Tag Archives: Crohn’s disease

Turning Adversity into Innovation: Rachel Bee's Journey with Crohn's Disease and Infusion Hero

Turning Adversity into Innovation: Rachel Bee’s Journey with Crohn’s Disease and Infusion Hero

People with chronic illness are innovative. We have to be, because even though we have limited resources available to us, we’re often expected to achieve at the same level as people who are healthy.

In Episode 172 of About IBD, I talk to Rachel Bee. Rachel was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 13. She successfully navigates the challenges of living with IBD while also becoming an entrepreneur. She founded Infusion Hero, a business dedicated to creating specialized hoodies for young patients undergoing infusions.

This blog post outlines some insights from Rachel, including valuable advice and inspiration for budding entrepreneurs.

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AIBD Episode 171 - Freelancing Freedom: Crafting Your Career While Caring for Your Health - Jen Hubley Luckwaldt

Freelancing Freedom: Crafting Your Career While Caring for Your Health – About IBD Podcast Episode 171

It’s not easy to manage both a career and chronic illness like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis). We need tools and tips in order to keep everything moving and succeed at work while caring for ourselves. I talk with Jen Hubley Luckwaldt about how freelancing can be a valid way of meeting both goals. Jen shares her journey from traditional employment to freelancing, including how it offers her flexibility in balancing work, health, and family. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries with clients, how to identify your marketable skills, and building a supportive community. Jen emphasizes the value of an abundance mindset in freelancing and offers practical tips for finding work and managing time effectively. If you’ve ever wondered how you can manage to work while still making it to infusions and appointments: we have a roadmap for you.



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How You Can Be More Productive While Living With Chronic Illness

Navigating Productivity with Chronic Illness

Insights from Lisa Zawrotny, Founder of Positively Productive Systems

On About IBD Podcast Episode 170, I talk to Lisa Zawrotny, a productivity coach, founder of Positively Productive Systems, and host of the Positively Living Podcast. We talk about how people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) or other chronic illnesses have unique challenges when it comes to productivity. Our discussion focuses on how to manage stress and clutter effectively when coping with low energy and flare-ups. Lisa shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s and her experiences with chronic pain, which have profoundly influenced her approach to productivity coaching. In this post, I break down the key insights and actionable advice shared in the episode.

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Declutter Your Life While Living with IBD Featuring Lisa Zawrotny – About IBD Podcast Episode 170

Do you find it difficult to find the time and energy to deal with mental or physical clutter? Lisa Zawrotny, a productivity coach and founder of Positively Productive Systems, helps us learn how to manage clutter, even when flaring. We discuss practical strategies for decluttering both your physical space and mental load, and how to celebrate even the smallest victories in your day-to-day life. Plus, Lisa reveals her insights on creating systems that work for you, no matter your circumstances. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by expectations or struggled to find balance, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you reclaim your time and energy.

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The Need for Intersectional Research in IBD

The Need for Intersectional Research in IBD

In a recent episode of About IBD, I had the privilege of talking with Cass Condray, a passionate advocate and researcher. Cass, who not only works in IBD research but also lives with the condition, shared his insights into the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community who live with IBD.

One of the issues highlighted in our conversation was lack of research. There’s little in the way of study looking at how IBD affects sexual and gender minorities, which influences healthcare outcomes and quality of life.

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About IBD Podcast Episode 168 - Why Representation Matters for the LGBTQ+ Community - Featuring Cass Condray

Why Representation Matters for the LGBTQ+ Community – About IBD Podcast Episode 168

There’s a need for more research addressing social determinants of health in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community. Cass Condray, an IBD researcher who also lives with an IBD, points out the lack of information and resources focused on the unique experiences of LGBTQ patients. Cass also talks about the significance of representation in research, and the impact that intersecting identities have on people’s health outcomes. Plus, we talk about Cass’ web site, PrideAndPoop.com, what his hopes are for the future, and what there is to do in Oklahoma.

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Thriving as a Parent with Chronic Illness: Tips for Managing Guilt and Fatigue

Thriving as a Parent with Chronic Illness: Tips for Managing Guilt and Fatigue

For those of us living with chronic illnesses, parenting comes with challenges that are different than those of our peers. On About IBD Podcast Episode 167, Jaime Holland and I share how we manage guilt and fatigue from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here are some key takeaways and practical tips from our conversation for parents with IBD who find themselves making their way through similar challenges.

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How to Thrive as a Parent with IBD Featuring Jaime Holland

How to Thrive as a Parent with IBD – About IBD Podcast Episode 167

Amber hands over hosting duties to Jamie Holland, a patient advocate with Crohn’s disease. They discuss their personal experiences with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They focus on Amber’s decision to have j-pouch surgery after being diagnosed with dysplasia and the effects it had on her fertility. Jamie asks Amber to share about the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood with IBD, including fatigue and guilt. They also touch on the possibility of passing IBD on to children and the importance of community and support.

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Blog Post - Chronic Illness and the Language of War

Chronic Illness and the Language of War

I don’t get to say how other people decide to refer to themselves. How someone defines their relationship to their disease or to themselves is none of my business. I don’t get to make decisions about language on behalf of anyone.

I do, however, get to decide how I refer to myself and to living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). I do get to be intentional about the words I use in my writing to describe these illnesses and how I see them in the context of the broader world. I do make decisions about the phrasing I choose to use in my work to create educational material for people living with digestive disease.

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