Life Hacks for IBD

By Leah Clark

It seems like these days there are life hacks for everything. Want to remove stems from strawberries? Poke a hole through the bottom with a straw. Color your keys with nail polish so it’s easier to identify them. You even can start harvesting plants using old paper tower rolls. The point is, there are all of these different “hacks” used in the everyday life, but are there some for those with IBD? We’ve compiled a list of five of the most useful and best life hacks for patients with IBD.

Use online services for errands when low energy or mobility struggles arise from IBD

The internet can be a wonderful place, and that is especially true for online shopping and services. Sometimes, those with IBD have problems running errands or leaving the house to pick things up. It can take up so much energy to do something as necessary as grocery shopping for people with IBD because of how much work it takes. For this, a nice hack is to order things online and have them shipped to your home directly, taking out the work and expended energy of having to do it yourself. Many grocery stores now have services that offer delivery of food and other items the same day you order. Ordering things online from department stores, too, saves time and effort. Many times, stores online offer more options than seen in stores, too!

Mobile apps are available to track symptoms, record food diaries, and more

One of the best life hacks for people with IBD is right at their very finger tips. There are so many apps available for mobile devices that can make managing their disease much easier. If diet is a concern for your disease, try using an app that records your own food and keeps track of nutrient breakdowns if you’re trying to focus on certain areas of your diet (such as maintaining high vitamin levels or increase calorie content). This also keeps a record so you can look back and see what might have affected your body if your symptoms worsen, as you can check for patterns. An all around good IBD app is called Cara Care, and it helps you track all of your IBD symptoms, such as bathroom frequency and sleep. It even allows you to create your own custom areas to cater to your unique IBD experience.

Monthly subscription boxes can eliminate the stress of always remembering necessary products

Much like the first life hack mentioned, it can be a struggle to spend time and energy to go shopping for things you need in your life. Not only that, living with IBD can be mentally draining, and it can be difficult to keep track of everything if your brain is exhausted. Luckily, there has been a great trend of companies offering monthly subscriptions where they ship products straight to your door that can make living with IBD a lot easier. Companies such as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh offer meal prep that is delivered straight to your door, eliminated the struggle of having to plan meals during busy times of your life. Other services such as Dollar Shave Club and even Walmart cater to provide hygiene products that don’t break the bank.

Keep an emergency IBD kit with you whenever you travel

Not so much a hack as it is just a smart idea, but a good idea is to always travel with essentials that can help whenever an IBD problem arises. This can include wet wipes for the bathroom, an extra roll of toilet paper, more underwear, an extra set of prescription medications or laxatives, a heating pad, or anything else that can ease symptoms when they occur. Accidents can happen, and it is especially hard to deal with them when you are far from the comfort of your own home. With the emergency kit, if anything unexpected happens, it will be easier to handle.

Sign up with your university’s center for disabilities services to get accommodations

Maybe a lesser known service that universities offer is their center for students with disabilities. Each university has a different name for it and how they provide accommodations, but they are here to help. With this service, students can sign up with their documented disease and receive accommodations they need related to their disease. In terms of those with IBD, these accommodations can range from requesting a dorm room nearest to a bathroom to receiving extra time on quizzes and exams for bathroom breaks. It’s important to set up an appointment with the service to ensure enough time allocated before such accommodations need to be implemented (such as extra test time). Also, if you ever need to take leave from school due to your disease, the center for disabilities will work with you until you’re able to return to class.

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What are some “life hacks” that you use for your IBD? Comment below and share with the rest of us so we can make living life with IBD a little bit easier!

Crohn's on a College Budget: Tips for being a mindful shopper and saving money

By Erin Ard

Probably one of the biggest thing I struggled with in college, other than balancing my social life with academics, was money. I wasn’t very adept at budgeting my spending. I probably ended up spending much more than I needed and wasn’t able to stretch my money out as long as I could have. I spent what I had on what I wanted and there were no trade-offs; that is, until I realized I had been spending too much and would forego grocery shopping that week. Not a good spot to be in! Especially for someone who experiences stomach pain when I go too long not eating. The healthy way to approach spending would have been to ask myself, “How much money is left over after my necessary expenses?" Like tuition, books, rent, utilities, Remicade copays, etc. "How much do I want to spend on groceries? How much do I want to put towards fun?”

If you've ever been asked by your parents, tried to do some adulting yourself, or written up a grocery list, then you may have already asked yourself, "What is my budget?"

