IBD News Today Columns

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020

A Coronavirus Cornucopia: Finding Thankfulness in Chaos

COVID-19 Columns, IBD News Today Columns

A week from today is Thanksgiving in the United States. Because I’ll be taking a holiday from writing my column, I wanted to count my blessings this week. I’m a ... Read more

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Behind the Stall: Fear and Anxiety in Public Restrooms

IBD News Today Columns

I was 5 when the movie “Jaws 2” was released. My parents didn’t take me to it because it was R-rated, but they couldn’t protect me from the television commercials. ... Read more

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Finding My Flock: My Involvement With the IBD Community

IBD News Today Columns

When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s, I kept my illness to myself. I rarely discussed my disease with anyone except my doctors and my loved ones. I disclosed my health ... Read more

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

Overcoming Fecal Calprotectin Test Anxiety

IBD News Today Columns

Having ended the saga with my liver (knock on wood), my gastroenterologist can focus on my faulty colon. Thanks to Remicade (infliximab), I had been in remission from Crohn’s since ... Read more

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020

Vote Like Your Life Depends on It

IBD News Today Columns

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 healthcare ... Read more

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

Heads or Tails: GI Psychology and IBD

IBD News Today Columns

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 “sick ... Read more

October 8, 2020October 8, 2020

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

IBD News Today Columns

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 on ... Read more

October 1, 2020October 1, 2020

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

IBD News Today Columns

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, a ... Read more

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020

I Got 99 IBD Problems, but Prostate Cancer Ain’t One

IBD News Today Columns

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 American ... Read more

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020

PSC-IBD and Me: The Road to My Liver Transplant

IBD News Today Columns

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 year ... Read more

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

Sepsis Awareness Takes T.I.M.E.

IBD News Today Columns

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, the ... Read more

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Looking for ‘Dr. Right’ Following a Medical Breakup

IBD News Today Columns

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 when ... Read more

August 27, 2020August 28, 2020

Understanding My Colonoscopy From the Inside Out

COVID-19 Columns, IBD News Today Columns

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 drop ... Read more

August 20, 2020August 20, 2020

Applying for Disability Insurance With IBD

IBD News Today Columns

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, employees ... Read more

August 13, 2020August 14, 2020

The Case of the Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase

IBD News Today Columns

I’m going on four months with elevated liver enzymes. My aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase fluctuate between normal to above normal. My alkaline phosphatase steadily remains triple to quadruple the ... Read more