• Debunking Stoma Myths

    Last month I wrote about ‘Assumptions About IBD & Stomas‘ where I discussed how there are many assumptions and myths surrounding IBD and having a stoma. Assumptions are usually founded on false information, historically based in the past. While they might have some facts to them, they are usually warped beyond the reality they belong to right now. For anyone who might undergo a stoma surgery in the future, or…

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  • “Will you always need check-ups for your IBD?”

    Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes but here is why: Getting diagnosed with IBD for most is a great relief. It ends the months, even years, of needing answers but them being dismissed or ignored. But diagnosis is just the first step in a lifetime of appointments, scans, procedures and consults with a specialist team or several teams. IBD is a chronic, lifelong invisible illness. Those three words – chronic,…

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  • “Does caffeine affect your IBD?”

    Where would I be without my morning cup of coffee? Probably still in bed and probably still asleep. It’s been used for decades as a popular morning beverage to get us up, awake, alert and ready for a new day. We then added it to drinks to keep us full of energy during the day, if we suffered from poor sleep, needed to concentrate or wanted to avoid crashing before…

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  • “How different are scans when you have a bag?”

    The most common way for IBD to diagnosed and monitored is via endoscopy. Unfortunately – or fortunately, depending on your viewpoint – a colonoscopy can only show so much of the bowel. If you have IBD of the colon or rectum, you are fine with having just a colonoscopy regularly. But those with small bowel Crohns disease [CD] often can’t have their condition monitored with a scope, as it will…

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  • “Can calprotectin testing be done at home?”

    Disclaimer: The information in this post is based on knowledge from NICE and CCGs, as well as my own personal use of FCP at-home kits. All experiences given here are my own and should not be taken as medical advice. Please remember that FCP is not a definitive diagnostic test for IBD. If you require advice or support about any aspect of your IBD care, please contact your IBD team…

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  • Newly Diagnosed

    What should I do if my symptoms worsen whilst waiting for my first appointment? in case of emergency, contact 999 for urgent queries contact your GP or 111 for an increase in symptoms of your IBD contact the IBD advice line  Join Crohn’s and Colitis UK (CCUK) The national charity for those affected by Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. It is an invaluable source of information and support from diagnosis,…

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  • Ostomy Glossary

    When I was first new to my stoma, I was boggled by the terminology. There were so many new words, so many words that meant the same thing but in different contexts and in different countries. It was a confusing time. So, if you are new to having a stoma, or have someone close to you who has one and you’re abit lost when they start using terms you haven’t…

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  • IBD Glossary

    A Abdomen – the part of the body containing the digestive organs, including the stomach, small intestine, large intestine (including the colon), pancreas, liver and gall bladder. Abscess – a pus-filled area that becomes red, swollen and painful, usually in response to an infection. In people with Crohn’s, abscesses may form in the abdomen or in the anal and rectal area.  Adalimumab (Humira) – a biologic drug used to treat…

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  • Assumptions About IBD & Stomas

    You know the old pearl of wisdom about assumptions don’t you? “To assume is to make an ASS out of YOU and ME.” While assumptions can be helpful in some walks and aspects of life – we plan, exercise, save, and more based on the assumption that we’ll be alive & well for the future – it isn’t such a great thing in the realm of healthcare and chronic illness.…

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