Posts by: Mary Horsley

Mary Horsley

Crohn's disease warrior, Navy veteran, communication and journalism graduate, cosmetologist and phlebotomist. I am a fur mom of one dog, my child, Bilbo Baggins. I enjoy sharing my journey with other invisible illness warriors through IBD News and also my personal blog. I live each day trying to find the positive because, for me, it could be worse. I hope you'll allow me to share my experiences and I happily accept any and all feedback, questions, and information. Thank you for reading my patient perspective!

March 13, 2020March 11, 2020

A Capsule Endoscopy Helps to Manage My Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

A few weeks ago, I mentioned having a magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in preparation for a capsule endoscopy. This was my third capsule endoscopy and I wanted to share my perspective ... Read more

February 21, 2020February 19, 2020

Battling Influenza A with Crohn’s Disease

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

I thought I had suffered from the flu at some point in my life. I’ve been sick, I’ve felt miserable, and I’ve had flu-like symptoms. I’ve even discussed this subject ... Read more

January 10, 2020January 8, 2020

MRI Enterography Is Useful for Crohn’s Disease Management

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

In a previous column, I discussed the various imaging scans that medical professionals use to manage Crohn’s disease. I mentioned one of these, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), an imaging test ... Read more

December 13, 2019December 11, 2019

Getting Through Cold and Flu Season with Crohn’s Disease

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

This past week or so, I have been plagued by a nasty cold. My sickness got me thinking about cold and flu season with Crohn’s disease and IBD. Most Crohn’s ... Read more

November 22, 2019November 20, 2019

Looking at the Different Types of Tiredness with Crohn’s

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

With Crohn’s disease and IBD, people can experience different kinds of tiredness, including one that comes with fatigue and another that results from insomnia. I am affected by many types ... Read more

November 8, 2019November 6, 2019

How to Safely Store and Dispose of Your Crohn’s Medications

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

When you have Crohn’s disease and IBD, you might try many different types of medications before you find what works for you. A topic that’s rarely addressed is the safe ... Read more

October 25, 2019October 25, 2019

What Should I Eat? Trigger Foods to Avoid with Crohn’s Disease

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

I’ll admit it: I’m guilty. Though I know I should avoid some foods that can trigger my Crohn’s disease, I sometimes give in to temptation. Firstly, I want to mention ... Read more

October 18, 2019October 17, 2019

Explaining the Use of Stool Tests in Crohn’s and IBD Care

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

Testing of stool, or feces, can be helpful when monitoring disease activity in Crohn’s disease and IBD. These tests can indicate if inflammation or internal bleeding is present and assist ... Read more

September 20, 2019September 18, 2019

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep with IBD Can Be Challenging

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

Many factors can contribute to fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn’s disease, including anemia, pain, and medications. Patients feel tired, restless, lethargic, exhausted, and lacking in energy. Fatigue ... Read more

September 6, 2019September 4, 2019

How to Give a Self-injection with Crohn’s Disease and IBD

Columns, It Could Be Worse - a column by Mary Horsley

There are many medications for Crohn’s disease and IBD. There are pills, IV infusions, self-injections, and shots and mechanisms for disease management. IV infusions are usually done in a hospital, ... Read more