sharing stories. Her creation of Luminous Wounds is a beacon for those facing chronic health challenges, encouraging listeners to find humor amidst difficulty and the strength to speak up. Join us as we celebrate Tish's journey and the impact of her story on the IBD community.Links: Tish's instagram account"Life with Crohn's and Endometriosis: An Overlap of Painful Symptoms"- article at Endometriosis Foundation of AmericaLink to Mara's episodeLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textJoin us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Marla Dubinsky, a trailblazer in pediatric gastroenterology and a fierce advocate for people living with inflammatory bowel disease. She shares her journey from pediatric residency to becoming a leading voice in IBD care, shaping the future of treatment and advocacy. Through her work at Mount Sinai and as co-founder of Trellus Health, she's revolutionizing patient care by integrating resilience and digital health solutions.We dive into the intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship as Dr. Dubinsky reflects on the mentors who shaped her path and how she's working to make innovative healthcare solutions both impactful and commercially viable. She also highlights the importance of a holistic approach, bridging physical and mental health to empower patients in their care journey.Plus, we explore her work in women's health, particularly in IBD management during preconception and pregnancy. Through initiatives like We Care in IBD, she's helping to create tailored programs that support women at every stage of life. Don't miss this deep dive into precision medicine, prevention clinics, and the future of IBD .Links: Info on Trellus HealthInnovative programs at Mount Sinai IBD CenterA video about Dr. Dubinsky for her Jacobi Medallion awardThe book Dr. Dubinsky mentions- "Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve" by Dr. Alison FragaleLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week we reflect on the journey since launching Bowel Moments in August 2021, sharing our personal updates and the lessons we've learned along the way. We reminisce about the podcast's beginnings as a concept born out of a love of podcasts and how it evolved into a heartfelt platform for the IBD community, featuring memorable interactions with guests. We open up about our own journeys, revealing more than just the polished elevator pitches we've rehearsed over the years. As we look to the future, we discuss plans for expanding our reach, engaging diverse voices around the world, and demystifying healthcare navigation by involving nurses, physician assistants, and insurance insiders. Highlighting our dream interviews, we express our desire to feature influencers like Sunny Anderson, Mike McCready, Kim Holderness and Rachel Elizabeth Slocum, hoping they can bring fresh perspectives and humor to our discussions.We want to keep growing our incredible community of listeners who are passionate about understanding and supporting the IBD journey. So, hit subscribe, share with those who might need a dose of inspiration or laughter, and let us know what you think by leaving a review. Your support means the world to us, and we're excited to continue sharing these meaningful conversations with you. Thank you for being part of our journey, and here's to a future of engaging stories and shared discoveries!Links: Our episode with Dr. David RubinOur episode with Stacey C- The DeuceOur episode with Dr. Ashish PatelOur episode with Dr. Anish PatelOur Research Roundup Episode with both Drs. PatelOur episode with Dr. David SchwartzbergOur episode with Stacey Collins- One of our guest hosts! Our episode with Hannah Cramer- One of our guest hosts! Our episode with Derek Dodson- One of our guest hosts! Our episode with Lauren Erbach Barnfield- One of our guest hosts! Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textCould your holiday season be a little less stressful and a lot more joyful? Our latest episode of Bowel Moments provides you with the tools to do just that, especially if you're navigating the festive chaos with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). We have the pleasure of welcoming back Stacey Collins, a registered dietitian and IBD specialist, who not only shares valuable professional insights but also her personal experiences in managing dietary restrictions. Together, we offer practical tips and heartfelt advice on how to enjoy holiday gatherings while keeping your health a priority. From thoughtful strategies like bringing your own dishes to gatherings to understanding the importance of choosing safe snacks, we discuss how to make this time of year not only survivable but enjoyable.We also take a deep dive into the financial side of healthcare management, especially pertinent at the year's end. We explore how to maximize your healthcare benefits through strategic planning, whether it's scheduling medical procedures before the year closes or effectively using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Chronic conditions like IBD come with their own set of challenges and expenses, and we shed light on how these financial tools can ease the burden. With practical tips on managing these accounts, you'll discover how to make the most out of your healthcare benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.Finally, we touch on the emotional journey of living with IBD, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting personal boundaries during the holiday season. From the relief of being able to enjoy simple pleasures, like eating fruit again, to using humor as a coping mechanism, we share personal stories and tips for thriving amidst life's challenges. As we wrap up the year, we encourage our listeners to prioritize well-being and find joy, reminding everyone to cherish the moments that truly matter. With warmth and gratitude, we toast to a healthy and joyful new year and invite you to share this episode with friends, rate, and review our show. Cheers to a wonderful year ahead!Links: Health maintenance checklists- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAInfo on HSAs & Other Tax-Favored Health Plans- IRS USAThe Difference Between a Flexible Spending Account and a Health Savings Account- National Institutes of HealthFSA vs. HSA: What's the Difference? - MetLifeEating During the Holidays- video from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USANutritional Therapy for IBD websiteLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week we spoke to Dr. Colm Collins! Dr. Collins is an Associate Professor at the Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research at University College Dublin. He shares his journey from the world of pharmacology to pioneering research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You'll learn about the innovative approaches his team is exploring to revolutionize treatment options for IBD patients. With a blend of humor and expertise, Dr. Collins offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world health solutions.Our conversation unravels the intricate relationship between the immune system and gut bacteria, as Dr. Collins explains how retinoic acid and microRNAs play crucial roles in managing IBD. We delve into the promising possibilities of replacing lost proteins and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, exploring their implications on both the immune system and the digestive tract. Amidst the science, we tackle the ethical and legal complexities of cannabis research, particularly in adolescents, as Dr. Collins shares his experiences navigating these challenges with integrity and humor.Join us for an enlightening discussion that balances serious scientific inquiry with light-hearted anecdotes, as Dr. Collins recounts his experiences in Colorado and discusses the future of IBD treatment. From the nuances of cannabis use in managing IBD symptoms to the exciting potential of selective human receptor-modifying peptides, this episode promises to expand your understanding and offer hope for more effective therapies on the horizon. Plus, enjoy a humorous account of altitude adaptation and its quirky effects on newcomers and the unexpected twists in cannabis research funding.Links: Journal article: Manipulation of the Endocannabinoid System in Colitis: A Comprehensive ReviewJournal article: Adherence, Safety, and Effectiveness of Medical Cannabis and Epidemiological Characteristics of the Patient Population: A Prospective StudyInformation on medical cannabis and IBD: Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAResearch funding