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Explore every episode of the podcast Bowel Moments

Dive into the complete episode list for Bowel Moments. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Meet Kaitlyn N!13 Nov 202400:47:57

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Ever wondered how someone turns a challenging health diagnosis into a source of artistic inspiration? This week we chat with Kaitlyn Niznik about her microscopic lymphocytic colitis and how is influenced her life and her art! Kaitlyn offers a unique perspective, sharing her journey from diagnosis to becoming an empowered advocate through her art. As an art teacher, Kaitlyn navigates the daily balancing act of managing her classroom and her health, all while creating meaningful art that she shares on Instagram. Discover how her experiences with colitis have ignited a passion for medical illustration and inspired her creative process.

Join us for this episode of Bowel Moments, where we explore the intersection of art and life with Kaitlyn Niznik, all wrapped up in a narrative that's as uplifting as it is insightful.

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Enteral and Parenteral nutrition with Neha Shah, RD!30 Oct 202400:53:30

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This week we welcomed back Registered Dietitian, Neha Shah! Neha joined us back in episode 42 where she was interviewed by friend of the show and IBD RD Stacey Collins. Neha specializes in IBD and other GI disorders and has both a private practice and is also part of the Colitis & Crohn's Disease Center at UCSF.  We spent this episode shedding light on the distinctive roles of enteral and parenteral nutrition in combating IBD-related malnutrition. This episode is your gateway to understanding how enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) can transform treatment strategies.

We discuss everything there is to know about enteral nutrition, especially exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), a potential game-changer for Crohn's disease management. Discover how EEN can stand alongside or even replace corticosteroids, offering an alternative path to remission and mucosal healing. While this approach has shown promise in pediatric cases, we delve into the more complex dynamics of adult treatment where compliance and lifestyle factors bring their own set of challenges. Neha emphasizes the pivotal role of dietitians in crafting personalized nutritional plans, ensuring that patients receive the tailored guidance they need.

From navigating the hurdles of enteral nutrition to transitioning to varied diets, this episode is packed with practical strategies and expert advice. Neha addresses common obstacles like weight fluctuations and gastrointestinal discomfort, offering solutions such as formula adjustments and the integration of partial enteral nutrition (PEN). As patients move from EEN to lifestyle-friendly diets like the Mediterranean or plant-based options, we explore how specific fibers and the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED) can optimize gut health. Whether you're a patient or a caregiver, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the nutritional complexities of IBD.

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Kate Scarlata, MPH, RD26 Jun 202400:45:45

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This week we had such a great conversation with Kate Scarlata, MPH, RD! Kate is a Boston-based registered dietitian and New York Times best selling author with 30+ years of digestive health experience. Kate is a world-renowned low FODMAP diet expert and invited speaker on the role of food intolerance in GI disorders at numerous international and national gastrointestinal health conferences from Harvard Medical School to Monash University. She specializes in digestive health including treatment for: IBS, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, mast cell activation syndrome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

We talked to her about so many things! We discussed patients that have co-occurring IBD and IBS- how frequent that is and how to best treat them. We talked about food intolerances, intolerance testing, and elimination diets. We discussed medical equity and her efforts to highlight the lack of medical diet-friendly- like for celiac- food offered in food pantries. We talked about common myths surrounding gut health that she asks her guests on her podcast called The Gut Health podcast to discuss. Finally we discussed her new book that she co-authored with Dr. Megan Riehl called "Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based, Whole-Body Guide to Living Well with IBD."

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Eitan!06 Jul 202200:44:42

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This week's episode was SO FUN! Robin and I got to record in the same room after not getting to meet up for more that 2.5 years! AND we had the joy of talking with Eitan Kling-Levine! Eitan is a young professional living with NYC and working in healthcare marketing. After growing up in the theater, he attended NYU for acting, and during senior year, got diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. This began a long road of intense sickness and treatment. After a year of complications and trying various therapies, he ultimately decided on having a three-part surgery. Following the year-long recovery, he was able to move back to NYC, and thankfully  has been able to live life to the fullest ever since. Most recently, he got engaged, and is excited to marry his life partner in July 2023. We talked about living and dating in NYC (and how hard it may be to find a bathroom!), we talked about his surgery experience, the French healthcare system, his foray into legislative and personal advocacy, his career moves, talking about sexuality with your GI, and our mutual love of Sauvignon Blanc.

Links:
Restroom finder app- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Get involved in IBD Advocacy- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Sex, Intimacy, and IBD Factsheet- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation 

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Meet Dr. Tim Ritter!29 Jun 202200:47:16

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This week we talk to Dr. Tim Ritter- Senior Medical Director and lead for Clinical Trials at the GI Alliance.  Dr. Ritter has been treating patients with IBD for more than 30 years and has a special interest in clinical trials. We talk to him about what's happening in the IBD research space, talking to patients about clinical trials, what patients can expect from participating in a trial, and bourbon. 

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Meet Nicole Williams, LPC!22 Jun 202200:57:44

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This week we talk to Nicole Williams- Licensed Professional Counselor! Nicole has more than 20 years of experience in providing therapy services and specializes in working with people living with chronic illness. We talk to her about the grief and loss wheel she developed to help her patients understand the emotions that can go along with being diagnosed and living with a chronic illness, we talk about self-advocacy and being the captain of your healthcare team, we talk about resources you can use if you're living with a chronic illness, and we talk about living well and fully with IBD.

