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When 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 â 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!!
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What 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 continentsâall 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 enlighteningâdiscovering 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 diseasesâdemographics 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!!
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This 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 discussionsâa 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 interventionâwhether medication, diet modification, or environmental changeâfor 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!!
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What happens when you decide to throw caution to the wind, decline your PhD acceptance, quit your job, and travel the world for 10 monthsâall 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!!
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The 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 monitoringâchecking medication levels every 6-12 months or more frequently during growth spurtsâhas 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 abscessesâcomplications 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 teamsânot 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!!
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This 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 cancerâall 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 understoodâyet 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!!
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Discover 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!!
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Imagine 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 Tishâs 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!!
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Join 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, sheâs 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 sheâs 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, sheâs helping to create tailored programs that support women at every stage of life. Donât miss this deep dive into precision medicine, prevention clinics, and the future of IBD .
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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!!
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This 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.
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!
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!
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Could 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.
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 website
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!
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This 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.
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- USA
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.
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Ever 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.
Kaitlyn's Instagram account- check out her beautiful art! Information on Microscopic Colitis - Mayo ClinicCollagenous and Lymphocytic Colitis info- National Institutes of Health
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.
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This 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.
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 Nutriti
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! ;)
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This 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.
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
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! ;)
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This 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.
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 EMDR
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! ;)
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**Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicidal ideation.**
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 IBD
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! ;)
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This 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 â 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!
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 USA
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! ;)
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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 Crohnâs & 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.
Overview of Challenges in IBD Information about IBD PlexusInformation about IBD QorusInformation in IBD Ventures
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! ;)
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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. Barnellâs 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.
Article about the IBD Innovate Conference- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USAEpisode of Oncology Overdrive from Healio with Dr. BarnellFDA Approves ColoSense test- Colorectal Cancer Alliance
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! ;)
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