Columns

December 12, 2019December 10, 2019

Reconnecting with an Old Friend When Living with a Chronic Disease

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

About six months ago, I reconnected with my childhood best friend, Suzanne, after losing contact with her more than 15 years ago. We had been very close since meeting in ... Read more

December 9, 2019December 6, 2019

Nonprofit Is on a Mission to Fund Research into a Cure for IBD

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

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week took place last week. Though Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — affect more than three million Americans, ... Read more

December 5, 2019December 3, 2019

Fun, Practical Gifts for IBD Patients This Holiday Season

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

The pumpkin pie is almost gone, and I’ve been burning off extra calories decorating for Christmas. There are 20 shopping days left. I just felt my stress level creep up ... Read more

December 2, 2019November 26, 2019

How Crohn’s Medications Made My Dental Surgery Frustrating

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

Recently I learned of a connection between dental problems and Crohn’s disease. It makes a lot of sense, as I’ve had issues with my teeth for some time now. A few ... Read more

November 25, 2019November 21, 2019

Crohn’s Can Adversely Affect Oral Health

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

Although the main focus of Crohn’s disease surrounds the digestive system, it can affect the rest of the body in unexpected ways. Recently, I went to the dentist for a ... 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 21, 2019November 19, 2019

Striking a Balance as a Patient and Caregiver

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

After years of swimming in the deep end of healthcare as a patient, I’m wading in the shallows of caregiving. A week ago, my husband, Patrick, began treatment for high ... Read more

November 18, 2019November 14, 2019

I Face Judgment and Disbelief While Living with Invisible Diseases

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

Crohn’s disease can be incredibly debilitating. Living with the weakness, fatigue, urgent bowel movements, intestinal pain, and secondary conditions associated with the condition is extremely challenging. What makes it even ... Read more

November 14, 2019November 12, 2019

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Through the ACA

Columns, Intestinal Fortitude - a Column by Emmeline Olson

For U.S. citizens, open enrollment for the health insurance marketplaces began this month. Under the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA), people can sign up for coverage until Dec. 15. Before former ... Read more

November 11, 2019November 8, 2019

An Explainer on the Types of Steroids Used to Treat Crohn’s

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

Corticosteroids are typically the go-to medications to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. This class of steroids mimics cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. These medications are ... Read more