Links that Nicole mentions:
- Heartmath
- MyGoodDays.org
- Healingwell.com
- WeAreCapeable.org

Folder with resources Nicole Covers.

Books Nicole Mentions:
- 7 Steps to Living with a Chronic Illness- By Matt Cavallo
- Life Disrupted: Getting Real About Chronic Illness in Your Twenties and Thirties- By Laurie Edwards
- Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired- By Paul Donoghue and Mary Seigel
- Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness: How to Stay Sane and Live One Step Ahead of Your Symptoms- By Ilana Jaqueline
- How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide- By Toni Bernhard
- You Don't LOOK Sick! Living Well With Invisible Chronic Illness- By Joy H. Selak, PhD

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Meet Dr. Tiffany Taft!15 Jun 202200:58:16

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This week we talked to Dr. Tiffany Taft! Dr. Taft founded Oak Park Behavioral Medicine in 2012 and serves in an administrative leadership role. She completed her doctoral degree at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and predoctoral internship at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. Dr. Taft helped launch the first integrated behavioral medicine service in gastroenterology in the United States at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where she worked from 2009 to 2023. She is an internationally recognized expert in the psychosocial effects of chronic digestive diseases. Now as a “retired” Associate Professor, Dr. Taft has brought together an excellent team of clinicians dedicated to expanding access to specialty GI psychology services for patients in Illinois communities and across the United States.

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Meet Robin's Daughters- Logan & Baylee!08 Jun 202200:45:26

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This week we had extra special guests- we welcomed Robin's daughters- Logan and Baylee! We discussed what is was like to grown up with a mom with IBD, how that may or may not have shaped their career choices, how Robin's parenting and their close relationship has shaped the way they live their lives, and we also share some fun childhood memories. This was a fun and heartwarming episode to record- we hope you enjoy! 

Links: 

  • An interesting blog on parenting with Crohn's disease- CBC
  • IBDMoms- a safe space to talk about parenting with IBD
  • Mamas Facing Forward- a group for moms living with chronic illnesses
  • A blog on parenting with Crohn's by Natalie Hayden- Lights Camera Crohn's

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Meet Registered Dietitian Brittany!01 Jun 202200:48:28

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This week we talk to Brittany Rogers (formerly Roman-Green)! Brittany is an IBD-focused registered dietitian nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and behavior change specialist. She's the the co-leader of the diet and nutrition national scientific advisory committee for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, the national leader of the Registered Dietitians in IBD practice group for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the founder of Romanwell. She also happens to live with ulcerative colitis! Brittany is a non-diet dietitian and believes in a health at every size (HAES) approach. She's passionate about her work and helping her patients live well.  We sincerely enjoyed our conversation about intuitive eating, IBD and food myths, and where research on diets and IBD are taking us. 

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Meet Dr. Smita M.- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist! - Episode 1825 May 202200:56:28

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This week we talk to Dr. Smita Mehta, PT, DPT, PRPC! Dr. Mehta is a pelvic floor physical therapist and part of a multidisciplinary team for IBD at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. She clarified what pelvic floor PT is, how it can help people living with IBD, how to find your pelvic floor, and so much more. This conversation was absolutely fascinating and a revelation for both of us. And Dr. Mehta is so passionate about her work! In addition to her impressive resume on pelvic floor rehabilitation, she also has certificates in Post Partum Corrective Exercise and Pelvic Oncology Rehabilitation and completed her Ashtanga Yoga Teacher's training.


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Meet Kim K.! Episode 1718 May 202200:52:10

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Meet Kim K! Alicia had to miss this recording so you'll hear an intimate conversation between long time friends Robin and Kim. Kim was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was very, very young and before there were really any treatments for kids. They spend a lot of time talking about raising kids while having IBD and how that may have helped their kids become more empathetic and understanding. They also talk about how IBD has impacted their relationships and how they cope with symptoms like brain fog and fatigue. And Kim and Robin have some great advice to share on living life to the fullest.

Links:
- Moms with IBD
- Ostomy resources
- Relationships and IBD/Marriage and IBD
- Brain Fog
- Fatigue

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Research Roundup #1 with Dr. Anish Patel and Dr. Ashish S. Patel11 May 202201:08:56

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This week we're joined by a couple of our past guests- Dr. Anish Patel and Dr. Ashish S. Patel- to discuss what's new in IBD research and what's coming down the pipeline! We had a great discussion about biosimilars, predicting colectomy risk in kids diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, using ultrasounds to help track disease progression, precision medicine, and new therapeutics. We learned a lot, gained a lot of hope for better patient quality of life, bemoaned the healthcare system, had a lot of laughs, and realized that Anish might be trying to take our jobs as the host of Bowel Moments.

