About IBD

Amber J Tresca
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Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease) are about more than diarrhea: they affect the whole person. About IBD focuses on health and lifestyle issues important to people living with Crohn's or colitis. IBD patients, doctors, therapists, and care partners give their tips and advice on topics including diet, nutrition, treatments, mental health, family dynamics, and sexuality as it relates to living with IBD.

  1. 6 days ago

    Brown Note: Helping People with IBD Find Hope and Support With Andrew Giffin

    Amber Tresca talks with Andrew Giffin, a product manager in Toronto who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 19 after years of symptoms in high school. Andrew shares his experience navigating three major surgeries, adjusting his career path away from law enforcement, and learning to manage stress as part of living with a chronic illness. He also discusses developing apps, including Brown Note, a free, anonymous peer-support app for people with digestive diseases. Brown Note was inspired by his own feelings of isolation while preparing for his third surgery and is available on Apple, Android, and the web. Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD204 What you'll learn:

 Personal journey with Crohn's disease, including challenges in high school and college and the impact surgery has on personal and professional life. What goes into developing apps to support individuals with digestive diseases.  What goes into creating a bathroom finder app such as "Flusher." Explanation of Brown Note, an anonymous peer support app for people with IBD. Importance of community and support for those with chronic illnesses. Coping strategies for managing stress and emotional challenges related to illness, such as reading and music. Key Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00:05] — Introduction to Andrew Giffin [00:01:49] — Early Symptoms and Diagnosis Journey [00:03:53] — The Challenge of University Life [00:07:09] — First Surgery and Recovery [00:09:30] — A Ruptured Appendix Emergency [00:12:28] — Changing Career Aspirations [00:15:53] — Coping with Life Changes [00:18:32] — Developing the "Flusher" App [00:21:14] — Lessons Learned from "Flusher" [00:24:54] — The Creation of "Brown Note" [00:27:50] — The Goal of the "Brown Note" App [00:30:12] — Andrew's Current Reading Obsession [00:33:59] — How to Find "Brown Note" Find Andrew Giffen at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giffen/   Find Brown Note at: Web: https://www.brownnote.app/ Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759183219 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brownnote.app Resources discussed on this episode: Melsheimer R, Geldhof A, Apaolaza I, Schaible T. Remicade® (infliximab): 20 years of contributions to science and medicine. Biologics. 2019;13:139-178. doi:10.2147/BTT.S207246 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6679695/ A**l Fissure vs. Fistula: What Are the Differences First Signs of Appendicitis and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore IBD in College or Grad School: Coping With Stress, Flares, and Feeling Left Behind Got2Go — New York City Bathroom Finder We Can't Wait: Restroom Finder App — Crohn's and Colitis Foundation GoHere® Washroom Access — Crohn's and Colitis Canada Pop culture references: The Smiths: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+smiths&rh=p_lbr_music_artists_browse-bin%3AThe%2BSmiths The Wheel Of Time Series: https://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Time-Book-Set-Crossroads/dp/B00132BG7U/ Frank Herbert's Dune Saga: https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Herberts-Dune-6-Book-Boxed/dp/0593201884/   Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

    36 min

  2. 9 Jun

    Insider Secrets to Fearless Travel with IBD

    Certified travel advisor, business owner, and ulcerative colitis patient Sarah McGovern joins Amber to give tips and tricks on traveling with IBD. Sarah relates her IBD journey, including a rare medication side effect that landed her in the hospital. Now in remission, Sarah breaks down her blueprint for traveling with an invisible illness. On this episode, you'll learn concrete, practical strategies for traveling with IBD and how a travel advisor can help you relax on your next trip.   Transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD203   Chapters: 00:04 — Introduction to Sarah McGovern 02:16 — Sarah's Ulcerative Colitis Journey 04:18 — Medication-Induced Pancreatitis 09:03 — Planning Travel with IBD 14:23 — Packing Tips for IBD Travelers 20:39 — Managing Food Restrictions While Traveling 25:38 — The Value of a Travel Advisor 33:00 — Traveling to Disney with IBD 37:03 — Disney's Disability Access Service 43:46 — Travel Hacks 48:16 — Essential Travel Programs 55:07 — Where to Find Sarah Online Resources: IBD Specific Travel Information: https://www.ibdpassport.com Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/delta-skymiles-gold-american-express-card?ref=AMBERTxPsU&xl=cp01 Foldie Bag: https://amzn.to/4uUkk85 Packing Cubes: https://amzn.to/4euki0U Find Sarah McGovern at: Instagram: @halcyontravelco Facebook:@halcyontravelco LinkedIn: @halcyontravelco Website: https://halcyontravel.co Sarah's Personal Instagram: @sarahmcgovern99 Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_IBD Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer  Instagram: @maccooneycomposer Web: Cooney Studio YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    58 min