opportunities- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USALet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textEver wondered how someone turns a challenging health diagnosis into a source of artistic inspiration? This week we chat with Kaitlyn Niznik about her microscopic lymphocytic colitis and how is influenced her life and her art! Kaitlyn offers a unique perspective, sharing her journey from diagnosis to becoming an empowered advocate through her art. As an art teacher, Kaitlyn navigates the daily balancing act of managing her classroom and her health, all while creating meaningful art that she shares on Instagram. Discover how her experiences with colitis have ignited a passion for medical illustration and inspired her creative process.Join us for this episode of Bowel Moments, where we explore the intersection of art and life with Kaitlyn Niznik, all wrapped up in a narrative that's as uplifting as it is insightful.Links: Kaitlyn's Instagram account- check out her beautiful art! Information on Microscopic Colitis - Mayo ClinicCollagenous and Lymphocytic Colitis info- National Institutes of HealthLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week we welcomed back Registered Dietitian, Neha Shah! Neha joined us back in episode 42 where she was interviewed by friend of the show and IBD RD Stacey Collins. Neha specializes in IBD and other GI disorders and has both a private practice and is also part of the Colitis & Crohn's Disease Center at UCSF.  We spent this episode shedding light on the distinctive roles of enteral and parenteral nutrition in combating IBD-related malnutrition. This episode is your gateway to understanding how enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) can transform treatment strategies.We discuss everything there is to know about enteral nutrition, especially exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), a potential game-changer for Crohn's disease management. Discover how EEN can stand alongside or even replace corticosteroids, offering an alternative path to remission and mucosal healing. While this approach has shown promise in pediatric cases, we delve into the more complex dynamics of adult treatment where compliance and lifestyle factors bring their own set of challenges. Neha emphasizes the pivotal role of dietitians in crafting personalized nutritional plans, ensuring that patients receive the tailored guidance they need.From navigating the hurdles of enteral nutrition to transitioning to varied diets, this episode is packed with practical strategies and expert advice. Neha addresses common obstacles like weight fluctuations and gastrointestinal discomfort, offering solutions such as formula adjustments and the integration of partial enteral nutrition (PEN). As patients move from EEN to lifestyle-friendly diets like the Mediterranean or plant-based options, we explore how specific fibers and the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED) can optimize gut health. Whether you're a patient or a caregiver, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the nutritional complexities of IBD.Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: South Asian IBD Alliance- Neha is on the board and super active with SAIA! Nutrition and IBD info- UCSF health Info on Exclusive Enteral Nutrition- Nutritional Therapy for IBDInfo on Partial Enteral Nutrition- Nutritional Therapy for IBDGreat overview of therapeutic diets for IBD! - Nutritional Therapy for IBDDiet and Nutrition Info- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Diet and NutritiLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week we were so excited to have a crossover episode with the host of the About IBD Podcast- Amber Tresca! We turned the tables on Amber and interviewed her about her IBD story! Amber has been living with UC for several years and underwent a 2-step J-Pouch surgery. We talked about her story thus far and how that plus her background in medical writing led her to a career of educating and advocating for the IBD community and how that prompted her to create the About IBD podcast! We discussed her medical writing career, the many projects that she's been involved like IBD Social Circle, Verywell Health and more, her work attending and writing about GI conferences, and the importance and care with which she writes about and educates the IBD community. We also discussed her advocacy work for the IBD community including being invited to share the vital patient voice during the American Gastroenterological Associations annual "Fly In" in Washington, D.C. We also talked about her podcast called About IBD! We explored why she started it, how she selects and prepares her guests, the process she uses to create the episodes, and how she prioritizes her topics. You'll also get a chance to hear us geek out about hosting podcasts and even so insider info about the process. Amber is truly a badass and we had such a great time getting to know her better!! We can't wait for you to learn more about her in this episode and for you to hear our About IBD episode with her in the near future! Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: About IBD Instagram siteAbout IBD X accountAbout IBD YouTube accountInfo on About IBD podcast including where to find it! A video about J-Pouch surgery- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week Alicia was joined by guest host and former guest, Hannah Cramer and they interviewed Alicia Aiello! Alicia A. is the President of Girls With Guts which is a nonprofit organization supporting and empowering women living with IBD and with ostomies. We talked to her all about her IBD journey and how that lead her to Girls With Guts. We discussed how her background in videography and visual arts helped her to bring some awareness to their work and how she eventually transitioned to become their President. We discussed some of their work including their "Butt Baskets" and their Lover Your Guts program and we spent a lot of time talking about their retreats. They host 2 retreats per year including a New Attendee or "Newbie" Retreat as well as an annual retreat that brings in come of those first-timers as well as alumnae. We really enjoyed our conversation with Alicia and are so impressed with the work of GWG and Hannah was an amazing co-host! Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Girls With Guts websiteInfo about the GWG retreatsThe presentation that Alicia gave to her classAlicia's personal website with more videosHannah's episodeHannah and Robin's episode about EMDRLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a text**Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicidal ideation.**This week we had so much fun getting to know Belinda Brown! Belinda is the CEO of Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand! Belinda was diagnosed with Crohn's at 26 years old and we discussed her diagnosis, her search for the right treatment, navigating the consequences of her surgeries when she was trying to conceive, and her struggle with thoughts of suicide and how she coped with these dark feelings. We also talk about how her diagnosis led her to get involved with Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand, to join their board, and to eventually lead the organization as CEO. We discussed the great work they're doing and especially their amazing camp for kids living with IBD called Camp Purple. We know you'll love Belinda as much as we did and we can't thank her enough for sharing her passion, her truth, and her vulnerability with us and with our community. If you or a loved one struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988.Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links; Crohn's & Colitis New ZealandCamp PurpleCoping emotionally with IBDFertility and pregnancy with IBD3 Ply Take on the Rickshaw Run video Information about visiting New Zealand with IBDLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a textThis week Robin was joined by guest host, friend of the show, and IBD Dietitian, Stacey Collins! They spoke to Yi Min Teo! Yi Min is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Herbs and Food – a virtual private practice specializing in digestive health and culturally-sensitive nutrition counseling. They talked about Yi Min growing up in Singapore and some of the cultural differences that she noted when she moved to the US and also some of the similarities. They discussed working with clients who have comorbid diagnoses with their IBD and the importance of personalizing a plan that works for all aspects of their health and circumstances. This lead to a really interesting conversation about incorporating cultural foods and traditions into diet plans and also to food accessibility and disparities. They also talked about advocacy and expanding dietitian services to even more people as well as meeting each patient where they're at to learn how to incorporate effective diet changes to each person's life circumstances. It was a really impactful discussion about food accessibility and how to make diet therapies more available to everyone living with IBD.  