The truth of the matter is that setting a budget is entirely personal. How you want to spend your money is up to you? If you want to put most of your green towards 6 packs of assorted White Claws for college football game days, leaving yourself $50 for groceries, I can't stop you. You do you, honey! I just hope I get an invite to your tailgate!

There are so many factors to account for when setting a budget, including: money distributions, frequency of spending, being environmentally conscious. Reaching the point of having a well-groomed budget is a process of trail and error, meaning you'll have to dip your toes in before you can perfect it. This month I want to help any of you curious about how to set a monthly college budget, mindful grocery shopping, and finally, tips to save money both before and while at the store! Skip to whichever section you are most curious about!

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Making a Crohn's-Compliant Budget

First, calculate your monthly expenses.

Take your monthly income and subtract your monthly expenses that, no matter what, you need to pay! This could include rent, utilities, Netflix, medication copays, and whatever else suits your lifestyle! If you're starting with a financial aid reimbursement, make sure to include long-term expenses over the semester (e.g. tuition or rent through December). You can do this on paper or in a spreadsheet. (Tip: Excel has some nice templates to work from - because why do it all yourself!).

Second, distribute the money left over.

You see the amount left over from your necessary expenses, that's your budget and that's all you get! Let's get a little more specific now. Divide your left over money into these categories: Food (grocery shopping and takeout), Self-care (healthcare products), Fun (for local events or social gatherings), and anything else you can think of that applies to you (medical, credit card debt). If you are having trouble knowing how much to allot, How much do you normally spend when you go to the grocery store?

Mindful Grocery Shopping

Mindful grocery shopping means, well pretty much what it sounds like, not going in and grabbing things mindlessly. You should go shopping with a goal - to buy healthy foods for yourself, on a budget, and within reason.

Be mindful of your current state. In other words, never go shopping when you are hungry. Whenever I go shopping hangry, I tend to hone in on snacky, sugary, junk foods - all of which I shouldn't eat on a Crohn's conscious diet.

Be mindful of what you place in your cart. Are you shopping from a list? Are you grabbing a bunch of ingredients for a recipe? Will you get home and inevitably realize you have a bunch of ingredients but none that form a whole recipe?

Be mindful of how much you are putting in your cart. Get enough to last you until your next trip, but not too much that will go bad before you use it. This is particularly important if you get a lot of fresh produce and perishables.

Tips for Saving Money

Saving money on your groceries mirrors being a mindful shopper and includes proper planning.

• Research some recipes you'd like to try and plan out a weekly menu. Start with planning 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners (since you will probably have leftovers).

• Tailor your recipes to the produce that's in season. These veggies and fruits are the cheapest at that time.

• Make a list of all the items you need and ONLY GET THOSE ITEMS! Unless, of course, you stumble upon something you forgot.

• Grocery shop every week or every other week. This will help cut down on waste and allow you to replenish your fresh produce.

• Stock up on nonperishable items you use most often when you can (i.e. there are sales!). This includes supplements or other products that help sustain you during an IBD episode.

• Compare the prices with off brands or similar items. This may not save you a lot, but a little adds up over time.

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There are plenty more factors to be aware of when setting up a budget and being a mindful shopper when you have Crohn’s disease. I hope this article has helped you think more about being a green-, environmental-, and personal health-conscious adulter!

What tips do you have for anyone with Crohn’s or Colitis and shopping on a budget?

Explaining IBD to Those Without It

By Leah Clark

Imagine your abdomen is a blender. Now, someone shoves 10,000 little knives into that blender. Crohn’s disease is pressing the on button.

I have been living with Crohn’s disease now for about ten years, and this analogy is the best I have conjured when describing my pain to those that have never felt it. To my closest friends, I feel very comfortable discussing my health and my symptoms. When I’m having a bad IBD day, they know about it. Whether it’s from the expressions on my face, my absence from the group, or strictly from me telling them, they know. Describing my disease to others that don’t know more, or/and have never heard of Crohn’s disease is another story.

It’s more than just a stomach ache, or it’s more than an overall “not feeling well.” When I talk about being tired, I’m talking about my entire body aching with every step I take. I’m talking about how even the thought of getting out of bed brings me to exhaustion because I don’t want to exert energy. Fatigue is only one part of it. When I talk about pain, I’m talking about truly stabbing pain, like a pitch fork plunged into your body and every time you move, the pitchfork twists a little deeper and a little wider into your gut. I’m talking about a boulder the size of a microwave being pressed into your intestines, with each step you take another rock being added on top. I don’t even want to get into the toll my mental health takes because of my disease; I’ll leave that for another discussion.