Links to articles of interest:
Biosimilars- https://academic.oup.com/ibdjournal/article/28/4/495/6278840
https://academic.oup.com/ibdjournal/article-abstract/28/4/531/6284046?redirectedFrom=fulltext 

Clinical and Host Biological Factors Predict Colectomy Risk in Children Newly Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis

Point-of-care ultrasound in IBD

New Targets in IBD Therapy: 2021
 





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Meet Dr. Sunanda Kane!- Episode 1504 May 202200:42:50

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In this episode you'll meet Dr. Sunanda V. Kane! Dr. Kane is a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota; physician chair of the Mayo Clinic Quality Academy’s Fellow Subcommittee; and assistant chair of patient experience in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division of the Mayo Clinic. She has a special and passionate interest in women and IBD and so we spend a lot of time talking about fertility, hormones, pregnancy, and sexuality. We also talk about her upcoming book for patients on living well with IBD, being one of few female GIs, the PIANO study on pregnant women on IBD biologics, and a brief foray into why cilantro and ginger taste weird to some people. 

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Meet Rocio- the @VoiceForIBD!12 Jun 202400:54:24

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This week we spoke to Rocio Castrillon- better known for her popular Instagram account @VoiceforIBD! She shared her story of being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and how a lack of information caused her to suffer in silence with fistulizing disease. We talked to her about finally getting involved with Team Challenge with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in the USA and how that helped her find a large community of other people living with IBD. The opened up other volunteer opportunities and so we talked to her about the many ways that she's gotten involved with the community including advocacy work, leading a Spanish-speaking support group, educational initiatives, and more. We especially discussed her support group that includes people from many parts of the world and what are some commonalities she's observed and the people she helps. Finally we talked about how all of her advocacy work and involvement led her to being nominated for the National Board of Trustees for the Crohn's &  Colitis Foundation here in the US. We  discussed how she's using this seat at the table and this platform to raise even more awareness of the needs of the Hispanic/Latino IBD  community and so much more.

We really loved getting to know Rocio more during the conversation and we know you'll appreciate all that she does for our community as well!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Josie M!- Episode 1427 Apr 202200:51:20

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This week we share a tequila cocktail with Josie McGarva! We talk about her Crohn's disease and her struggle with fistulas and abscesses. We also spend quite a bit of time talking about mental health and IBD and Josie's graduate work in health psychology. She's making great strides researching Post Traumatic Stress and IBD and health disparities and IBD. Very cool stuff and we're really excited. We also talked about how opening up about her disease and how getting an ostomy empowered her, gave her more freedom, and helped her connect with others. You won't want to miss this episode! Follow Josie on Instagram! @it_takesguts

Links:
A journal article by Josie's Graduate Advisory on Post Traumatic Stress and IBD
Intestinal Complications information from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Information on Fistula Removal Surgery- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Information on Abscess Draining- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Information on Fistulas and Abscesses- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada
An educational video on Fistulas- Cleveland Clinic
A video on how to change your ostomy bag- Phoenix Children's Hospital
So many great videos on living with an ostomy!- United Ostomy Association
Mental health & IBD- Cleveland Clinic


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Meet Hannah C.! Episode 1320 Apr 202200:54:56

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This week we talk to Hannah Cramer! We talked a lot about surgeries, waking up with an unexpected ostomy, how the world could be more accessible for people living with ostomies, her challenging career and how her IBD influenced her career choice, and trauma and IBD. You won't want to miss this great conversation. We're convinced she's going to change the world.

Links:
SO much Ostomy info from the United Ostomy Association
Info on ostomy parts and how to choose a supplier- United Ostomy Association
Donate ostomy supplies or get donated ostomy supplies- Friends of Ostomates Worldwide
Journal Article on how IBD can cause Post Traumatic Stress
Journal Article on Resilience and IBD






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Meet Caroline P.! - Episode 1213 Apr 202200:47:20

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This week we talk to Caroline Perry on being diagnosed with Crohn's disease very young, growing up with IBD, and what is was like to have a sibling with IBD as well as one without IBD. We also talk about establishing boundaries when we you have IBD and also work in IBD research, how important it is to find people who really "get it", creative outlets for expressing feelings, and the importance of therapy (again- always).  We share some laughs, some stories about bathroom emergencies, some sparkling water, and sadly Alicia drinks wine alone. 

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Meet Dr. Lukasz Kwapisz! Episode 1106 Apr 202200:57:07

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In this episode you meet Dr. Lukasz Kwapisz! Dr. Kwapisz is an Assistant Professor and IBD Specialist at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.  We discuss how he chose to specialize in IBD and his passion for treating our community,  his special interest in pouch disorders, tests that your doctor orders and why, the importance of early interventions,  his clinical trials experience versus real life treatment,  how close we're getting to personalized medicine, and tequila. And how he's a regular medical commentator on Canadian TV! 

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Meet Dr. Bincy Abraham!- Episode 1027 Oct 202100:58:58

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In this episode you meet Dr. Bincy P. Abraham! Dr. Abraham is a Distinguished Professor and Director of the Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at the Underwood Digestive Diseases Center at Houston Methodist Hospital. We discuss her career in GI, her research into probiotics and nanotechnology, women's hormones and IBD, how she chooses her healthcare partners and patient treatments, how sometimes being a GI is like playing video games, and her love of California Cabernets. 