Listen and learn along with me with this fun and important conversation! Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Find Yi Min on Instagram Yi Min's websiteNutritional Therapy for IBD nonprofit- great info on diet therapies for IBDDiet, Culture, and Your Body- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USALet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Send us a Text Message.This week we spoke to Dr. Alan Moss! Dr. Moss is the Chief Scientific Officer at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in the US. Previously he was the Director of the Crohn's & Colitis Program at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and Professor of Medicine at Boston University (BU). He is a clinician-scientist who is a passionate patient advocate. We talked to him about moving from Ireland to the US to pursue training in IBD. We talked to him about why he decided to switch from direct patient care to leading the scientific efforts at the Foundation. We talked to him about what plans he has for the future of research at the Foundation including shepherding in new technology such at AI. We talked to him about how they are ensuring patient data protections and equity in how technology may shape research. We discussed how the research agenda has changed from focusing solely on remission to prevention, remission and on to repair and healing past damage. Finally we discussed the new 5 year strategic plan that the Foundation has undertaken in guiding their research agenda and the process by which healthcare providers, researchers and patients helped to build this new plan. We had such an interesting conversation with Dr. Moss and we're excited to see what he will accomplish in this new role. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Overview of Challenges in IBD Information about IBD PlexusInformation about IBD QorusInformation in IBD VenturesLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had such an interesting conversation with Dr. Erica Barnell. Dr. Barnell is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical and Science officer for Geneoscopy, Inc! Geneoscopy is a life-sciences start-up company that leverages eukaryotic biomarkers to non-invasively diagnose, monitor, and treat gastrointestinal disease. The idea for Geneoscopy was conceived during Dr. Barnell's first clinical rotation while earning her MD/Ph.D. at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Specifically, Erica encountered a woman with Stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) who had never undergone a colonoscopy, citing the inconvenience and burden of attending a traditional colonoscopy as key barriers. Dr. Barnell developed an easy non-invasive stool test to screen for colon cancer and she is now expanding it to the IBD space. She and her team are working to be able to use this RNA screening tool to allow for better prediction of treatment outcomes, disease monitoring and more. We talked to her about developing her initial test, going through the FDA approval process, and then developing a company while still finishing her MD/PhD. We also talked to her about starting a company with her brother and all of the many life changes she went through during it's initial stage as well. We discussed RNA technology and she gave us a quick lesson on it, and finally we discussed her participation in the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's IBD Innovate Conference earlier this year and how it helped her premier her product to the IBD space and to explore possible partnerships and funding opportunities. Robin and I are big geeks for research and innovation and this conversation with Erica was so fun. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Article about the IBD Innovate Conference- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAEpisode of Oncology Overdrive from Healio with Dr. BarnellFDA Approves ColoSense test- Colorectal Cancer AllianceTune in to the Patient Advocacy Voices Podcast todayJoin Sanofi's Eric Racine to meet the unsung heroes leading patient advocacy organizationsListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we talked to Nicole Kittleson! Nicole's daughter Addy was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was 8 years old but that diagnosis wasn't easy to get to. Addy wasn't growing or gaining weight, her eyes became dull and her hair started falling out. Nicole brought her concerns to her daughter's pediatrician but they just encouraged her to feed her more calories but Nicole knew something more was going on. When her daughter started experiencing skin inflammation and complaining about blood in her stool and Nicole finally demanded that her daughter get the tests she needed to get a definitive diagnosis of Crohn's. We talked to her about Addy's unusual and severe symptoms of a flare and their decision to use the Specific Carbohydrate diet to treat her disease for several years. We talked about the ramifications of using this diet including the cost, the time, and the impact that it had on family traditions and culture. We talked about how Nicole, Addy, and the rest of the family incorporated the SCD and these changes and needs into their daily routine and how they coped as a family. Finally we talked about how parents can also experience medical trauma as part of the process of their child having a chronic illness and about how parents can care of themselves while also caring for their child with IBD. In Nicole's case her own diagnosis of an autoimmune condition- Lupus- forced her to understand her need to care for herself as well as her family. We had a deep and impactful conversation with our friend Nicole as well as some laughs. We know that you'll be inspired by her and her daughter Addy too. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Nutritional Therapy for IBD- great source of info in diets and IBDInfo on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet- Nutritional Therapy for IBD Diet info from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAInfo on Camp Oasis- camp for kids with IBD- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USACommunity & Support programs- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAIBDesis- South Asian IBD Alliance's support programInfo on Toxic Megacolon- Stanford Children's Hospital Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we met Victorien Madsen! Victorien lives in The Netherlands and was diagnosed with UC after the birth of her 2nd child. We talked to her about navigating this new disease while parenting young children. Trying to find the right treatment option and finally finding the Specific Carbohydrate Diet before the internet was really even a thing. We talked to her about how she incorporated that diets into her life and her family's routine. We talked to her about modifying recipes and how she learned to create delicious foods for herself. We discussed how she started volunteering to run a support group for people with IBD who are interested in using diet to complement their treatment and finally how all of that led her to start volunteering with Nutritional Therapy for IBD. lease keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Nutritional Therapy for IBDAn article about Victorien and her diet journey- in Dutch! Curing Food- Victorien's website- in Dutch! Victorien's pecan waffle recipeNutritional Therapy for IBD's Diet comparison chartLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had such a great conversation with Kate Scarlata, MPH, RD! Kate is a Boston-based registered dietitian and New York Times best selling author with 30+ years of digestive health experience. Kate is a world-renowned low FODMAP diet expert and invited speaker on the role of food intolerance in GI disorders at numerous international and national gastrointestinal health conferences from Harvard Medical School to Monash University. She specializes in digestive health including treatment for: IBS, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, mast cell activation syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). We talked to her about so many things! We discussed patients that have co-occurring IBD and IBS- how frequent that is and how to best treat them. We talked about food intolerances, intolerance testing, and elimination diets. We discussed medical equity and her efforts to highlight the lack of medical diet-friendly- like for celiac- food offered in food pantries. We talked about common myths surrounding gut health that she asks her guests on her podcast called The Gut Health podcast to discuss. Finally we discussed her new book that she co-authored with Dr. Megan Riehl called "Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based, Whole-Body Guide to Living Well with IBD." Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Kate's Blog that she mentionsKate and Megan's bookDr. Megan Riehl's episodeKate and Megan's podcast -The Gut Health PodcastLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we spoke to Rocio Castrillon- better known for her popular Instagram account @VoiceforIBD! She shared her story of being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and how a lack of information caused her to suffer in silence with fistulizing disease. We talked to her about finally getting involved with Team Challenge with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in the USA and how that helped her find a large community of other people living with IBD. The opened up other volunteer opportunities and so we talked to her about the many ways that she's gotten involved with the community including advocacy work, leading a Spanish-speaking support group, educational initiatives, and more. We especially discussed her support group that includes people from many parts of the world and what are some commonalities she's observed and the people she helps. Finally we talked about how all of her advocacy work and involvement led her to being nominated for the National Board of Trustees for the Crohn's &  Colitis Foundation here in the US. We  discussed how she's using this seat at the table and this platform to raise even more awareness of the needs of the Hispanic/Latino IBD  community and so much more. We really loved getting to know Rocio more during the conversation and we know you'll appreciate all that she does for our community as well! Links: Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Hispanic Facebook Support GroupArticle by Rocio in Crohn's & Colitis 360Crohn's Disease Patient Experiences and Preferences wit Disease Monitoring: An International Qualitative Study - Crohn's & Colitis 360Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had a great conversation with Mason Milne! Mason is the host of the Crohn's and Autism Awareness Advocate podcast! We talked to him about being diagnosed with Crohn's when he was 17 years old and a bit about the health system in the UK where he lives. We talked about what it's been like navigating the healthcare system with autism and advocating for his needs. Mason gave some advice for other people living with autism that may also need to communicate their specific needs or preferences to their healthcare team. We talked a lot about his podcast, the unique series that he does, and how he recruits guests- including some famous ones! And finally we discussed his love of the show Dr. Who and how attending conventions has lead to him recruiting some very cool guests to his show! Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Mason's YouTube channelMason's episode with the 8th Doctor- Paul MaganAn interview with Mason about living with Crohn's and Autism- Crohn's Colitis UKLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had a great time getting to know Dr. Kim S. Beall! Kim is a Doctor of Pharmacy whose son was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was 13 years old. After she and her son discussed his treatment options with his healthcare team and they did some research he decided to try Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) to get his Crohn's in remission. We discussed how Kim and her family supported him during this time and how he coped with being on this very restrictive diet. Nutrition has been central to Kim's son's management of Crohn's disease since his diagnosis in 2013 at age thirteen. Nutritional therapy has been an essential part of providing optimal care and has afforded him the best opportunity to manage life with Crohn's disease successfully. After her son achieved remission, she and her husband, Anthony Beall who is a physician, realized that there really was a lack of information about dietary therapies for IBD, that many healthcare providers didn't really know where to look, and that there was a huge need for a repository of this information. So they started the nonprofit organization Nutritional Therapy for IBD in 2019 to fill an essential void in providing evidence-based knowledge, tools, and resources to empower patients and aid clinicians seeking to leverage nutrition alongside medications in inflammatory bowel disease. Their mission is to establish evidence-based nutritional therapy as a foundational part of IBD treatment to enhance the well-being and health outcomes of all children and adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. We empower clinicians and patients with essential, current, comprehensive, educational, and innovative resources. We talked to Kim about starting this nonprofit, some of the great tools available for patients and clinicians, the recipe database, and how her nonprofit has been received by the medical community. We were so inspired by Kim's passion and the all of the great things that Nutritional Therapy for IBD is doing.  Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: The Diet Comparison Chart discussed in this episode- Nutritional Therapy for IBDInformation for Healthcare Professionals- Nutritional Therapy for IBDRecipe DatabaseAbigail Marie- The Chef with IBD's episode- volunteer with Nutritional Therapy for IBDNicole Pavlin's episode- volunteer with Nutritional Therapy for IBDBarbara Olendski's - RD- video Information on Exclusive Enteral Nutrition- Nutritional Therapy for IBDLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had such a great conversation with Dr. Megan Riehl! Dr. Riehl is a GI Psychologist, Assistant Professor of Medicine and the Director of GI Behavioral Health at the University of Michigan. We talked to her about all things IBD and mental health and how she helped to establish and incorporate GI behavioral health into the IBD center at the University of Michigan. We also talked to her about her interest in innovations in digital therapeutics, how she's worked with some developers to ensure the efficacy and quality of their products, and what apps that she recommends to patients as well as providers. We talked to her about her new book! It's called "Mind Your Gut: The Science-Backed Whole-Body Guide to Living Well with IBS."  While this book is geared for people living with IBS, there is some really great information in there for people living with IBD as well and we discussed this with Dr. Riehl as well. Finally we went over some additional virtual resources that she finds helpful for patients. We really enjoyed talking with Dr. Riehl and we know you'll learn so much from her as well. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: The Gut Health Podcast- Dr. Riehl and Kate Scarlata, RD's new podcast!Dr. Meredith Craven's episodeInfo on the Nerva appCurable app for chronic painMahana IBD appDiaphragmatic breathing video Dr. Brennan Spiegel's book- "VRx: How Virtual Therapeutics Will Revolutionize Medicine" Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we talked to Abigail VanHoose- otherwise known as Abigail Marie the Check with IBD! Abigail was diagnosed with UC after a bad car accident and after she finished culinary school. Her disease journey was definitely rocky and very impacted by substandard medical care. Like may people living with IBD, she was told that "diet doesn't matter" but after dealing with multiple flares, she found the book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle that outlines the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and how it can be helpful for people with IBD. She decided to give it a try but found the recipes to be....less than exciting. She decided to put her culinary talents to work and started coming up with new recipes that followed the diet and than led her to decide to share her knowledge in her blog. We talked to her about following the SCD, how she creates the recipes, what she includes on her blog, and her favorite recipes. We also talked to her about her work with the nonprofit Nutrition Therapy for IBD and how she's been able to help them grown their recipe database, expand their social media, and much more. Finally we go on a rant about the medical system, steroids, and medical education. If you've listened to previous episodes, you know this is unsurprising. We had a great time hearing from Abigail, we know you will too and we're all set to try some of her yummy-sounding recipes. Cheers!Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Abigail's Blondie recipeAbigail's Coffee "Ice Cream" recipeAbigail's Strawberry Cupcake with Vanilla Icing recipeNutrition Therapy for IBDLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we talk to Kim Braly, RD! Kim is a Registered Dietitian that specializes in IBD, consults on nutrition and IBD-related research studies, has expertise on IBD nutrition program development and educates practitioners on nutrition therapies for IBD. She is currently in private practice seeing adults and kids living with IBD virtually across the country. Previous to this she was part of the IBD Center at Seattle Children's Hospital where she saw patients as well as developed and participated in research studies on nutrition therapies for IBD. We talked to her about what it was like to develop these studies and how challenging it is to control for all the potential changes that can happen when participants are cooking their own foods. We talked about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and how she talked to patients about the expectations and prepared them to take it on. We also talked about the efficacy of several diet therapies. We also discussed health and economic disparities and how these might affect the ability of some families to consider dietary therapies and the lack of insurance coverage to help. Finally we talked about the website that she developed with a woman living with Crohn's disease who was her patient at Seattle Children's called Eats for IBD. This website provides much-needed nutrition support and practical resources to those with IBD including educational sessions, support options, and delicious recipes that are friendly to dietary therapies. We had a lot of fun talking with Kim and we learned so much too! Cheers!Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: Eats for IBD websiteKim's private practice websiteImproveCareNowNutrition Therapy for IBD websiteFind an IBD-Focused Dietitian- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAFind an IBD-Focused Dietitian- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - USALet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had such a great conversation with Courtney Walls! Like several of our guests, Courtney had a pretty dramatic introduction to the IBD community including needing urgent surgeries, C-diff infections, fistulizing disease, and she's now living with an ostomy (happily).  We talked to her about going through all of that while also living with anxiety and how she's processing it using mental health therapies like CBT and internal family systems and going through the Employee Assistance Program through her work. Courtney also started a very successful Instagram account about her Crohn's journey called courts_crohns_corner. We talked to her about what it was like putting her story out so publicly, how different it is to be talking about her disease and her treatment decisions in real time versus sharing past history, and about how she's using her account to give support to others while also getting some herself. Finally we discussed her love to Charles Barkley and Arizona. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: What is Internal Family Systems TherapyWhat is C.Diff- Centers for Disease ControlUnderstanding  C.Diff Infection- video from the American Gastro Association  Our episode with Courtney Robert, LCSW about EMDR Our episode on what EMDR is like as a patient with friend of the show, Hannah C. Learn about Team Challenge- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USALearn about living with an ostomy, finding support, and more- United Ostomy Association  Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had a great conversation with Stephanie Brenner! Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Chronic Illness Psychotherapy in Evanston, IL who has 13 years of experience working with clients with chronic illnesses. Through her journey as an IBD patient and clinician, she has developed a passion for helping people with health challenges live their lives to the fullest. We talked to her about how living with her IBD helped her develop a passion for being a therapist for kids and adults with chronic illnesses. We also discussed doing therapy with kids, medical hypnotherapy, medical gaslighting and how she works with people as they take on a new identity as they cope with a new diagnosis. We also discuss the guide for parents of kids with Crohn's that she wrote in coordination with Tina Aswani-Omprakash (Own Your Crohn's, SAIA, etc!). We spent a while talking about how she works with patients who may need to address challenges with healthcare providers who they need to remain connected to.  We discussed so many aspects of mental health and tapped into Steph's professional experience and brain that we'll have to bring her back to talk more about her IBD and living with an ostomy! Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: The Circle of Care Guidebook for Caregivers of Children and Adolescents Managing Crohn's DiseaseFind Camp Oasis- camp for kids with IBD- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USAResources from ImproveCareNow- for kids with IBDFind an IBD trained therapist- Rome GI PsychEpisode with Dr. Meredith Craven about hypnotherapyEpisode with Robin and Hannah Cramer about doing EMDREpisode with Courtney Robert, LCSW about EMDR Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

***Warning that this episode discusses eating disorders, disordered eating, and medical trauma.***  This week we spoke with Dr. Jordan Shapiro! Dr. Shapiro is a GI Hospitalist at Peak Gastroenterology Associates in Colorado as well as a private practice GI at Gentle GI in Houston, TX (starting April 1, 2024). Dr. Shapiro also is a yoga instructor and enthusiastic practitioner and so we spend quite a bit of time learning about the practice of yoga that goes beyond the body movements we're probably all familiar with and how adding yoga to your care may be beneficial. He also has expertise in working with patients with eating disorders or disordered eating as well as in trauma-informed care. We talk to him about how he approaches patient care in a empathetic way and how he works with patients who have identified trauma experiences that may impact their care. We also talk to him about how he uses this knowledge and experience to help other providers learn how to create a safe environment for people who may be struggling with trauma responses.  We really enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Shapiro and think you'll learn a lot from him as well. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Dr. Tiffany Taft's episode- discusses her research on medical traumaYoga and Meditation video- GI Research Foundation Interesting research article on medical trauma- among the authors is former guest Mara Shapiro- by the Crohn's Colitis Young Adult Network (CCYAN)Diet, Culture, and Your Body- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USALet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week Alicia was joined by guest host and past guest, Derek Dodson! They interviewed Jordan B. McConnell! Jordan is a Air Force veteran, IT professional, father and husband who also lives with Crohn's disease! We talked to him about being diagnosed as a young teen and how his disease was presented to his family and how he was able to join the military and how that affected his ability to continue in his military career.  Jordan is also the creator and one of the hosts of the Crohn's Veteran podcast and lifestyle brand. We talked to him about creating the show, recruiting his co-hosts, and all of the amazing guests that they were able to interview as well as the community they created around the show. We also discussed coping with IBD as a male and how that may create situations where one may feel stifled in expressing needs and so much more. We had such a great conversation with Jordan and we can't wait for you to get to know him as well. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Jordan's instagramJordan's interview with Amber Tresca at About IBD podcastCrohn's Veterans websiteLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had the absolute pleasure to talk to Dr. David Binion! Dr. Binion is a physician-scientist who is also living with Crohn's disease. He is Co-Director of the IBD Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He was diagnosed with Crohn's when he was a teenager- before the information age and also before there were many treatment for IBD. He has devoted his career to analyzing "Big Data" to figure out how to predict disease outcomes, prognosis and flares. We talked to him about his longitudinal research, what he's learned, and how that's given him hope as an IBD patient. We talked to him about what he's seeing in reclassifying IBD into more subcategories and what that will mean for more effective treatment and also what he sees on the horizon for IBD research. We enjoyed getting to know Dr. Binion so much and know that you'll find this conversation as interesting and hopeful as we did!Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Link: Dr. Binion's page on winning the Sherman Prize in 2018Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we talked to Registered Dietitian, Amalia Karlin! Amalia experienced symptoms very similar to UC but she struggled to get a diagnosis.  Eventually her symptoms got to be so severe she had to have a colectomy and now lives with an ostomy. After that she decided that she as going to devote her career to helping other people living with ostomies to maximize their nutrition and live their best lives. We also talked to her about life with an ostomy, the healthcare system in Canada, and experiencing pregnancy with an ostomy. She has a very dramatic story but we think you'll love meeting her as much as we didPlease keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Diet & Nutrition- United Ostomy AssociationNutrition for Ostomy Patients - video- University of MiamiFood reference chart for people living with ostomies- United Ostomy Association Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

Welcome to our 100th episode! This week we talked to the renowned Dr. David T. Rubin! Dr. Rubin is the Joseph B. Kirsner Professor of Medicine and a Professor of Pathology, Chief of the Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition and the Co-Director of the Digestive Diseases Center at The University of Chicago Medicine. He also currently serves as an associate faculty member at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, an associate investigator at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center and is a member of the University of Chicago Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics. He is the chair of the National Scientific Advisory Committee of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, where he also serves as a Board of Trustees member. He is the deputy chair of the Executive Committee of the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  In 2018, Dr. Rubin completed the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Leadership Development Course for Physicians.Dr. Rubin is a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh). He is on the Board of Trustees for the ACG. Among numerous awards and honors, Dr. Rubin was chosen by his peers as a member of Best Doctors (recognized for superior clinical ability) and America's Top Physicians (gastroenterology). Additionally, he twice received the ACG's Governor's Award of Excellence in Clinical Research (2003 and 2013), and the UChicago Postgraduate Teaching Award in recognition of significant contributions for fellowship education (2006). In 2012, he received the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Rosenthal Award, a national leadership award bestowed upon a volunteer who has contributed in an indisputable way to the quality of life of patients and families. He is an Associate Editor of the journal Gastroenterology and Editor-in-Chief of the ACG On-Line Education Universe. In 2020, Dr. Rubin received the Sherman Prize for Excellence in Crohn's and Colitis.Dr. Rubin is an editor of a best-selling book Curbside Consultation in IBD which is now in its 3rd edition and an author or coauthor of over 500 articles on treatment and management of IBD, cancer in IBD and novel paradigms, as well as the first author of the 2019 ACG Guidelines for ulcerative colitis. His current research is in the area of novel approaches to monitoring of IBD (wearables and point of care intestinal ultrasound), prevention of progressive complications from uncontrolled inflammation, and a variety of collaborative and translational studies related to the causes of IBD and its complications. Episodes from some of Dr. Rubin's UChicago's team: Dr. Alysse Bedell- Gastro PsychologistMichele Rubin, APN- JPouch surgical nurse extraordinaireMarita Kametas- Ostomy Specialist! Dr. David Choi- IBD PharmacistPlease keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment.Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we spoke to Liam Robertson! Liam was diagnosed with UC when he was a young adult but the process was lengthy and filled with times when he was not believed. We talked about what that was like to navigate the health system and his feelings on it. We discussed how he got so involved in social media, how that's helped him cope with flares and complications, and the importance of having a community around you. We also talked about the books that he's written including "More Than Meets the Eye: Living with Ulcerative Colitis" and the kids book series about Jack Jupiter who is a child living with IBD. We talked about what prompted him to write the books and the response he's gotten from people all over the world. We also discussed his job on an oil rig and what that's been like for him to be so far away from medical care with UC. And finally we spoke about him training in muay thai- what got him interested and more. Liam was so much fun to talk to! Go check out his books. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links" Liam's book- "More Than Meets the Eye: Living with Ulcerative Colitis"Liam's newest Jack Jupiter book- "Jack Jupiter- Reindeer Rally" Find all of his books here.X-Health.show - meet the future of healthcareKill your pain once& for all, program human cells to cure cancer, mitigate dementia & moreListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we spoke to Michele Rubin! Michele is an advanced practice nurse and is the Associate APN Director of the IBD Center at the University of Chicago Medicine. She specializes in surgery for IBD and has helped to create a J-Pouch specific clinic. We talked to her about surgery part of the treatment options, J-Pouches and what to expect in recovery, and how she works with patients to ensure they have the best outcomes. We also discussed the research that she's done related to IBD surgery and their efforts to try to predict a patient's response to their J-Pouch and how to treat complications. Finally we talked about how and why a surgeon may choose to hand sew instead of use surgical staples. Michele has been in the IBD space for a long time and has so much knowledge to share and she was such a joy and a light. We could have talked to her for hours. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we talked to Ashley Mann! Ashley was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was 20 years old but she had been experiencing symptoms when she was in high school. We talked to her about what it was like being a competitive cheerleader with active disease. We talked to hear about what she describes as trying "every medication on the market" and navigating countless surgeries. We discussed her decision to move to a permanent ileostomy and how close she is to living with short-gut syndrome. We talked about how she's had to learn to manage her healthcare and advocate for herself while moving frequently because of her husband's career in the military. We also talked about what it was like to get her care in the military healthcare system and her experience with friend-of-the-show, Dr. Anish Patel. Finally we talked about the importance of making healthcare decisions that you feel are right for you even in the face of differing opinions from the people most important to you. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Our episode with Dr. Anish PatelA video about Short Bowel Syndrome- Canadian Society for Gastrointestinal Research Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had the pleasure of talking with Bianca Hernandez! Bianca was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2015 and she almost immediately parlayed her diagnosis into advocacy for her community. She worked with her school system to get better access to the private bathroom at her school and rallied and inspired other students affected by IBD to advocate for this in their schools. She was selected to join the National Council of College Leaders program at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USA which allowed her to lead in many other advocacy initiatives including step-therapy reform and Ally's law and to work on ensuring that educational materials developed were properly translated into Spanish. This program also introduced her to life-long friends and other inspiring young people in the IBD Community. We talked about her advocacy work and how her efforts to ask for what she needed lead her to becoming a fierce advocate for the whole IBD community. We discussed the perils of comparing your healthcare decisions and disease with other people's journeys and how to destigmatize medical decisions and to not compare yourself to others. We discussed how IBD impacts the Latinx community and ideas on how to raise awareness about IBD and colon cancer screening within these communities. Bianca was so much fun to talk to and is so inspiring. I know you'll find her passion as infectious as we did. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Information on the National Council on College Leaders- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USA Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- homepage in SpanishAlly's Law/ Restroom Access Law- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAInformation about Step Therapy- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation -USALet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had such a great conversation with Dr. David Schwartzberg! Dr. Schwartzberg is a double-board certified colorectal surgeon at Mather Hospital and Columbia specializing in IBD, pelvic floor conditions, re-operative colorectal surgeries, J-Pouch disorders, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. We talked to him about his passion for colorectal surgery and how he spends any free time he has that's not with his family researching and learning more about it. We talked to him about his drive to find a career that helped people and had a true impact on the world. We discussed his interest in J-Pouches and improving complications that may come with previous surgeries. We explored how some folks that had been diagnosed with UC to start may now have a Crohn's diagnosis post J-Pouch and also upper GI Crohn's disease. We also talked about his love of music and how he and his wife have fostered that love in his 3 boys. We also talked about many other things including the improved technology in buckets but I cut that part out.  Needless to say we laughed, we cried, we went off the rails but I promise you're getting the best part.  We don't think Dr. Schwartzberg could be more more passionate about caring for people living with IBD and their families and we can't wait for you to hear that in this conversation too.  Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Learn more about Dr. Schwartzberg in this videoDr. Schwartzberg explains 3-Part J-Pouch surgery in this video- Empowering Patients LLCSpecial Concerns for People with J-Pouches- UCSF HealthWhen Should Chronic Pouchitis be Treated as Crohn's Disease?- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USA X-Health.show - meet the future of healthcareKill your pain once& for all, program human cells to cure cancer, mitigate dementia & moreListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had the pleasure of getting to know Alex Boyd! Alex was diagnosed with UC when she was 26 years old when she thought she had caught a stomach bug that had gotten very aggressive. It was only 2 weeks after her diagnosis that she was advised to have her colon removed and to start her J-Pouch surgery process. We talked to her about the dramatic way that she was introduced to our community and how she worked with her medical team to make this decision. We talk to her about the issues that she's experienced with her J-Pouch and how she's coping with that. We talked to her about how she's focused on her mental health to help with her coping skills and also how she's worked with her employer to get the accommodations that she needs to be the best employee she can be. We also spoke about how living with an illness like this can lead you to examine your life and your relationships and how that can lead you to making some big, and at times scary choices to allow you to grow and lead the life you deserve.  We really enjoyed hearing Alex's perspective and all that she's learned and we know you will too. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we spoke to Adam Finkelstein! Adam was diagnosed with UC when he was just 2 years old. We talk to him about what it was like growing up with UC and dealing with it as a child. We spoke about how his experiences with the medical system prompted his interest in writing a children's book for other kids with IBD called "Up and Adam: A Patient's Experience on Winning with IBD." Also how it sparked his interest in becoming a physician and especially a surgeon. Finally we talked about Adam's experience as a Camp Oasis counselor, how he was able to share his book with all of the kids this summer, and what their reactions were and the conversations it started. Adam was a joy and we think he'll make an extremely empathetic doctor some day soon! Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Find Adam's book on Barnes & Noble Adam's episode on the About IBD podcastAdam's email- AdamIBDStory@gmail.comLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

*** Warning: This episode discusses sexuality, sexual health and sexual trauma and may not be appropriate for all audiences.*** This week we spoke to Dr. Alyse Bedell! Dr. Bedell specializes in  psychogastroenterology and is a certified sexual health counselor at the University of Chicago IBD Center. She has specialized training and knowledge in how stress, anxiety and depression can affect digestive health. Dr. Bedell works with patients struggling with a range of gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. and using her expertise to help her patients cope with their condition and improve their gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Bedell is able to assist patients in better understanding and managing their symptoms through a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional components. We spoke to her about sexual health and IBD including how sexuality can be affected by IBD and disease symptoms. We talked about intimacy and how people with IBD can increase their intimacy with their partners, working with people in the LGBTQI+ community, working with people who have experience sexual trauma and how to educate providers in responding empathetically to that experience, and so much more. This was such an interesting and educational conversation. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links:  AASECT- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists- find a sexual health therapist. Sex and Intimacy Fact Sheet- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USA Sex and Relationships- Crohn's & Colitis UKLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

***This episode includes discussions about suicide and suicidal ideation and may not be appropriate for some people.****  This week we had a really deep conversation with our friend Derek Dodson! Derek has been living with Crohn's disease for 40 years and so we talk to him about what it was like to live with Crohn's before there were any good treatment options, what it was like being a teenager on steroids, and what is has been like to see so much scientific and treatment advances. We discussed his family history with IBD including his grandfather's "ileitis" and his daughter Maurie Jhaveri's diagnosis and how her diagnosis compelled him to get more involved in the IBD community. We talk about his strong Christian faith and how it has been a source of comfort and solace during his hardest times but also how it has changed his faith, how he prays, and how it helped him come up with his life motto of "make it count." We also talked about how living with Crohn's for so long, multiple surgeries, and all his treatments have had lasting impacts on his health in other ways including some vitamin deficiencies. Finally we discuss how Derek's IBD has affected his mental health including his coping with suicidal thoughts and some very significant hopelessness. And how his faith, his family, his community, and working with a therapist has helped him cope and reframe living with his disease. