Columns

October 22, 2020October 20, 2020

Vote Like Your Life Depends on It

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Early voting is underway in Texas, where I live. Being immunocompromised, I applied for and received a mail-in ballot. With the validity of mail-in voting in question and with ... Read more

October 15, 2020October 13, 2020

Heads or Tails: GI Psychology and IBD

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Most of us have had butterflies in our stomachs, followed our gut instincts, made gut-wrenching decisions, or felt our stomachs drop upon hearing bad news. Why do we feel ... Read more

October 8, 2020October 6, 2020

In the Pit of My Stomach: Depression and Anxiety With IBD

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Editor’s note: Please be advised that the topic of suicide is addressed in this column. Resources for help are listed at the end of the column. I was born ... Read more

October 1, 2020September 29, 2020

It’s Complicated: How a Roux-en-Y Affected My Routine ERCP

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

I had almost three years of perfect health following my liver transplant until my liver enzymes tripled in May. An abdominal ultrasound and liver biopsy showed no abnormalities. However, ... Read more

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 ... 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 ... 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, ... 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 ... 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 ... 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, ... Read more