“Imagine your stomach is a blender. Someone shoves 10,000 little knives into that blender. Crohn’s disease is pressing the on button.

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I’ve had many years of experience in processing and handling the pain associated with my disease. I’ve also had many years of explaining to people the reason why I am in pain and exactly how I am affected by my Crohn’s disease. Sometimes I enjoy talking about my disease; I see it as a way to communicate and educate others on the disease so maybe next time they meet someone with it, they can have more sympathy towards them and a better understanding. Other times, I find it a chore. Going on and on, again and again, explaining the same story I’ve been telling others for the past ten years. I always start with the same script:

1. I have Crohn’s disease. Have you ever heard of it/do you know what it is?

2. It’s an inflammatory bowel disease. Do you know what that means?

3. Basically, my intestines attack themselves and I need medicine to feel better, otherwise bad things can happen to my digestive tract.

Depending on how interested the person is, I go into more or less detail, explaining more than just “attacking my intestines.” The average person does not have a gastroenterology medical background, so I keep it light and leave out the details of my bowel movements. When I decide to go off script, it’s usually from two different reasons. It’s either because I am not feeling well and I need to express my pain someone (hence, where all of the previous analogies I’ve given come into play), or when someone is just not getting it.

Generally, people are pretty understanding when I explain my illness, but sometimes you get those wackos that feel the need to put their opinion about your illness down your throat. People have tried giving me new diet tips or foods to eat to “cure” my disease. Suggestions of “just workout more, try yoga” as if yoga is the magical cure to any problem I have. People have expressed how fortunate I should be that “at least it’s not cancer” or a different illness. One thing never to say to someone with a chronic illness is, “Well, at least you don’t have [insert any other disease].” It doesn’t make us feel better, it honestly makes us feel worse because it invalidates our own pain and suffering from the very illness we have to live with for the rest of our lives. I would never wish my disease onto another person, but when it comes to times like this, I sometimes wish they could just experience for a day what it’s like during a flare. Then they’ll see if yoga is really the best thing for me.

“One thing never to say to someone with a chronic illness is, “Well, at least you don’t have [insert any other disease].” It doesn’t make us feel better, it honestly makes us feel worse because it invalidates our own pain and suffering.”

I’m not trying to bring the mood down and paint a bad picture of what living with Crohn’s disease is like. For me, it’s not always pain and suffering. There are things I’m happy about and things in my life that wouldn’t exist without it. Bonds I’ve created with other people with IBD, self assurance and confidence in myself to overcome obstacles and challenges I face everyday, and awareness of my health are just some of these examples. My disease has shaped me into the person I am today, and although it sometimes feels like knives poking out of my gut, on the days it doesn’t, I’m happy that my IBD has given me a platform and a place in a community with compassionate people going through the same things I am.

A Five Step Plan to Prepare for the Stress of School

By Erin Ard

August has always been my favorite month of the year. The word itself feels warm and seems so full of light. Summer is winding down, many of us have been able to do things we never have time for during the school year. We've been able to spend loads of time with friends or family, gone on vacation to somewhere new and exciting, explored some new DIY projects, or tackled a task from our ever stagnant To-Do list. We might even be exhausted from all the fun and relaxing times we've had that the thought of summer ending, is naturally bittersweet. August is our last month to ourselves. When August 31st comes around, classes are just around the corner. Now, I don’t mean to scare or worry you that you are running out of time. You still have plenty of time to relax and prepare. (But tick tock..)

This September will mark my own re-entrance to school after taking a year off. In May of last year, I graduated with my Bachelors and will be going back as a re-entry student to study DIETETICS! I am so excited you guys, you don't even know! Even though it's only been 15 months since I was in college, I feel like the mom who rediscovers herself and goes back to school after x number of years devoted to others. But this is MY time to shine! My heart is so full of excitement and intrigue for the new topics I'll be learning about and the career path I am headed towards. I have had 15 months to decompress from all those days spent studying, non-stop, on end and will be reattending with renewed energy and outlook. Because I know how stressful college life can be and the added stress of taking care of a chronic illness, I want to share some of my own insight on how to prepare for another school year.

After having a few rough semesters and thinking about this new year, I decided to do some research on how to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Many of the tips I found were in reference to another stressful life event, but they still hold potential for alleviating the stress experienced in school. Stress is stress, right? And when you have an inflammatory disease, a part of keeping your disease in check is taking the right precautions around stress management. So whether you are ready to get a move on or still trying to deny the fact that summer is ending, here is a five step plan to get you started.