  3. 19 May

    The Powerful Impact of the IBD Community Featuring Katie Neu

    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD202 Katie Neu and Amber Tresca talk over the results of the IBD Social Circle white paper, "The Power of Community in Inflammatory Bowel Disease." A survey of more than 500 patients puts a spotlight on the ways IBD affects body image, relationships, intimacy, and mental health. Amber and Katie discuss masking symptoms, the difficulties of working a corporate job, and why having community is critical.   Chapters 00:05 — Host Amber Tresca introduces the podcast and her guest, Katie Neu, who lives with Crohn's disease. 01:25 — Amber and Katie discuss the IBD Social Circle, a community for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 04:25 — The conversation turns to the experience of "faking being well" to manage social and professional expectations with an invisible illness. 10:17 — Katie shares her experiences with the stigma surrounding IBD, from high school and college to the workplace. 13:59 — The discussion focuses on the significant barriers to maintaining a career while living with IBD, including needing accommodations. 23:20 — Amber and Katie discuss the impact of IBD on body image, dating, and intimate relationships. 31:26 — The hosts talk about why people hesitate to join support groups and the mental health benefits of finding community. 37:08 — Katie shares where listeners can find her online, including her Instagram and Substack, to connect and learn more. The IBD Social Circle White Paper: The power of community in inflammatory bowel disease Find Katie Neu of Badass With a Bad Ass at: Instagram: @badass.w.a.bad.ass LinkedIn: @badasswithabadass Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    42 min

  4. 5 May

    Yoga Therapy for IBD: Why Acceptance is the Best Teacher With Bari Gratton

    After a devastating Crohn's disease flare, marketing executive Bari Gratton traded a high-stress career for the healing path of yoga therapy in California. Bari joins Amber Tresca to discuss the "Five Layers of Being," the toxicity of "pushing through," and how she is building community for the next generation of IBD patients. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD201 Key Chapters & Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Welcome to About IBD with Amber Tresca [00:04:40] – Diagnosis in the late 90s: Life as a teen with Crohn's [00:12:35] – The 2017 Crisis: Three surgeries and a temporary ostomy [00:19:40] – The Barn Door Moment: Finding safety in a yoga studio [00:23:00] – Healing the Next Generation: Camp Oasis and teen advocacy [00:30:30] – Intro to the Pancha Maya Kosha (The 5 Layers of Being) [00:32:15] – Layer 1: Annamaya Kosha (The Physical Body) [00:34:10] – Layer 2: Pranamaya Kosha (The Energy/Breath Body) [00:36:45] – Layer 3: Manomaya Kosha (The Mental/Emotional Body) [00:39:50] – Layer 4: Vijnanamaya Kosha (The Wisdom/Witness Body) [00:42:30] – Layer 5: Anandamaya Kosha (The Bliss/True Nature Body) [00:52:00] – Why "Pushing Through" is a toxic practice for chronic illness [01:03:00] – Girls with Guts and the "Om My Guts" community What you'll learn: Why the "pushing through" mentality can exacerbate IBD and how to shift toward acceptance. Bari's journey from a high-stress NYC marketing career to becoming a yoga instructor. The profound impact of the Pancha Maya Kosha (Five Layers of Being) on managing chronic pain and anxiety. How a devastating flare led Bari to overhaul her life and work towards remission. The unique benefits of clinical yoga therapy for those with IBD. The importance of community through organizations like Girls with Guts and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Resources mentioned in this episode: Team Om My Guts Bari Gratton Take Steps Greater Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Find Girls With Guts at: Facebook: @IBDgirls Web: https://girlswithguts.org/ LinkedIn: @ibdgirls Instagram: @ibdgirls Annual Retreat: October 23 - October 26 Find the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter at: Web: Greater Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Instagram: @crohnscolitisfoundationla_oc Facebook: @ccflaoc Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    1hr 19min

  5. 21 Apr

    Is Your Eye Pain Actually an IBD Flare?