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Meet Jodie! Episode 920 Oct 202100:50:57

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This week we talk to Crohn's patient Jodie Delay who also has a brother and son with Crohn's. We discussed accepting and feeling all emotions, how empowering and exciting advocacy can be, and  how you can choose to live joyfully even in the face of adversity (#ginandjoy). Jodie also gives us some parenting hacks and reminds us that just because you may have IBD, doesn't mean that you can't live out your "Impossibly Big Dreams." 

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Meet Amy W.! - Episode 813 Oct 202100:42:30

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This week we talk to Amy Btiebet Washington on living well with Crohn's disease, self-care options, finding the right provider and the right tribe, how vulnerability can create connections, and how sometimes you just got to have that craft beer even if you pay for it the next day.

Resources:
- TED Talk- Brene Brown- The Power of Vulnerability- So good.
- Rome GI Psych- referral list of therapists familiar with GI disorders
- Information on mental health and IBD- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
- An interesting article about self-care and chronic illness from The Philly Voice
- Info on the risk of a child inheriting IBD if you have IBD from The Preconception and Pregnancy research program from the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto. 

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Meet Dr. Anish Patel! Episode 706 Oct 202100:59:18

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In this episode you'll meet Lt. Colonel Dr. Anish Patel! Dr. Patel is the head of GI and an IBD Specialist at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. We talk to him about why he chose IBD, how an IBD diagnosis works in the military, the importance of mental health, and small batch whiskey.

Links:
-Iron Smoke Distillery
-Brooke Army Medical Center Gastroenterology
-Information on IBD from the VA's website
-Information on how/if you can get your IBD Care at the VA 
-Rome Foundation- search tool for a mental health provider familiar with GI disorders
-Mental Health Info and Resources- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

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A Tale of 2 Surgeries- Episode 629 Sep 202100:58:39

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As you hopefully heard in our last episodes, both Co-Host Robin and last week's guest Stacey Collins were having J-Pouch surgery. Their surgeries were quite close together and so they became surgery/recovery buddies. Unfortunately they had vastly different post-surgical outcomes. In this episode we talk about their different experiences, we talk about pre- and post-surgery nutrition, working with a dietitian to prepare for surgery, and provide you with lots of tips if you're also facing J-Pouch or ostomy surgery.

Resources: 
Information from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation on J-Pouch Surgery
Information from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation on surgery
Information from the Cleveland Clinic on J-Pouch Surgery
Information from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation on Colon Cancer risk and IBD



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Meet Stacey C.! Episode 522 Sep 202100:54:00

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We had so much fun talking to our friend Stacey Collins in this episode! Stacey is a Dietitian who lives with UC and we talked about the field of Dietetics, diet research for IBD,  what you can find out in your bloodwork, surgery as a treatment option, road-tripping with IBD....and the joy that is Topo Chico....especially when mixed with tequila and lime.

Cheers!

Resources and Show Notes:
1. CORRECTION: Vitamin C deficiency in IBD was from LAURA MANNING, RD from The Mount Sinai Hospital

2. Here's an article about perioperative nutrition. There are different recommendations for the time that a patient should be consuming EN prior to surgery based on nutritional status, and this should always be done under the direction of a perioperative GI dietitian or trusted surgical team with nutrition expertise. 

3. **Micronutrients shouldn't be supplemented without the support of data (patterns of labs over time; never blind supplementation) and your trusted GI dietitian and medical team. 

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Meet Mason M.!29 May 202400:48:09

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This week we had a great conversation with Mason Milne! Mason is the host of the Crohn's and Autism Awareness Advocate podcast! We talked to him about being diagnosed with Crohn's when he was 17 years old and a bit about the health system in the UK where he lives. We talked about what it's been like navigating the healthcare system with autism and advocating for his needs. Mason gave some advice for other people living with autism that may also need to communicate their specific needs or preferences to their healthcare team. We talked a lot about his podcast, the unique series that he does, and how he recruits guests- including some famous ones! And finally we discussed his love of the show Dr. Who and how attending conventions has lead to him recruiting some very cool guests to his show!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Dr. Ashish Patel! Episode 415 Sep 202100:54:12

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In this episode we talk to Dr. Ashish Patel who is the Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Phoenix Children's Hospital and an IBD expert! We discuss caring for kids with IBD, pediatric IBD research and why it's both exciting and frustrating, transitioning patients to adult care, and so much more! Be like Dr. Patel and grab an IPA and join us! 

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Meet Grady! Episode 308 Sep 202100:42:58

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This week we had a great conversation with Grady Stewart! We talked about navigating the college health system, being diagnosed as a child vs. as an adult, grief associated with a chronic illness diagnosis, and how Grady works with and advocates for other people living with IBD. He's a joy and an inspiration! 

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Meet Sam G! Episode 226 Aug 202100:46:10

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This week we talk to Sam Goldon about navigating college and dating with IBD, mental health, pooping while camping, and so much more. Sam is one half of the envy-inducing "thegoldonqueers" instagram account, a pediatric nurse, and who is living very well with UC. 

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Welcome to Bowel Moments! Episode 126 Aug 202100:39:21

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Get to know your co-host Robin and Alicia! In this episode Alicia interviews Robin and we learn about her Crohn's disease and history with IBD. We laugh....we cry....we drink! 

