Columns

July 11, 2019July 9, 2019

Cyberchondria Anxiety: When Self-diagnosis Becomes Self-defeating

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

A couple of months ago, I wrote about my first appointment with my new nephrologist, Dr. Mididoddi, and the possibility of facing another life-changing chronic disease diagnosis. After doing research ... Read more

June 27, 2019June 25, 2019

The High Cost of Living: Paying for Vital Prescriptions

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

When I quit my full-time job to focus on my freelancing career earlier this year, I gave up a steady salary. Worse, though, I also gave up all the benefits ... Read more

June 20, 2019June 18, 2019

Public Restrooms Are More Than a Convenience

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Where is the bathroom? It’s one of the first questions memorized when learning a new language or traveling to another country. In my column “Crohn’s Takes a Holiday,” I mentioned ... Read more

June 17, 2019June 14, 2019

The Struggle for Pain Relief During the Opioid Epidemic

Columns, Finding the Silver Linings - a column by Lisa Burks

People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are no strangers to dealing with pain. Between Crohn’s and its related conditions, pain becomes a daily companion. That’s definitely one companion I ... Read more

June 13, 2019June 11, 2019

Following in My Father’s Footsteps as a Crohn’s Survivor

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

I inherited many traits from my dad: my need for organization and order, love of math, problem-solving abilities, and powers of deduction. I also received his sensitive skin and delicate ... Read more

June 10, 2019June 6, 2019

Crohn’s Disease and Risks of Pregnancy

Columns, Finding the Silver Linings - a column by Lisa Burks

I have mentioned in previous columns that support groups can help those living with Crohn’s disease. These groups can give you space to discuss everyday problems or concerns with others who ... Read more

June 6, 2019June 4, 2019

Caregiving: In Sickness and in Health

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

My husband Patrick and I recently celebrated our third wedding anniversary. June 7, we will mark nine years since our first date. Patrick was the first, and only, man I ... Read more

May 30, 2019May 28, 2019

Nurses Are the Heart and Soul of Medicine

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the most important nurse in my life, my mother. This week, I’d like to focus on a few other important nurses who have ... Read more

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019

Crohn’s Takes a Holiday: Pack Wisely and Be Prepared

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

As I write this, I’m at Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino, just outside Lake Charles, Louisiana, on the first day of a weeklong anniversary trip with my husband. We’re driving ... Read more

May 20, 2019May 17, 2019

My Risk of Contracting Clostridium Difficile Is Higher with Crohn’s Disease

Columns, Finding the Silver Linings - a column by Lisa Burks

Over the past year, I have spent a lot of time as a hospital inpatient. No matter what the reason is for their admission, when someone is hospitalized they face ... Read more