Columns

October 14, 2019October 11, 2019

Understanding the Cancer Risks Associated with IBD Medications

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

A topic that has arisen lately in the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis community is the risk of some types of cancers due to the medications that we take. Most ... Read more

October 10, 2019October 8, 2019

Missing Out Is New Normal with Crohn’s

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

I first learned about FOMO, or the fear of missing out, when one of my students used it in an assignment. I don’t know if “FOMO” is still what ... Read more

October 3, 2019October 1, 2019

Taking Another Shot: Getting Vaccinated Against Pneumonia

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

In my previous column, I reminded you to get a flu shot before the end of October. I also shared some advice to prevent exposure to the virus. In ... Read more

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019

Preventing the Flu After Vaccination

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

Monday was the first day of fall — at least that’s what the calendar said. In Texas, it was a record-breaking 100 degrees. One thing that’s not going to ... Read more

September 23, 2019September 19, 2019

Blood and Plasma Donations Are Needed to Save Lives

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

Right now, in the United States, we are dealing with a critical shortage of blood and plasma donations. The American Red Cross is seeking donors to address the situation, ... 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. ... Read more

September 19, 2019September 17, 2019

Intestinal Transplants in Crohn’s Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

In last week’s column, I discussed the autoimmune disease that caused my liver to fail. As I celebrated the second anniversary of my liver transplant, I thought about intestinal ... Read more

September 12, 2019September 10, 2019

You Only Live Twice: PSC as an Extraintestinal Manifestation of IBD

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

In my first column, I discussed how my Crohn’s journey began with my primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) diagnosis almost 25 years ago. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) ... Read more

September 9, 2019September 5, 2019

Weight Challenges Complicate Life with Crohn’s

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

A stereotype exists that implies that if you have Crohn’s disease, you should be underweight. But it is possible to be either underweight or overweight with Crohn’s. People who ... 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 ... Read more