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline- If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988- US onlyA list of international suicide helplinesResources for Mental Health- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAFind a therapist familiar with IBD- Rome Foundation Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we spoke to Dr. Edward L. Barnes! Dr. Barnes is a gastroenterologist and clinical investigator dedicated to improving the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.  Dr. Barnes is also the 2021 Sherman Emerging Leader Prize Recipient. He has a particular interest in improving outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease who require a colectomy and an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may experience significant complications after surgery, including the development of new inflammatory conditions of the pouch. Dr. Barnes has developed multiple new research strategies to identify risk profiles for those patients at greatest risk for adverse outcomes and strategies to improve the effectiveness of available therapies for pouch-related disorders. We talked to him about his research and work on pouch disorders. Links: Dr. Barnes won the 2021 Sherman Emerging Leader Prize! Information about J-Pouch surgery and possible complications- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USASpecial Concerns for People with J-Pouches- UCSF HealthLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we talked to Myisha Malone-King! Myisha is the brains and moderator behind the Facebook group Game of Crohn's n Chronic Illness! The goal of this group is to offer support and knowledgeable information about inflammatory bowel disease and to inspire others to not be afraid or hide because of a chronic illness. We talk to her about what discussions happen on the page and how it's helped her to support and educate other people living with IBD. We discuss her diagnosis process and how her Crohn's affected her pregnancies and how that led to her considering an abortion. We talked to her about everything that she considered as she made that decision and how difficult it was knowing that her health and her life could be so incredibly impacted by it. We talked to her about the pain she experiences with her Crohn's and how difficult it was to find a doctor that would believe her and help find the right treatment plan. We talked to her about grief and the grief that goes along with living with a chronic illness. Finally, we talk about journaling and writing poetry as a way to process living with a chronic illness. We discuss Myisha's new book of poetry called "Footprints of the Soul", where you can find your copy, and she reads us one of her beautiful poems. This was such a great conversation and Myisha is a treasure. Just a warning that we discuss abortion in this episode so it may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: We reference our episode with Nicole Williams, LPC. You can find it here.Myisha's Twitter accountMyisha's book- Footprints of the SoulChronic Illness and Grief: The Dual Process Model of Coping with Loss- Psychology Today by Katie Willard Virant MSW, JD, LCSW- Chronically MeMyisha on the Patients Rising show- Medical Gaslighting and Self AdvocacyLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we spoke to Marita Kametas, MSN, APN, FNP-BC, CMSRN, COCN! Marita is an Advanced Practice Provider Leader, IBD APN, and Ostomy Specialist in the IBD Center at the University of Chicago. We talked to her about all things ostomy! We discussed how providers can speak to patients about all of their treatment options including surgery and ostomies and how that language can really help to make patients feel more comfortable and in control. We talked about how she helps patients prepare for surgery and to deal with ostomies after surgery. We discussed the research she's doing into new ostomy technology and what she'd love to see advance in this area. We also talked about pregnancies with ostomies, complications one can have with an ostomy and so much more. It was super interesting and I think you'll learn just as much as we did. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: United Ostomy Association of AmericaA Guide to Ostomy Bag Care - includes videos! UChicago MedicineOstomy Tips & Tricks- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation USA5 Tips for Navigating Life With an Ostomy- Katelyn Wilson, RD- GastroGirlLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

***Warning that this episode includes an open discussion about sexuality and may not be suitable for all audiences.***This week we talked to the lovely Julia Gaspare-Pruchnicki! Julia is a medical student that was initially diagnosed with UC when she was 9 years old. She went on to have a colectomy and J-Pouch when she was 10 years old. After struggling with pouchitis and fistulas, Julia's diagnosis was changed to Crohn's disease. We talk to her about the treatments she's tried for her fistulizing disease including clinical trials with stem cells. We discussed the accommodations that she took advantage of when she was doing her undergraduate degree as well as medical school and how that has helped her having piece of mind. We talk to her about her passion for becoming a family medicine doctor and how she feels like she can use what she's learned from her Crohn's to help other people navigate their health. We discuss her mom's UC and J-Pouch and how that helped her feel like she had a partner and advocate as she navigated her disease. And finally we had a really frank conversation about how IBD and especially fistulas can affect your sex life and sexuality. We really appreciate Julia's willingness to be so open with this part of her life and her disease.  Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Sex and Relationships- Crohn's & Colitis UKSexuality and IBD- video from Canadian Society of Intestinal ResearchPerianal Fistula and Crohn's - video from Mayo ClinicLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we spoke to IBD and Rare Disease advocate, Aaron Blocker! Aaron lives with Crohn's disease as well as an ultra-rare disease called Hypophosphatasia. We talked to him about managing both illnesses and coordinating his care. We talked to him about how he set up his very popular and informative Facebook community called Support for Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis and how he monitors this page to keep the conversations informative, supportive, and as accurate as possible. We also talked to him about his degree in biomedical research and how he uses it to help translate complicated scientific information for the patient population and to help educate our community. Additionally this has helped him engage with the pharmaceutical and scientific community professionally to help with patient education, marketing and much more. Finally we talked to him about parenting his three very small children, including twin babies (!), while living with two chronic illnesses. Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) Links: Support for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Facebook pageInformation on Hypophosphatasia- National Organization for Rare DiseasesAaron's page from IBD Social CircleIBD Dads: What These Patient Heroes Have to Say About Fatherhood- Lights, Camera, Crohn's Blog- Natalie HaydenNatalie Hayden's episode Fatherhood and IBD with Jordan McConnell- About IBD Podcast with Amber Tresca (Look for a BM episode with Jordan soon!) Let's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!

This week we had such an interesting and fun conversation with Dr. Meredith Craven! Dr. Craven is a licensed health psychologist and she's the Director of GI Health Psychology in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stanford Health. We spent quite a bit of time talking about gut directed hypnotherapy and other brain-gut behavioral health techniques. We also had a really interesting discussion about Dr. Craven's research and work on health disparities and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We also talked about her interest in and practice of yoga and how she's helped her patients use it as well as diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness to manage their IBD. We could have talked to Dr. Craven for hours and hours. I hope you learn as much as we did from this conversation! Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)Links: A body scan meditation video with Dr. CravenCoping Strategies to Improve Mental Health- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation-USARacial Disparities Seen in Use of IBD Medical Therapy- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy NewsHow Healthcare Algorithms and AI Can Help and Harm- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthLet's get social!!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!