About IBD

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease) are about more than diarrhea: they affect the whole person. About IBD focuses on health and lifestyle issues important to people living with Crohn's or colitis. IBD patients, doctors, therapists, and care partners give their tips and advice on topics including diet, nutrition, treatments, mental health, family dynamics, and sexuality as it relates to living with IBD.

Reclaiming Joy in Eating with IBD Featuring Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN 04/22/2025

Reclaiming Joy in Eating with IBD Featuring Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN 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 dietician 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. Topics discussed: The role of diet in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Personal experiences with ulcerative colitis and dietary management. The misconception that diet does not impact IBD management. The philosophy of "nutrition by addition" versus dietary restrictions. The importance of individualized dietary approaches for IBD patients. The impact of food on gut health and bacterial diversity. Emotional aspects of eating with IBD, including fear and anxiety around food. The significance of finding joy in cooking and eating. Practical dietary recommendations for IBD patients, including the Mediterranean diet. The importance of community support and connection in managing IBD. Find Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN at: Stacey Collins Nutrition: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: Publications from Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN: Scarlata K, Zickgraf HF, Satherley RM, et al. . Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. Published online December 14, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.010 Collins S, DIGID Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Workgroup. Iron in GI conditions. . 2024. Collins S, Castelan VC, Wernick R, et al. . Gastroenterology. 2024;166(3):S22-S23. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.11.081 Collins S. Surgery and Nutrition. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. 2024. . Nishioka H, Hasegawa Y. Addressing sarcopenia in people with disabilities: definition, assessment, and nutritional care. Medical Nutrition Matters. Reviewed by Collins S. October 1, 2024. . Find Amber J Tresca at: : Verywell: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram: YouTube: Threads: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: Instagram: Web: YouTube: Theme music, , is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode transcript and more information at: These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. /episode/index/show/aboutibd/id/36234155

Infusion Hero: Stylish Hoodies for Young Patients Featuring Rachel Bee 04/08/2025

Infusion Hero: Stylish Hoodies for Young Patients Featuring Rachel Bee IBD patients are innovative, resilient, and powerful. My guest, Rachel Bee, is an incredible example of all these virtues. Rachel is a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at just 13 years old. She turned her experiences with IBD into a mission to help others by founding Infusion Hero, a company that designs innovative hoodies specifically for young patients receiving infusions. Infusion Hero hoodies provide comfort and feature a unique design that allows for easy access during medical treatments. Rachel shares her story of navigating the challenges of her diagnosis, balancing high school, and running a business—all while maintaining her health and staying connected with friends. Don't miss Rachel's insights on how to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Discussion points include: Personal health journeys related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Experiences of living with Crohn's disease as a teenager The impact of chronic illness on daily life and activities The importance of education and support for young patients with IBD The creation and purpose of Infusion Hero, a clothing line for infusion patients Balancing health, school, and entrepreneurial endeavors The role of mentorship and resources for young entrepreneurs Emotional aspects of managing chronic illness during adolescence The significance of community support and relationships with peers and teachers Future aspirations and educational goals for young patients and entrepreneurs Find Rachel Bee of Infusion Hero at: Web: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Tik Tok: Find Amber J Tresca at: : Verywell: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram: YouTube: Threads: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: Instagram: Web: YouTube: Theme music, , is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode transcript and more information at: These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. /episode/index/show/aboutibd/id/35996850

Freelancing Freedom: Crafting Your Career While Caring for Your Health 03/25/2025

Freelancing Freedom: Crafting Your Career While Caring for Your Health 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. Episode highlights: Managing a career while living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Challenges of maintaining traditional full-time employment with chronic illness Advantages of freelancing, including flexibility and work-life balance Importance of setting boundaries with clients Identifying marketable skills for freelancing The role of community and support in a freelance career Strategies for effective communication and feedback in professional settings Tools and resources for freelancers to enhance productivity The concept of an abundance mindset in freelancing Find Jen Hubley Luckwaldt and The Job Hopper at: The Job Hopper: Bluesky: Old Mom Things: LinkedIn: Find Amber J Tresca at: : Verywell: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram: YouTube: Threads: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: Instagram: Web: YouTube: Theme music, , is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD 171 These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. /episode/index/show/aboutibd/id/35784700

Declutter Your Life While Living with Chronic Illness 03/11/2025

Declutter Your Life While Living with Chronic Illness 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. Key points: Intersection of productivity and chronic illness Challenges faced by caregivers and individuals with chronic conditions Personal journey of caregiving and its impact on productivity coaching Importance of compassion and realistic approaches to productivity Strategies for managing stress and clutter Prioritization of tasks and setting boundaries Techniques for decluttering and energy management Celebrating small wins and acknowledging achievements The role of journaling in emotional healing and reflection Building community and support for individuals with chronic illnesses Episode sponsored by . Find Lisa Zawrotny of Positively Productive Systems at: Web: LinkedIn: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: YouTube: Tik Tok: Pinterest: Find Amber J Tresca at: : Verywell: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram: YouTube: Threads: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: Instagram: Web: YouTube: Theme music, , is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD170 These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. /episode/index/show/aboutibd/id/35599500

