Amber and gastroenterologist Dr Neil Parikh discuss technology’s impact on IBD management. Dr Parikh emphasizes the importance of patient diaries and open communication between patients and providers. They also address concerns about data privacy, integrating holistic approaches in patient care, and the potential of wearable technology in gastroenterology.
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People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (forms of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD) were told for many decades that diet didn’t affect the disease. Even today, some patients are still told this, even though there is now significant evidence that diet absolutely matters in IBD. Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN describes how her journey with ulcerative colitis led to j-pouch surgery. Her philosophy as a registered dietitian is one of “nutrition by addition” rather than by dietary restriction. Stacey also focuses on the emotional aspects of eating with IBD, including the understandable fear and anxiety around food.
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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.
Continue readingIn this episode, I take you through my process, how I recruit guests, record, produce, and market about IBD. If you are curious to learn how About IBD is produced, or if you’re interested in being a guest or a sponsor, this episode should answer many of your questions.
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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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What’s the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease? We talk about them like they’re two distinct sides of a spectrum, but there are people who don’t have a firm place on that continuum. Amber Tresca talks with Michael Ornelas, host of the “Fine” Dining podcast, about his journey with IBD. Michael was first diagnosed with proctitis, then Crohn’s disease, and later, maybe, with ulcerative colitis. Michael shares his experiences with symptoms, treatments, and the impact IBD has his life. But it’s not all serious! Michael also talks about his comedy podcast, “Fine” Dining, which encompasses the search for mediocrity in chain restaurants. Maybe an unexpected choice for a project for person with IBD, so they also discuss Michael’s unique perspectives on food.
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Alicia and Robin, co-hosts of the “Bowel Moments” podcast, join Amber for a discussion about podcasting in the IBD community. Robin shares her IBD journey, including her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, the complications that led to an ileal anal anastomosis, the later diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, and eventual J-pouch surgery. They also talk about the challenges of producing the podcast, the importance of therapy, and keeping up a social media presence. And: Robin makes a big announcement.
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Stephanie Gish, host of the Crohn’s Fitness Food podcast, gives the details of her journey with Crohn’s disease and IGA nephropathy. Stephanie’s Crohn’s symptoms began in 2003, but she was initially misdiagnosed with an anal fissure. After being discharged from the Army for medical reasons unrelated to IBD, she went through years of fragmented care, and finally received a Crohn’s diagnosis in 2009. Stephanie brought her knowledge of health and fitness to bear in managing Crohn’s, but the diagnosis of IGA nephropathy had her changing course and rethinking her approach.
Amber interviews Alison McGauley, a teacher and author of “Kenzie’s Little Tree,” a children’s book about a girl whose mother lives with chronic illness. Alison shares her journey with ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ankylosing spondylitis, and how her hospitalization impacted her two daughters. She emphasizes the importance of talking about illness with children to help them process their emotions. Alison’s book, set to release in March 2025, aims to provide a narrative for families dealing with chronic illness. Pre-orders are available, with proceeds donated to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and the Arthritis Society.
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Dr. Iris Wang, assistant professor in the division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Associate Program Director of the GI fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and Amber Tresca discuss the stigma surrounding gut health and poop. Dr. Wang shares the experience of writing a children’s book focused on preventing and managing constipation titled “Boo Can’t Poo!” They also discuss the challenges of publishing a book on gut health and the potential benefits of talking about poop and toileting, emphasizing the importance of open communication and personalized treatment. Listen to learn about where you can get “Boo Can’t Poo!” and how parents with IBD can manage their anxiety around the idea of their kids developing IBD.
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