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Meet Dr. Kim Beall!15 May 202400:52:52

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This week we had a great time getting to know Dr. Kim S. Beall! Kim is a Doctor of Pharmacy whose son was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was 13 years old. After she and her son discussed his treatment options with his healthcare team and they did some research he decided to try Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) to get his Crohn's in remission. We discussed how Kim and her family supported him during this time and how he coped with being on this very restrictive diet. Nutrition has been central to Kim's son’s management of Crohn’s disease since his diagnosis in 2013 at age thirteen. Nutritional therapy has been an essential part of providing optimal care and has afforded him the best opportunity to manage life with Crohn’s disease successfully.

After her son achieved remission, she and her husband, Anthony Beall who is a physician, realized that there really was a lack of information about dietary therapies for IBD, that many healthcare providers didn't really know where to look, and that there was a huge need for a repository of this information. So they started the nonprofit organization Nutritional Therapy for IBD in 2019 to fill an essential void in providing evidence-based knowledge, tools, and resources to empower patients and aid clinicians seeking to leverage nutrition alongside medications in inflammatory bowel disease. Their mission is to establish evidence-based nutritional therapy as a foundational part of IBD treatment to enhance the well-being and health outcomes of all children and adults with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. We empower clinicians and patients with essential, current, comprehensive, educational, and innovative resources. We talked to Kim about starting this nonprofit, some of the great tools available for patients and clinicians, the recipe database, and how her nonprofit has been received by the medical community.

We were so inspired by Kim's passion and the all of the great things that Nutritional Therapy for IBD is doing. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Dr. Megan Riehl!01 May 202400:50:37

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This week we had such a great conversation with Dr. Megan Riehl! Dr. Riehl is a GI Psychologist, Assistant Professor of Medicine and the Director of GI Behavioral Health at the University of Michigan. We talked to her about all things IBD and mental health and how she helped to establish and incorporate GI behavioral health into the IBD center at the University of Michigan. We also talked to her about her interest in innovations in digital therapeutics, how she's worked with some developers to ensure the efficacy and quality of their products, and what apps that she recommends to patients as well as providers. We talked to her about her new book! It's called "Mind Your Gut: The Science-Backed Whole-Body Guide to Living Well with IBS."  While this book is geared for people living with IBS, there is some really great information in there for people living with IBD as well and we discussed this with Dr. Riehl as well. Finally we went over some additional virtual resources that she finds helpful for patients. We really enjoyed talking with Dr. Riehl and we know you'll learn so much from her as well.

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Abigail Marie- The Chef with IBD!17 Apr 202400:48:34

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This week we talked to Abigail VanHoose- otherwise known as Abigail Marie the Check with IBD! Abigail was diagnosed with UC after a bad car accident and after she finished culinary school. Her disease journey was definitely rocky and very impacted by substandard medical care. Like may people living with IBD, she was told that "diet doesn't matter" but after dealing with multiple flares, she found the book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle that outlines the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and how it can be helpful for people with IBD. She decided to give it a try but found the recipes to be....less than exciting. She decided to put her culinary talents to work and started coming up with new recipes that followed the diet and than led her to decide to share her knowledge in her blog. We talked to her about following the SCD, how she creates the recipes, what she includes on her blog, and her favorite recipes. We also talked to her about her work with the nonprofit Nutrition Therapy for IBD and how she's been able to help them grown their recipe database, expand their social media, and much more. Finally we go on a rant about the medical system, steroids, and medical education. If you've listened to previous episodes, you know this is unsurprising. We had a great time hearing from Abigail, we know you will too and we're all set to try some of her yummy-sounding recipes. Cheers!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Kim Braly, RD!03 Apr 202400:47:59

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This week we talk to Kim Braly, RD! Kim is a Registered Dietitian that specializes in IBD, consults on nutrition and IBD-related research studies, has expertise on IBD nutrition program development and educates practitioners on nutrition therapies for IBD. She is currently in private practice seeing adults and kids living with IBD virtually across the country. Previous to this she was part of the IBD Center at Seattle Children's Hospital where she saw patients as well as developed and participated in research studies on nutrition therapies for IBD. We talked to her about what it was like to develop these studies and how challenging it is to control for all the potential changes that can happen when participants are cooking their own foods. We talked about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and how she talked to patients about the expectations and prepared them to take it on. We also talked about the efficacy of several diet therapies. We also discussed health and economic disparities and how these might affect the ability of some families to consider dietary therapies and the lack of insurance coverage to help. Finally we talked about the website that she developed with a woman living with Crohn's disease who was her patient at Seattle Children's called Eats for IBD. This website provides much-needed nutrition support and practical resources to those with IBD including educational sessions, support options, and delicious recipes that are friendly to dietary therapies. We had a lot of fun talking with Kim and we learned so much too! Cheers!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Courtney W.!20 Mar 202400:50:33

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This week we had such a great conversation with Courtney Walls! Like several of our guests, Courtney had a pretty dramatic introduction to the IBD community including needing urgent surgeries, C-diff infections, fistulizing disease, and she's now living with an ostomy (happily).  We talked to her about going through all of that while also living with anxiety and how she's processing it using mental health therapies like CBT and internal family systems and going through the Employee Assistance Program through her work. Courtney also started a very successful Instagram account about her Crohn's journey called courts_crohns_corner. We talked to her about what it was like putting her story out so publicly, how different it is to be talking about her disease and her treatment decisions in real time versus sharing past history, and about how she's using her account to give support to others while also getting some herself. Finally we discussed her love to Charles Barkley and Arizona.