Embracing Life with an Ostomy Featuring Danielle Barlieb 02/25/2025

Why Representation Matters for the LGBTQ+ Community 02/11/2025

How to Thrive as a Parent with IBD Featuring Jaime Holland 01/28/2025

Navigating Hernia Surgery Featuring Mike Tresca 01/07/2025

Amber's 2024 in Books 12/22/2024

"Fine" Dining With Crohn's Disease Featuring Michael Ornelas 12/10/2024

"3 Kidneys, No Colon" With Dave Piontkowski 11/26/2024

The Hosts of Bowel Moments 11/12/2024

Finding the Balance - Honoring Veteran's Day With Stephanie Gish 10/29/2024

Parenting With IBD (With Alison McGauley) 10/15/2024

Choosing Ostomy Surgery With Hannah Martin-Spencer 10/01/2024

Choosing Ostomy Surgery With Hannah Martin-Spencer 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 in her life. Hannah discusses the pros and cons of choosing an ostomy over a J-pouch, the importance of quality of life, and how surgery could impact her future fertility. Concepts discussed on this episode: Yang X, He M, Tang Q, et al. Assessment of anti-inflammatory efficacy of acupuncture in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2023;74:102946. doi:. Bao C, Wu L, Wang D, et al. Acupuncture improves the symptoms, intestinal microbiota, and inflammation of patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease: A randomized controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine. 2022;45:101300. doi:. Bae JH, Kang SY, You SE, Jeong HI, Jang S, Kim KH. The Effects of Acupuncture on Crohn's Disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pharmacopuncture. 2023;26(3):211-226. doi:. Find Hannah Martin-Spencer on: Instagram: Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: Verywell Health: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram: YouTube: https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: Web: Theme music, , is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode transcript and more information at: These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. /episode/index/show/aboutibd/id/33267657

Starting College After a Crohn’s Diagnosis 09/17/2024

IBD and the Patient-Physician Relationship 08/13/2024

IBD and Accommodations at Work With Katie Connelly 07/30/2024

Connecting to Cure Crohn's and Colitis With Stacy Dylan 07/09/2024

Men's Health and IBD 06/25/2024

"Boo Can't Poo!" With Iris Wang, MD 06/04/2024

The GEM Project With Chantel Wicks 05/14/2024

The Harms of Copay Accumulators 04/30/2024

The Harms of Copay Accumulators Did you notice that suddenly one year you started paying more for your healthcare? Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are sometimes treated with medications that are expensive. Manufacturers create programs to help patients afford these drugs. In the beginning, these payments from assistance programs counted toward a yearly health insurance deductible. Then, suddenly: they stopped counting. Overnight, patients found themselves responsible for more costs, while insurance carriers received what amounts to double payments. A 2023 court ruling says that this practice should be reversed again, but it's not happening. Amber McCown tells her story of how a copay accumulator program took her by surprise and why she's partnering with the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute and working with legislators and agencies to advocate for change. Aimed Alliance. How a Loophole in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Can Impact Access To Your Necessary Treatments: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021; Notice Requirement for Non-Federal Governmental Plans: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/14/2020-10045/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-hhs-notice-of-benefit-and-payment-parameters-for-2021 Copay Accumulator Programs: State Insurance Departments: https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments From the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute: In 2022,, two diabetes groups, and individual chronic disease patients filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the federal rule that allowed "copay accumulators." Insurers use "copay accumulator" programs to avoid counting the value of copay coupons that patients get from drug manufacturers toward a patient's deductible and out-of-pocket costs -- effectively double charging the patients. In 2023, of the plaintiffs and struck down the federal rule that had allowed health insurers to avoid counting copay assistance from drug manufacturers toward a patient's out-of-pocket cost. But the government isn't enforcing the court's ruling, so patients are still subject to copay accumulator schemes. . Far worse is the fact that patients are still being unjustly subjected to copay accumulators that prevent them from being able to afford their prescription drugs as a result. Patients need the federal government to issue a new rule ASAP. Find Amber J Tresca at: : Verywell: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: Instagram: Web: Theme music, , is from ©Cooney Studio. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD151 These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. /episode/index/show/aboutibd/id/31030388

IBD and Somatic Therapy With Abri Bernstein 04/16/2024

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month With Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley 03/26/2024

Making Crohn's Disease Funny With Matt Nagin 02/13/2024

Amber's Year in Books 2023 01/30/2024

IBD Connect With Lisa Fournier 01/16/2024

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and IBD With Stephanie Brenner, LCSW, MSW 12/19/2023

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and IBD With Stephanie Brenner, LCSW, MSW My guest is Stephanie Brenner of Chronic Illness Psychotherapy. Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has experience in working with clients with chronic illnesses. She has also taken on a variety of roles in GI space, including previously serving on both the advisory team for the Pediatric Crohn’s Guidebook and the recruitment committee for the Rome Foundation’s GastroPsych organization. Stephanie lives with Crohn’s disease and a permanent ileostomy and is also a cancer survivor. I asked her to help us better understand PTSD and PTS as they relate to having a chronic illness like IBD. She defines PTSD and why it can happen with IBD, what some of the signs and symptoms might look like, and what patients can do to address their mental health. Episode transcript and more information at: Find Stephanie Brenner, LCSW, MSW at: Web: Facebook: Concepts discussed: An Overview of Rectovaginal Fistula: An Overview of Anal or Rectal Abscess: Proctectomy Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Sacha McBain, PhD: What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?: The Psychology of the Sickbed: Taft TH, Quinton S, Jedel S, Simons M, Mutlu EA, Hanauer SB. Posttraumatic Stress in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prevalence and Relationships to Patient-Reported Outcomes. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2022;28(5):710-719. doi:10.1093/ibd/izab152 What Is EMDR Therapy?: Understanding Diaphragmatic Breathing: All About Grounding: Techniques to Connect to Nature: Self-Report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): (other checklists ) Rome Foundation: Samantha Irby: Tig Notoro: Hannah Gatsby: Cameron Esposito: Find Amber J Tresca at: : Verywell: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Instagram: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: Instagram: Web: LinkedIn: Theme music, , is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. /episode/index/show/aboutibd/id/29127653

IBD in the Hispanic Community With Oriana Damas, MD 12/05/2023

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