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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…