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Stephanie Brenner, LCSW!06 Mar 202400:54:21

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This week we had a great conversation with Stephanie Brenner! Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Chronic Illness Psychotherapy in Evanston, IL who has 13 years of experience working with clients with chronic illnesses. Through her journey as an IBD patient and clinician, she has developed a passion for helping people with health challenges live their lives to the fullest. We talked to her about how living with her IBD helped her develop a passion for being a therapist for kids and adults with chronic illnesses. We also discussed doing therapy with kids, medical hypnotherapy, medical gaslighting and how she works with people as they take on a new identity as they cope with a new diagnosis. We also discuss the guide for parents of kids with Crohn's that she wrote in coordination with Tina Aswani-Omprakash (Own Your Crohn's, SAIA, etc!). We spent a while talking about how she works with patients who may need to address challenges with healthcare providers who they need to remain connected to.  We discussed so many aspects of mental health and tapped into Steph's professional experience and brain that we'll have to bring her back to talk more about her IBD and living with an ostomy! 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Dr. Jordan Shapiro!21 Feb 202400:54:30

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***Warning that this episode discusses eating disorders, disordered eating, and medical trauma.***  This week we spoke with Dr. Jordan Shapiro! Dr. Shapiro is a GI Hospitalist at Peak Gastroenterology Associates in Colorado as well as a private practice GI at Gentle GI in Houston, TX (starting April 1, 2024). Dr. Shapiro also is a yoga instructor and enthusiastic practitioner and so we spend quite a bit of time learning about the practice of yoga that goes beyond the body movements we're probably all familiar with and how adding yoga to your care may be beneficial. He also has expertise in working with patients with eating disorders or disordered eating as well as in trauma-informed care. We talk to him about how he approaches patient care in a empathetic way and how he works with patients who have identified trauma experiences that may impact their care. We also talk to him about how he uses this knowledge and experience to help other providers learn how to create a safe environment for people who may be struggling with trauma responses.  We really enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Shapiro and think you'll learn a lot from him as well. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet About IBD Podcast Host- Amber Tresca!16 Oct 202400:51:04

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This week we were so excited to have a crossover episode with the host of the About IBD Podcast- Amber Tresca! We turned the tables on Amber and interviewed her about her IBD story! Amber has been living with UC for several years and underwent a 2-step J-Pouch surgery. We talked about her story thus far and how that plus her background in medical writing led her to a career of educating and advocating for the IBD community and how that prompted her to create the About IBD podcast! We discussed her medical writing career, the many projects that she's been involved like IBD Social Circle, Verywell Health and more, her work attending and writing about GI conferences, and the importance and care with which she writes about and educates the IBD community. We also discussed her advocacy work for the IBD community including being invited to share the vital patient voice during the American Gastroenterological Associations annual "Fly In" in Washington, D.C. We also talked about her podcast called About IBD! We explored why she started it, how she selects and prepares her guests, the process she uses to create the episodes, and how she prioritizes her topics. You'll also get a chance to hear us geek out about hosting podcasts and even so insider info about the process.

Amber is truly a badass and we had such a great time getting to know her better!! We can't wait for you to learn more about her in this episode and for you to hear our About IBD episode with her in the near future!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Jordan M.!07 Feb 202400:58:51

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This week Alicia was joined by guest host and past guest, Derek Dodson! They interviewed Jordan B. McConnell! Jordan is a Air Force veteran, IT professional, father and husband who also lives with Crohn's disease! We talked to him about being diagnosed as a young teen and how his disease was presented to his family and how he was able to join the military and how that affected his ability to continue in his military career.  Jordan is also the creator and one of the hosts of the Crohn's Veteran podcast and lifestyle brand. We talked to him about creating the show, recruiting his co-hosts, and all of the amazing guests that they were able to interview as well as the community they created around the show. We also discussed coping with IBD as a male and how that may create situations where one may feel stifled in expressing needs and so much more. We had such a great conversation with Jordan and we can't wait for you to get to know him as well. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Dr. David Binion!24 Jan 202400:57:49

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This week we had the absolute pleasure to talk to Dr. David Binion! Dr. Binion is a physician-scientist who is also living with Crohn's disease. He is Co-Director of the IBD Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He was diagnosed with Crohn's when he was a teenager- before the information age and also before there were many treatment for IBD. He has devoted his career to analyzing "Big Data" to figure out how to predict disease outcomes, prognosis and flares. We talked to him about his longitudinal research, what he's learned, and how that's given him hope as an IBD patient. We talked to him about what he's seeing in reclassifying IBD into more subcategories and what that will mean for more effective treatment and also what he sees on the horizon for IBD research. 