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Step 1

Use this last month of summer to really get to know yourself, on every level.

Try to understand how you deal with stress by thinking about your past. Think back to a time when you were dealing with a lot of stress, maybe even in the midst of a flare-up, and ask yourself: How do I tend to perceive about the situation? Do I react to the stress or work through it? Are my thought tendencies self-deprecating or more self-righteous and determined? How did I feel physically, emotionally, and mentally? What was I missing? What could I have done differently?

Try this writing exercise! Like you would write a story, write down what was happening during a time you were being pushed to your limits. Bullet-point every obstacle and bold everything you tried to overcome the situation, even the failed attempts. Then, like how a writer outlines a story-line, write out how you would resolve the story. Include who and what from your life you would need and when you would use them. Keep this as a guide or for inspiration!

Step 2

Plan ahead, for EVERYTHING and keep yourself accountable.

It can be helpful to set up a plan for yourself ahead of time. Whatever makes yourself more productive, make a promise to DO THOSE THINGS! Get tasks done early when you are feeling well and full of energy, so you can rest when you are not. Prioritize what is most important in your life. Stick to a routine or try new things. Think about how much you need to do to be successful and what kind of effort that will take. Then start to build up your plan around these thoughts. Being accountable for yourself and the work you must accomplish ahead of time will save you in the long run.

Try this writing exercise! Make a promise to yourself for the new school year. Write down a few things you want to strive for, big or small. Then display it somewhere you will see every now and then as a nice reminder. This will keep you centered and focused on what you want to achieve and how you will do it. Here are some examples: "I promise to make good decisions for my health and well-being. I promise to make my bed each morning. I promise to do what I can, when I can, and not judge myself when I cannot."

Step 3

Be the responsible person you and your body deserve!

Make responsible decisions when it comes to food choices, workload, and managing stress. A part of developing a successful plan is sticking to it! If you know about your own unhealthy habits that can impact your ability to manage stress, then take steps to reroute them. Start with replacing bad habits with positive ones.

Step 4

Have a de-stress plan when life starts to get tough.

By having something set in motion ahead of time, you can comfort yourself knowing you've prepared for this! So whip out your de-stress kit and get to it! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• If you feel yourself getting anxious, stop for a moment. Practice deep breathing and positive inward thoughts or commit some time to a guided meditation. You may feel more calm and refreshed afterwards.

• Set up a routine to decompress after a long week (take a warm bath with a glass of wine, settle in with your favorite book with a cup of delicious tea, or just take a nap - but use this last one sparingly)

• If you struggle with eating healthy, staying away from trigger foods, or staying on a grocery budget then try your hand at food prep. Taking your Sunday afternoon just for this task can be relaxing in itself and can yield some great benefits. Say goodbye to wondering what your next meal will be and ordering too much take-out!

• Write a letter to yourself to read when the going gets tough. I did this in the depths of a my lowest moment and it allowed me to pull myself out of an emotional rut to refocus on happiness and success.

Step 5

Pick yourself up when you fall.

If you fail, a normal part of life, then you will need to brush yourself off and try again. Don't blame yourself, don't blame your shortcomings on your Crohn's or Colitis, and don't project your failures onto the universe. These tendencies will only allow you to harbor negative feelings about yourself or your past. Practice accepting things as they are and moving on with a more determined attitude. Find out where you might have went wrong and correct any bad behaviors that may have caused you to fail. Are your Netflix binge habits infringing on your study time? I know mine have before. Learning is all about finding what works for you and readjusting. This includes finding what works well in your own study habits. Try out some new ones if the old ones get stale.

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Whatever your plan ends up being, make sure that it is true to YOU! Incorporate everything you know can work and don't waste your time on what doesn't. I promise to

What strategies help YOU manage stress?

What to Know When You Care About Someone With Crohn’s Disease

By Erin Ard

Chronic illness can be easy to ignore if you aren't the one living with it, but when you start to see how it affects a person you care for, it can strike a cord in you too.

When you meet someone with a chronic illness, it's natural to be curious about their life. You may even feel compelled to a) make their day easier, b) ease their pain, c) see their worth, or d) just help them feel comfortable. And if you want to lift the weight of living with a disease, choose all of the above.

Having IBD myself, it is THE. MOST. AMAZING. feeling in the world having someone who wants to know more and take care of you. So I must commend you for making it as far as reading this post.. You are ONE of FEW who would stick around someone with such a debilitating disease!

