Posts by: Emmeline Olson

Emmeline Olson

Emmeline is a 47-year-old Crohn’s warrior and primary sclerosing cholangitis survivor. Her column encourages patients and caregivers to advocate for better healthcare and educates readers about her rare autoimmune diseases. She also freelances as a communication specialist, offering writing, editing, and graphic design services. Emmeline (an Auburn fan) and her husband Patrick (an Alabama fan) enjoy watching SEC football and spending time with loved ones in Austin, Texas. Thanks to a liver transplant in 2017, Emmeline is training for her third-degree black belt in the Korean martial art Mu Sool Won.

September 24, 2020September 21, 2020

I Got 99 IBD Problems, but Prostate Cancer Ain’t One

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

In 1999, the Prostate Health Council of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease recognized September as National Prostate Health Month, also known as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The American ... Read more

September 17, 2020September 15, 2020

PSC-IBD and Me: The Road to My Liver Transplant

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Last week, I celebrated year three of my second birthday, otherwise known as the anniversary of my liver transplant. I usually celebrate with my husband and family, but this year ... Read more

September 10, 2020September 8, 2020

Sepsis Awareness Takes T.I.M.E.

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Since 2011, the Sepsis Alliance has recognized September as Sepsis Awareness Month. Sepsis occurs when an existing infection triggers an extreme chemical response in the body. When this happens, the ... Read more

September 3, 2020September 1, 2020

Looking for ‘Dr. Right’ Following a Medical Breakup

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Breakups aren’t easy, and I’m often on the receiving end. Getting dumped in a romantic relationship can be child’s play compared with ending a relationship with a doctor, especially when ... Read more

August 27, 2020August 21, 2020

Understanding My Colonoscopy From the Inside Out

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Last week, I had my annual colonoscopy. With all the safety precautions in place because of COVID-19, this year’s procedure was different. First of all, my husband had to drop ... Read more

August 20, 2020August 17, 2020

Applying for Disability Insurance With IBD

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

In a previous column, I discussed how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects invisible disabilities, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD-related disorders and conditions. Under the ADA, employees ... Read more

August 13, 2020August 10, 2020

The Case of the Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

I’m going on four months with elevated liver enzymes. My aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase fluctuate between normal to above normal. My alkaline phosphatase steadily remains triple to quadruple the ... Read more

August 6, 2020August 3, 2020

The Americans with Disabilities Act: Putting the IBD in Invisible Disability

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Last week, I wrote about working from home. Not all occupations adapt to telecommuting. Some employers can’t, or won’t, allow employees to work from home. How can inflammatory bowel disease ... Read more

July 23, 2020July 21, 2020

The IBD Carnival: Symptoms, Side Effects, and Complications

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Receiving an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis was like free admission to a carnival I could never leave. I know what to expect when I get on the familiar rides, ... Read more