Things have gotten stressful as we prepare to sell our house and map out the logistics of living on a boat! Even though we've been planning for a variety of scenarios, this is something I've never done before and that has my stress level amplified. But this time, stress didn't trigger an IBD flare-up, it triggered Shingles. Listen to this episode to hear my experience, adjustments to medications, treatment and how I'm feeling.

Links from the show: Briotech https://amzn.to/41RbvPG (Amazon affiliate link)

Healthline article: https://www.healthline.com/health/shingles-contagious

I recently had my 10th colonoscopy! This was a routine colonoscopy scheduled look for any dysplasia and to make sure my medications are working and that I'm in remission. In this episode I share some tips and things I've learned over the years to make the prep more palatable and a little easier.

If you've got tips of your own to share, please write them in the comments for others to learn from your experiences, too!

A lot has happened since my last episode so I'm giving you an update on my own IBD journey and sharing a big move that my husband and I are about to embark upon!

Topics covered:

• My Crohn's disease update
• My IgA Nephropathy update
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1); https://alpha1.org/
• Silent Reflux
• Cough Variant Asthma
• Where I'm going and where the podcast is going!

#chronicillness #travel #crohns

Back on medication and mindset changes during my Crohn’s journey

It’s been over 20 years since my colon started bleeding and my inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) journey began. In 2003, I ignored the symptoms of blood, pain, and bloating for nearly three years. When I finally sought help in 2006 after a severe flare, it took another three years to reach a diagnosis. In those first six years, I was left to my own devices to try and stop the symptoms and find some way of living a normal life.

It’s been a long journey with Crohn’s disease and I know it’s far from over. As I reflect back to my first six years with IBD and being left on my own to manage symptoms, I now wonder if I would have been so determined to come off medications ten years ago if I would have received the help and diagnosis I needed at the very beginning. I don’t know the answer to that, but what I do know is that as life goes on, we evolve, we grow, and things change – including our perspectives and even beliefs we once held so tightly.

I’m ready now, and I’m grateful. Grateful to have a supportive gastroenterologist who listens and actually believes me, grateful to have access to medications I need, and grateful for a clear path ahead for this next chapter.

1. https://www.formularywatch.com/view/the-va-replaces-humira-with-hadlima-on-national-formulary
2. https://www.organon.com/news/samsung-bioepis-organon-announce-fda-acceptance-of-supplemental-biologics-license-application-sbla-for-interchangeability-designation-for-hadlima-adalimumab-bwwd-a-biosimilar-to-humira/

* * * * *

Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com

• Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,
• Shop my favorite products,
• Read my favorite books,
• Subscribe to the podcast,
• Send a little love/coffee 😉
• More at crohnsfitnessfood.com

Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com

#crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy

Enjoy this interview with Megan Starshak, an ulcerative colitis warrior, adventurer, runner, cyclist, patient advocate and co-founder of The Great Bowel Movement.

In this conversation, Megan shares her journey with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), her advocacy work, and how she balances life with chronic illness. She discusses her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and the challenges she faced in finding effective treatments. Megan emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and offers advice for young adults with IBD. She also talks about her involvement with The Great Bowel Movement, an organization that aims to decrease the stigma surrounding IBD. Megan shares her career in marketing and how she uses her skills to support other patient advocates. She closes this interview with a message of empowerment and the importance of not wasting the challenges we face.

Takeaways

• Finding a supportive community is crucial for individuals with IBD. Connecting with others who understand the challenges can provide a sense of belonging and empowerment.
• It is important for young adults with IBD to be proactive in their healthcare journey. Staying informed about treatment options and advocating for oneself can lead to better outcomes.
• The Great Bowel Movement is an organization that aims to decrease the stigma surrounding IBD. They provide resources and support for individuals living with IBD and encourage open conversations about the disease.
• Megan's career in marketing allows her to use her skills to support other patient advocates and help them share their stories. She believes in the power of storytelling and connecting ideas with the people who can make a difference.
• Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but it can also lead to personal growth and resilience. Embracing the journey and finding meaning in the struggles can empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest.

Topics covered in the interview

• Megan's IBD Story and Diagnosis
• Understanding IBD and Treatment
• The Impact of IBD on Daily Life
• Advice for Young Adults with IBD
• Navigating Treatment and Doctor Appointments
• Finding Effective Medications
• Life in Remission
• Navigating Food and Trigger Foods
• The Great Bowel Movement
• Megan's Career and Supporting Patient Advocates

Links from the show:

The Great Bowel Movement:

• Website - https://thegreatbowelmovement.org/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatBM/
• Instagram & X - @thegreatbm

Megan:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itsmemegaroo

* * * * *

Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com

• Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,
• Shop my favorite products,
• Read my favorite books,
• Subscribe to the podcast,
• Send a little love/coffee 😉
• More at crohnsfitnessfood.com

Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com

#crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy

Enjoy this interview with Leah Crumrine, a businesswoman, mother, and wife of IBD Warrior Logan Crumrine. Logan has been on the show to share his story with Crohn’s disease, but today, his wife Leah shares from her perspective about what it’s been like to walk along IBD with her husband. She shares her experience, insights, and tips for supporting those in your life with IBD.

Summary

Leah Crumrine shares her experience as a caregiver to her husband, Logan, who has Crohn's disease. She discusses the challenges they faced during Logan's flare-up, the changes in roles and responsibilities, and the importance of communication in their relationship. Leah also talks about managing food and family meal planning, communicating with their children about the disease, and the support system they had throughout their journey. She emphasizes the need for caregivers to prioritize self-care and balance, and offers advice for managing day-to-day flare-ups. Leah concludes by discussing the therapeutic aspect of advocacy and sharing their journey with others. This conversation explores the journey of Logan and Leah Crumrine as they navigate life with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It highlights their journey to recovery, reaching remission, finding balance, and hope and perseverance. Leah also offers support to others facing similar challenges and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and love.

Takeaways

• Prioritize self-care and balance as a caregiver.
• Communicate openly and honestly with your loved one about their needs.
• Create a support system of friends, family, or online communities.
• Learn as much as you can about IBD and advocate for your loved one's care.
• Make a plan for managing flare-ups.
• Enjoy moments of normalcy and adventure when your loved one is feeling well. Recovery from IBD is a journey that starts small and progresses over time.
• The story of Logan and Leah Crumrine is a testament to hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Offering support and being open to conversations about IBD can make a significant difference in someone's life.
• Continuously learning and loving each other is essential in navigating the challenges of IBD.

Topics covered in the interview

• Introduction to IBD and Logan's Flare
• Changes in Roles and Responsibilities
• Mourning the Loss of Expectations
• Balancing Responsibilities
• Self-Care and Finding Balance
• The Importance of Communication
• Asking Good Questions
• Managing Food and Family Meal Planning
• Communicating with Children
• Managing Day-to-Day Flare-Ups
• Advocacy and Sharing the Journey
• Importance of Support Systems
• Keep Learning and Loving

Links from the show:

• Leah: https://www.instagram.com/trailmama1
• Logan: https://www.instagram.com/logancrumrine

* * * * *

Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com

• Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health,
• Shop my favorite products,
• Read my favorite books,
• Subscribe to the podcast,
• Send a little love/coffee 😉
• More at crohnsfitnessfood.com

Want to share your story? Send me a message here or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com

#crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #caregiver