This topic has been on my mind for a while now. And when I started writing, I noticed how challenging it was to explain how this disease can affect someone. Experience with IBD is so diverse and can change so fast! For instance, in this moment I would say, "You really don't need to worry about me!" Because in reality, my own Crohn's has been in remission for years with only a few minor complications and I've made big strides in accepting my disease. I can go without thinking about my Crohn’s most days, but that doesn't mean these feelings of security have always existed and won't change in the future. Maybe your person is in the same boat, still it is invaluable to know what could happen. Whether you are a friend, family member, or lover, I want to help you understand the fundamental struggles, how it can affect someone (mainly by using myself as an example), and what you can do.

The first thing to know is that every person with the disease is unique and handles it differently. Some people want to be taken care of, while others may hide their struggles from you; so it's kind of up to you to know your person - I'm sorry I don't have all the answers! Thought, I can promise that anyone with a chronic health issue does not want to be characterized by their disease nor feel like a burden. It poses a challenge to balance helping them feel better and making the disease a big deal. If they choose to let you into that part of your life, that's great! It is too easy to discredit the harm it can impose. My first piece of advice is to have an open mind. Even though you won't be able to fully understand how it affects their body, mind, and lifestyle after reading this; you can keep learning.

 Before I jump into the nitty gritty of it all, we should go back to basics. Whether you just met someone with IBD, have know about the disease for years, or have it yourself it can be helpful to know how the disease works. With Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), our immune systems get a little confused and end up attacking the healthy tissues causing inflammation along our digestive tract. IBD is a blanket term for the two most common forms: Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis. There are many commonalities between individuals who live with IBD. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, and the infamous diarrhea. IBD can be classified from mild to severe depending on symptoms, e.g. frequency of diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, anemia, bowel obstruction, and more! IBD itself does not limit your life expectancy, however, it can lead to some life-threatening complications. And symptoms can be kept under control with medication, thankfully, allowing people to live normal lives whilst their disease is in remission.

The day-by-day symptoms and risk for complication in combination can be very draining for someone, both physically and mentally. Not only are these symptoms tiresome in their own right, but can bring about mixed feelings - fear of flare-up recurrence or inability to find a bathroom, worry over not knowing what you can or can't eat, embarrassment of symptoms, and maybe denial of the pervasive hold it can take on your life. Even though my disease is in remission, it takes constant maintenance to feel in control of my body's health.

Much of my knowledge comes from learning about my own Crohn's symptoms and how it has impacted my day-to-day life. So I will try to describe what to look out for when caring for your person and their IBD.

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It's a daily struggle.

IBD is a hidden illness, making it hard to understand what kind of struggles we endure because they can't be seen. If your loved one says they don't feel okay but look fine, trust them. They know their bodies better than anyone. I know for myself, every once in awhile I have shooting abdominal pains, discomfort from something I've eaten, unreliable energy levels due to fatigue, joint pain, sensitivity to temperature, and recurrent symptoms close to my Remicade infusions. Usually on bad days, I take it easy on food I prepare for myself and the activities I do.

Tip: Have patience and learn to enjoy a few more Netflix movie marathon nights than usual.

It's a love and hate relationship with food.

With Crohn's we have our own food triggers, which can be devastating to our digestive systems and send us running to the bathroom. Unfortunately for us, there is NO SINGLE ALL CURING DIET PLAN that can help us. We really just have to figure it out on our own since triggers differ from person to person. I get a lot of questions like, "Can you eat this?" "Or what can you eat?" and the answer isn't very simple. I can eat just about anything I want most days, but if I'm feeling off or it's getting close to my next infusion appointment - I take it easy on the hard to digest foods. I try to eat as healthy and balanced as I can while still getting the same sense of satisfactory indulgence as anyone else. For instance, I would love to eat an entire pan of brownies (and have gotten close a few times) but this would lead to me feeling like sh** the next day; as it would with anyone I feel. If you switch this desire I hold for brownies during a flare-up, it gets a bit more complicated and pretty much impossible. During a flare-up, however, my indulgences subside and I only crave foods that will sustain me without bringing about more harm.

Tip: Expect a mix of eating habits, since our health can change pretty fast. If they are on a strict diet plan, say gluten-free for someone with Celiac or gluten intolerance, get to know what they can and can't eat! It will be a whole lot easier for them if you have a good understanding and they can stop answering the "What can you eat?" question, at least coming from you :). A lot of people also take supplements to make up for the nutrients lost in their diet or from not being able to absorb an efficient amount through the gut. The biggest thing to understand, like with me, is that there are foods we just can’t eat AND there are foods, though you wouldn’t think so, we are still able to indulge in!

