Navigating Hernia Surgery Featuring Mike Tresca
About IBD
Amber is joined by her husband, Mike, who recently underwent robotic hernia surgery. In this candid conversation, they explore the entire experience—from the initial discovery of the hernia to the surgery itself and the recovery process that followed. Mike shares his insights on the challenges he faced, including unexpected pain, dietary adjustments, and the importance of having a supportive caregiver. They also discuss the nuances of patient-provider communication and how to navigate the complexities of post-surgery life. Whether you’re considering surgery or simply curious about the...
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Amber's 2024 in Books
About IBD
Amber shares some of the books she read over the previous year including biographies, young adult fiction, bestsellers, and romance. Hear about Amber's reading list from 2024, which was truly a mixed bag. The good news is that it contains something for everyone. Plus: learn about how you can read or listen to books for free using your local library — maybe without even leaving your house. Library apps mentioned in this episode: Books mentioned in this episode: by Rumaan Alam by Lois Lowry by Angeline Boulley by Britney Spears by Oyinkan Braithwaite by...
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"Fine" Dining With Crohn's Disease Featuring Michael Ornelas
About IBD
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 on life. But it's not all serious! Michael also talks about his comedy podcast, "Fine" Dining, which...
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"3 Kidneys, No Colon" With Dave Piontkowski
About IBD
For people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the path to pursuing our dreams can look different from that of our peers. Stand-up comedian Dave Piontkowski, lives with not only ulcerative colitis, but also chronic kidney disease. He developed a one-man show called "Three Kidneys, No Colon," which describes his journey with both of these conditions. Dave talks about how and why his comedy actually improved while he was fighting for his life with kidney disease. He also tells us how his comedy is connecting the chronic illness community, but there are some audience members who find it...
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The Hosts of Bowel Moments
About IBD
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 evebtyak J-pouch surgery. They also talk about the challenges of producing the podcast, the importance of therapy, and keeping up a social media presence. The conversation highlights the emotional and logistical aspects of creating a podcast about IBD. Select episodes of Bowel Moments: ...
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Finding the Balance - Honoring Veteran's Day With Stephanie Gish
About IBD
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. Buy "Crohn's, Fitness,...
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Parenting With IBD (With Alison McGauley)
About IBD
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...
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Choosing Ostomy Surgery With Hannah Martin-Spencer
About IBD
Is it surprising to learn that some people living with IBD choose to have ostomy surgery? Hannah, a 24-year-old woman, shares her journey through the initial symptoms of IBD at the age of 15, to getting a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. She describes how her symptoms worsened after diagnosis, including bleeding, bowel urgency, and fatigue, which led to multiple hospitalizations. Hannah advocated for surgery to treat her pancolitis, despite an initial difference of opinion with her medical team. After surgery, Hannah's symptoms were significantly improved and she regained a sense of normalcy...
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Starting College After a Crohn’s Diagnosis
About IBD
Christina King shares her journey with being diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2021. She was misdiagnosed with gastritis and hemorrhoids, until her severe symptoms of rectal bleeding and weight loss, plus multiple trips to the emergency department led to a hospitalization. An in-patient colonoscopy finally led to a diagnosis of Crohn's, and she was finally able to get treatment and improve. She was unable to go to school with her high school graduating class, and is now ready to start pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Christina tells Amber where she went for information in the early days...
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IBD and the Patient-Physician Relationship
About IBD
The relationship between patient and physician in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) is so critical to the success of the management of the disease. Both the patient and the physician have roles to play in developing and maintaining a good working relationship. One such example of a truly special and inspirational patient-physician relationship is illustrated here between Dr Julie Spivack, a gastroenterologist with Connecticut GI, and Rosa, her patient. Rosa and Dr Spivack discuss their close bond and how the listening, empathy, honesty, and open-mindedness...
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