We enjoyed getting to know Dr. Binion so much and know that you'll find this conversation as interesting and hopeful as we did!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Amalia Karlin, RD!10 Jan 202400:50:59

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This week we talked to Registered Dietitian, Amalia Karlin! Amalia experienced symptoms very similar to UC but she struggled to get a diagnosis.  Eventually her symptoms got to be so severe she had to have a colectomy and now lives with an ostomy. After that she decided that she as going to devote her career to helping other people living with ostomies to maximize their nutrition and live their best lives. We also talked to her about life with an ostomy, the healthcare system in Canada, and experiencing pregnancy with an ostomy. She has a very dramatic story but we think you'll love meeting her as much as we did

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Dr. David T. Rubin! - EPISODE 100!20 Dec 202301:22:53

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Welcome to our 100th episode! This week we talked to the renowned Dr. David T. Rubin! Dr. Rubin is the Joseph B. Kirsner Professor of Medicine and a Professor of Pathology, Chief of the Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition and the Co-Director of the Digestive Diseases Center at The University of Chicago Medicine. 

He also currently serves as an associate faculty member at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, an associate investigator at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center and is a member of the University of Chicago Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics. He is the chair of the National Scientific Advisory Committee of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, where he also serves as a Board of Trustees member. He is the deputy chair of the Executive Committee of the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  In 2018, Dr. Rubin completed the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Leadership Development Course for Physicians.

Dr. Rubin is a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh). He is on the Board of Trustees for the ACG. Among numerous awards and honors, Dr. Rubin was chosen by his peers as a member of Best Doctors (recognized for superior clinical ability) and America’s Top Physicians (gastroenterology). Additionally, he twice received the ACG’s Governor’s Award of Excellence in Clinical Research (2003 and 2013), and the UChicago Postgraduate Teaching Award in recognition of significant contributions for fellowship education (2006). In 2012, he received the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Rosenthal Award, a national leadership award bestowed upon a volunteer who has contributed in an indisputable way to the quality of life of patients and families. He is an Associate Editor of the journal Gastroenterology and Editor-in-Chief of the ACG On-Line Education Universe. In 2020, Dr. Rubin received the Sherman Prize for Excellence in Crohn’s and Colitis.

Dr. Rubin is an editor of a best-selling book Curbside Consultation in IBD which is now in its 3rd edition and an author or coauthor of over 500 articles on treatment and management of IBD, cancer in IBD and novel paradigms, as well as the first author of the 2019 ACG Guidelines for ulcerative colitis. His current research is in the area of novel approaches to monitoring of IBD (wearables and point of care intestinal ultrasound), prevention of progressive complications from uncontrolled inflammation, and a variety of collaborative and translational studies related to the causes of IBD and its complications. 

Episodes from some of Dr. Rubin's UChicago's team: 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthc

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Meet Liam R.!13 Dec 202300:58:14

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This week we spoke to Liam Robertson! Liam was diagnosed with UC when he was a young adult but the process was lengthy and filled with times when he was not believed. We talked about what that was like to navigate the health system and his feelings on it. We discussed how he got so involved in social media, how that's helped him cope with flares and complications, and the importance of having a community around you. We also talked about the books that he's written including "More Than Meets the Eye: Living with Ulcerative Colitis" and the kids book series about Jack Jupiter who is a child living with IBD. We talked about what prompted him to write the books and the response he's gotten from people all over the world. We also discussed his job on an oil rig and what that's been like for him to be so far away from medical care with UC. And finally we spoke about him training in muay thai- what got him interested and more. Liam was so much fun to talk to! Go check out his books. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Michele Rubin, APN!06 Dec 202300:53:18

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This week we spoke to Michele Rubin! Michele is an advanced practice nurse and is the Associate APN Director of the IBD Center at the University of Chicago Medicine. She specializes in surgery for IBD and has helped to create a J-Pouch specific clinic. We talked to her about surgery part of the treatment options, J-Pouches and what to expect in recovery, and how she works with patients to ensure they have the best outcomes. We also discussed the research that she's done related to IBD surgery and their efforts to try to predict a patient's response to their J-Pouch and how to treat complications. Finally we talked about how and why a surgeon may choose to hand sew instead of use surgical staples. Michele has been in the IBD space for a long time and has so much knowledge to share and she was such a joy and a light. We could have talked to her for hours. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Ashley M.!29 Nov 202300:41:41

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This week we talked to Ashley Mann! Ashley was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was 20 years old but she had been experiencing symptoms when she was in high school. We talked to her about what it was like being a competitive cheerleader with active disease. We talked to hear about what she describes as trying "every medication on the market" and navigating countless surgeries. We discussed her decision to move to a permanent ileostomy and how close she is to living with short-gut syndrome. We talked about how she's had to learn to manage her healthcare and advocate for herself while moving frequently because of her husband's career in the military. We also talked about what it was like to get her care in the military healthcare system and her experience with friend-of-the-show, Dr. Anish Patel. Finally we talked about the importance of making healthcare decisions that you feel are right for you even in the face of differing opinions from the people most important to you. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Bianca H.!22 Nov 202300:45:46