Flare-ups are hard to overcome.

When the disease is active, you'll see all of the main physical symptoms taking root. A flare-up can last several days to a few years and can limit our ability to perform daily activities; sometimes even landing people in the hospital. During my own flare-ups, my limitations were somewhat subtle. I was still able to attend school and join sports, but my performance level was not where it could have been (this became clear once I achieved remission). After school I would too often fall onto the couch, exhausted from the day. I didn't have a solid bowel movement for months. I would give up and have emotional break downs in the bathroom. I became afraid of food because my body couldn't digest it properly anymore. I missed a lot of school, plans with friends, and family get-togethers. What I did attend, I would be withdrawn, wanting to lay down or be at home. Flare-ups are very socially isolating and can force us to miss out on a lot of what makes life fun :(

Tip: Be your own person and don't feel like you need to spend every occasion we miss out on with us, because we don't want you to miss out either! If your person is not feeling 100% and tries to dip out on plans, be heartfelt and ask, "Are you sure? What is making you not want to go?" Reassure us that not every day will be a bad one. Sometimes we have to stick it out to reach the good moments. In time, when we are healthy again, we will be able to push through what limits us. And help us see the value of little things, even if it's just an evening of Cards Against Humanity  or binging The Office.

We have some tricky immune systems.

Many of us take medication to suppress our immune systems to fight inflammation. Some people may get sick more or less often, depending on their medication. When I first started Remicade, it was rare to find me sick with the common cold. However, since my dosage was increased I seem to get sick more often and have a harder time fighting the sickness off. *Insert disappointed emoji *

Tip: Help us take precautions when going out - use hand sanitizer, disinfect grocery carts, and mind your sneezes. Especially during cold and flu season! Maybe consider bringing over a box of tissues and some chicken noodle soup when these efforts fail :)

Everyone has their own self-esteem issues and insecurities.

IBD makes us feel a loss of control over our bodies (quite literally sometimes) and can indirectly cause visible changes (e.g. weight fluctuations, inflammation of the skin or eyes, mouth sores, etc.). Complications with IBD may involve j-pouch construction surgery - a major cosmetic change with added stress over maintenance and potential leakage - or bowel resections and scarring. This can also extend to social interactions, like when we have to explain why we can't eat certain foods, obsess over the details with travel plans, or being conscious of our frequent bathroom visits.

Tip: Depending on the person, procedures causing cosmetic changes may not sit very well. All that we ask is you be open and accepting of every scar or medical device. Each one tells a story of our struggles and what we had to face to find strength again.

IBD has it's own added mental health challenges.

People with IBD are at higher risk of having anxiety or depression. It is all too easy to get down on yourself when you deal with constant set-backs. With IBD, a lot of the symptoms happen behind closed doors.. Usually bathroom doors. Or in the scope of mental health, you can envision the mental wall that keeps others from seeing your thoughts, feelings, and worries.

Tip: I implore you to keep an open mind. We might need a little extra encouragement when it comes to self-worth, seeing the positive, and enjoying life when our IBD gets in the way.

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Being available and accepting of what we deal with can make such a difference to us. Like I said before, IBD can be socially isolating and I hope this post has helped you to understand why that is. I also want to say that people with Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis are the strongest, most ambitious people I know. They deal with keeping their health in check while juggling school, work, friends and family, their goals, AND everything else!

Your person may or may not deal with what I've laid out. Honestly, there is way more that could be discussed on "taking care of someone with Crohn’s" than what I know. Getting to know your person with their Crohn’s lifestyle will have a learning curve. It’s going to take some time and a considerable amount of observational skills to become an expert and if you aren't sure, ask! Just know that you can't do everything for us. You can't take all the pain away or make us healthy. What you can do is keep an open and accepting mind around our abilities. Be patient with our limitations. Help us feel comfortable and emotionally supported when we miss out. And get to know our many qualities in addition to being fighters. To go even further, I respect someone willing to challenge me when I hesitate on getting out of my comfort zone.

Finally, remember to take care of yourself too. Not only can the symptoms be draining on the person with Crohn’s, but seeing your loved one endure such bodily torment could drain you as well. Take time to rest, focus on the good, and keep fighting for your person!

What advice would you give to your loved ones?

What to Expect at a Remicade Appointment

By Leah Clark

As someone that has been using remicade for the majority of their life with #IBD, I think it's safe to say that I've got infusion days down to a science. Check out this video to see what one can expect on infusion day with remicade and read more about it down below.

When I was first diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 12, my pediatrician recommended that, along with several pills including Prednisone and Pentasa (mesalamine), I start remicade infusions right away. Besides a brief few months this past year without it, I have been taking remicade ever since then. Remicade has worked wonderfully for my IBD, so much in fact that for a few years, I was able to get infusions every 11-12 weeks, instead of the regular 8 weeks. That being said, it did take several years to reach that point with no flares during that time. Now, I understand that everyone's body is different and what works for one person with IBD may not necessarily work the same for another. It's importance to listen to your body and your doctor.

As someone that was only 12 when they received their first remicade treatment, I wish that I would have been more prepared and knew what to expect. I remember my first treatment literally lasted all day because of IV complications, reactions, and a lot of tears being shed. Now that I've been going for so long, I thought it would be great to allow someone else to have that information that I was lacking on my first visit. Whether it be your first time receiving a #remicade infusion, you are going along with someone to support them during their infusion, or you're an old pro at this point, it never hurts to see someone else's experience with remicade. In the video, I go through the whole process of my infusion day, including what to wear, what to expect for vitals, and the entire unedited viewing of getting and IV and starting the medicine infusion.

Hospital visits can be scary, especially when you don't know what to expect. I hope with this, you can feel more relaxed and prepared for your next remicade infusion.

7 Tips For Easing Travel Anxiety

By Erin Dunne

The weather is getting warmer, school is coming to a close and the time for traveling is here! I have been lucky to travel with my family on many road trips and am starting to go off on my own as I get older. I love traveling no matter where I go or who I am with, but I still get apprehensive when planning. Will I be able to eat out? Is there a grocery store nearby? Do I have to take my medication while I'm away? What if I get sick?

Going to new places and being confined in a single mean of transportation can be very stressful and bring out anxiety in people with #IBD. I don't know about you, but being bloated, in pain or uncomfortable is not precisely how I'd like to spend my trip. It's unpleasant enough at home but is even more so when away. Although I have a lot more traveling ahead of me, I have already learned through the years ways to ease my anxiety and make traveling as smooth as possible.

My top IBD friendly traveling tips are:

1. Set up a game plan with your travel buddies:

It's always best to make sure that you and your travel partners are on the same page and at least have a general idea of what you would like to get out of the trip. As someone with gut issues, it's important to clarify any needs that may need to be met while you're away- special diet, bathroom accommodations, etc. Explaining your concerns will not only help your partners understand better but will also put you at ease. By constructing a game plan, you'll have a better idea of what you'll need to prepare for- whether that means packing your own food for certain meals or staying somewhere with multiple bathrooms and a fridge.

2. Research restaurants you can go to:

I'm a BIG foodie so finding the best local places to eat when traveling is extremely important to me. I like to try to stay away from chain restaurants as much as I can when I'm away so I can experience more new places on my trip. By being prepared with gut-friendly places to visit, when the question of "where should we go to dinner?" comes up, you won't have to frantically search for restaurants on your phone while others wait. If you can't find a restaurant menu online, don't hesitate to call and ask if they can accommodate your needs. From experience, most places will be more than happy to work with you to create something you are comfortable having!

3. Stay somewhere with a kitchen:

Eating out for every meal can be expensive, impractical, and not always easy on the gut. With that being said, staying at a place that has a kitchen/ kitchenette can be very helpful and makes it easier to create your own meals. Being able to cook takes out the fear of getting a restaurant induced stomach ache and gives you some control as to what's being put in your body. Before traveling, make sure to search for any nearby grocery stores, so you can pick up some staples and save time.

4. Bring supplements:

Even if you think you can go a few days without supplements, bring them if they help your gut feel better! In my opinion, it's best to be over prepared than under prepared. Making sure you have your medicine and supplements (if you take any) can be stressful. If you're like me, even if you double and triple check that you have packed everything there is still a fear in the back of your mind that you forgot something. Put your medicine and supplements in a place that is both easy to remember and is accessible. I typically put mine in a pill organizer in my carry-on.

5. Pack snacks/meals:

If you have been in an airport before, you probably know that many of the items are often overpriced ($5 for a bag of trail mix that's mostly air? No, thank you). I always come prepared because it doesn't matter if I am stuck on a long car ride, a plane, or just walking around town- when hunger strikes, I need food asap. By packing some of your favorite, healthy snacks, this takes out the chance of settling for something that might upset your stomach. Some of my favorites are fresh fruit, homemade nut mix, and Larabars!