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This week we had the pleasure of talking with Bianca Hernandez! Bianca was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2015 and she almost immediately parlayed her diagnosis into advocacy for her community. She worked with her school system to get better access to the private bathroom at her school and rallied and inspired other students affected by IBD to advocate for this in their schools. She was selected to join the National Council of College Leaders program at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation- USA which allowed her to lead in many other advocacy initiatives including step-therapy reform and Ally's law and to work on ensuring that educational materials developed were properly translated into Spanish. This program also introduced her to life-long friends and other inspiring young people in the IBD Community. We talked about her advocacy work and how her efforts to ask for what she needed lead her to becoming a fierce advocate for the whole IBD community. We discussed the perils of comparing your healthcare decisions and disease with other people's journeys and how to destigmatize medical decisions and to not compare yourself to others. We discussed how IBD impacts the Latinx community and ideas on how to raise awareness about IBD and colon cancer screening within these communities. Bianca was so much fun to talk to and is so inspiring. I know you'll find her passion as infectious as we did. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Dr. David Schwartzberg- Colorectal Surgeon!15 Nov 202300:53:49

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This week we had such a great conversation with Dr. David Schwartzberg! Dr. Schwartzberg is a double-board certified colorectal surgeon at Mather Hospital and Columbia specializing in IBD, pelvic floor conditions, re-operative colorectal surgeries, J-Pouch disorders, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. We talked to him about his passion for colorectal surgery and how he spends any free time he has that's not with his family researching and learning more about it. We talked to him about his drive to find a career that helped people and had a true impact on the world. We discussed his interest in J-Pouches and improving complications that may come with previous surgeries. We explored how some folks that had been diagnosed with UC to start may now have a Crohn's diagnosis post J-Pouch and also upper GI Crohn's disease. We also talked about his love of music and how he and his wife have fostered that love in his 3 boys. We also talked about many other things including the improved technology in buckets but I cut that part out.  Needless to say we laughed, we cried, we went off the rails but I promise you're getting the best part.  We don't think Dr. Schwartzberg could be more more passionate about caring for people living with IBD and their families and we can't wait for you to hear that in this conversation too.  

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Alex B.!08 Nov 202300:51:04

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This week we had the pleasure of getting to know Alex Boyd! Alex was diagnosed with UC when she was 26 years old when she thought she had caught a stomach bug that had gotten very aggressive. It was only 2 weeks after her diagnosis that she was advised to have her colon removed and to start her J-Pouch surgery process. We talked to her about the dramatic way that she was introduced to our community and how she worked with her medical team to make this decision. We talk to her about the issues that she's experienced with her J-Pouch and how she's coping with that. We talked to her about how she's focused on her mental health to help with her coping skills and also how she's worked with her employer to get the accommodations that she needs to be the best employee she can be. We also spoke about how living with an illness like this can lead you to examine your life and your relationships and how that can lead you to making some big, and at times scary choices to allow you to grow and lead the life you deserve.  We really enjoyed hearing Alex's perspective and all that she's learned and we know you will too. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Alicia A.!05 Oct 202400:48:38

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This week Alicia was joined by guest host and former guest, Hannah Cramer and they interviewed Alicia Aiello! Alicia A. is the President of Girls With Guts which is a nonprofit organization supporting and empowering women living with IBD and with ostomies. We talked to her all about her IBD journey and how that lead her to Girls With Guts. We discussed how her background in videography and visual arts helped her to bring some awareness to their work and how she eventually transitioned to become their President. We discussed some of their work including their "Butt Baskets" and their Lover Your Guts program and we spent a lot of time talking about their retreats. They host 2 retreats per year including a New Attendee or "Newbie" Retreat as well as an annual retreat that brings in come of those first-timers as well as alumnae.

We really enjoyed our conversation with Alicia and are so impressed with the work of GWG and Hannah was an amazing co-host!

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;)

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Meet Adam F. - Author of "Up & Adam: A Patient's Experience on Winning with IBD"01 Nov 202300:39:03

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This week we spoke to Adam Finkelstein! Adam was diagnosed with UC when he was just 2 years old. We talk to him about what it was like growing up with UC and dealing with it as a child. We spoke about how his experiences with the medical system prompted his interest in writing a children's book for other kids with IBD called "Up and Adam: A Patient's Experience on Winning with IBD." Also how it sparked his interest in becoming a physician and especially a surgeon. Finally we talked about Adam's experience as a Camp Oasis counselor, how he was able to share his book with all of the kids this summer, and what their reactions were and the conversations it started. Adam was a joy and we think he'll make an extremely empathetic doctor some day soon! 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 

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Meet Dr. Alyse Bedell!25 Oct 202300:56:35

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*** Warning: This episode discusses sexuality, sexual health and sexual trauma and may not be appropriate for all audiences.*** This week we spoke to Dr. Alyse Bedell! Dr. Bedell specializes in  psychogastroenterology and is a sexual health counselor at the University of Chicago IBD Center. She has specialized training and knowledge in how stress, anxiety and depression can affect digestive health. Dr. Bedell works with patients struggling with a range of gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. and using her expertise to help her patients cope with their condition and improve their gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Bedell is able to assist patients in better understanding and managing their symptoms through a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional components. 

We spoke to her about sexual health and IBD including how sexuality can be affected by IBD and disease symptoms. We talked about intimacy and how people with IBD can increase their intimacy with their partners, working with people in the LGBTQI+ community, working with people who have experience sexual trauma and how to educate providers in responding empathetically to that experience, and so much more. This was such an interesting and educational conversation. 

Please keep in mind that the views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with your healthcare team on any changes to your disease, diet, or treatment. We want you to stay safe and healthy! ;) 
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