6. Pack your go-to remedies:

Bring some of your most effective remedies to help with any discomfort that may occur while you're away. Have a reusable water bottle on hand to make sure you are staying hydrated (and maintaining the environment). Some of my go-to's include: Bone Broth, Pedialyte packets, Apple Cider Vinegar, and essential oils. Having these items with me when traveling helps me feel at ease because I know that while I'm at home, they help make me feel better and if I am away, they will do the same.

7. Incorporate parts of your regular routine:

Most trips can follow a jam-packed itinerary that can leave you feeling exhausted by the end of the night and wishing for more sleep the next morning. While this may work for some people, others may function better with a flexible itinerary. Even if away, sticking to part of your daily routine can keep you more grounded and feel more comfortable when thrown into the unfamiliar. My morning and evening routines are very set in stone and help me unwind, so I always make sure to implement some of the same activities into my travels. At home, my routines are much more elaborate, but I make sure to take the simple, yet impactful things with me wherever I go. In the morning, I meditate and drink warm lemon water with Apple Cider Vinegar. Before bed, I drink a cup of tea and read or listen to an audio-book.

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Ultimately, recognizing that traveling is never going to be perfect is the biggest help. Life is unpredictable and the best of us get a headache or stomach aches at what seems like the most inconvenient of times. I know it can feel as though you are high maintenance and you may also feel bad for "inconveniencing" your travel partners, but this is very far from the truth. Know that your health comes first and you deserve to enjoy yourself just as much as anyone else- you just may have to take a few extra steps to make this happen! These steps are necessary, and over time you will become more comfortable with whipping out your pre-packaged meal while your friends have take out. A happy gut leads to a happy traveler!

Stay Lovely,

Erin

5 Things to Know Before Flying with IBD

By Leah Clark

Having just returned from a trip across the country, several travel tips about flying with inflammatory bowel disease are fresh in my mind. Whether your chronic condition is active, in remission, or anywhere in between, these five tips can help make traveling with #IBD a lot smoother and ensure that you can be prepared, calm, and have fun on the way.

Flying with IBD shouldn't have to feel like a constant state of turbulence. Follow these simple tips to ensure that your flight is a breeze.

1. Know Your Surroundings

Many people with inflammatory bowel disease need to take frequent trips to the bathroom, and that can be difficult when put into an unfamiliar environment. Fortunately, most airports have bathrooms near every gate, as well as maps that can direct you to the nearest one. If you are concerned that you will need to use a bathroom and do not want to have an accident, try and stay near a restroom until your flight is boarding. Some airports have private bathrooms as well with one stall that can make going more comfortable.

2. Prepare Your Own Food

As someone with a #restrictivediet, I know how hard it can be to find food I can eat at an airport. Airplanes and airports often have processed foods that can be prone to cross contamination, as well as a limited selection of foods that are not nuts, chips, and sugary snacks. If you're like me and need to be cautious about your diet, I recommend packing your own food and keeping it in your suitcase until you are ready to eat it. Just make sure the items follow the TSA guidelines.

3. Pack Medications Strategically

Following a tight #medication schedule can be difficult if the medication is not easily accessible. It's important to pack your pills in a small travel carrier or pill box that can be brought on the plane in a carry-on bag. This way, your medication will be with you at all times and available for you to take it when needed. Be sure to have a beverage on the flight, or purchase one after going through security if you need to drink a liquid with your medication.

4. Choosing the Right Seat

Lucky day when you get a whole row by yourself, but choosing an aisle seat can also be a good choice.

Certain airlines, and depending when you purchase your ticket, will allow you to choose what seat you want on the plane. If frequent bathroom breaks is common for you, I recommend scheduling your flights earlier than later and choosing an aisle seat. This way, you will not have to climb over people or waste more time reaching the bathroom. If you cannot choice an aisle seat, it never hurts to ask the person next to you if they are willing to switch.

5. The Day Before

With IBD, sometimes we overlook some of the basic health necessities that need to be addressed: sleep and hydration. Fatigue and dehydration are not new concepts to us, and it's important not to forget about these when traveling. Getting a good night sleep before the trip, as well as drinking plenty of fluids is very important. It's a good idea to take a nap on the flight (if able) and drink water while in the air, as well, when the travel day actually arrives.

Everyone's IBD is different and requires unique attention and care. It's important to know your body and know how travel affects it. Your IBD should not hold you back from living your best life and going wherever you wish. With these five tips, hopefully you will be better prepared and ready for whatever life in the air has to throw at you.