    Did you know that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) isn't only a digestive condition? It can also attack your vision. Your host, Amber J Tresca, breaks down some of the most common eye-related extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Learn how to identify the warning signs of episcleritis, uveitis, and scleritis, and find out when you need to see an ophthalmologist right away to protect your eyesight. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD200 Key Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Protecting your vision with IBD 02:07 - What are Extra-Intestinal Manifestations (EIMs)? 04:21 - How common is eye disease in IBD patients? 05:43 - Condition 1: Episcleritis (Symptoms and treatments) 07:15 - Why episcleritis often tracks with IBD flares 10:14 - Condition 2: Uveitis (Red flags and risks of vision loss) 13:58 - Condition 3: Scleritis (Rare but severe complications) 16:51 - Condition 4: Dry Eyes 18:23 - Risk Factors: Who is most likely to develop IBD eye issues? 20:10 - When to call your doctor and why you need an ophthalmologist 23:25 - Practical tips: Keeping eye drops in the fridge Sources: Vavricka SR, Schoepfer A, Scharl M, Lakatos PL, Navarini A, Rogler G. Extraintestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015;21(8):1982-1992. doi:10.1097/MIB.0000000000000392 Mintz R, Feller ER, Bahr RL, Shah SA. Ocular manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2004;10(2):135-139. doi:10.1097/00054725-200403000-00012 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Eye complications in IBD. Rosenbaum JT, Bodaghi B, Couto C, et al. New observations and emerging ideas in diagnosis and management of non-infectious uveitis: A review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2019;49(3):438-445. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.06.004 World Health Organization. Vitamin A deficiency and ocular health. Rufo PA, Denson LA, Sylvester FA, et al. Health supervision in the management of children and adolescents with IBD: NASPGHAN recommendations. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2012;55(1):93-108. doi:10.1097/MPG.0b013e31825959b8 Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    17 min

  6. 7 Apr

    How to Fuel Athletic Performance In Chronic Illness Featuring T.L. Wright (The IBD Athlete)

    T.L. Wright, known as The IBD Athlete and author of The SCD Athlete Cookbook, tells Amber about her frustrating decades-long journey to a Crohn's disease diagnosis. She explains the health reasons behind her pivot from triathlons and Ironman races to competitive bodybuilding. You'll leave this episode with a better understanding of how to fuel for your sport or workout while managing an immune-mediated condition. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD199 The SCD Athlete Cookbook: Amazon and Bookshop.org Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the IBD Athlete 02:39 - A Lifetime of Unexplained Symptoms 04:18 - The "Go Hard" Endurance Sports Trap 08:09 - The Overlooked Connection Between IBD and Oral Health 11:04 - The 3-Year Promise 14:26 - Can IBD Patients Compete at an Elite Level? 21:21 - The Pivot to Natural Bodybuilding 26:54 - 5 Tips for Consistency on the SCD Diet 33:04 - The Dangers of AI Recipe Generation 35:29 - The Accidental Influencer 40:44 - Where to Find the IBD Athlete What You'll Learn: How upper GI Crohn's disease can be missed or misdiagnosed. Why the "tough it out" culture in endurance sports can be dangerous for athletes with chronic illnesses. How to transition athletic goals to better support a healing body. Practical tips for managing the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) as an active person. The importance of advocating for your health and understanding the connection between diet and IBD. More resources: Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet Specific Carbohydrate Diet Association Special IBD diets via The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Find T.L. Wright at: Web: The IBD Athlete Facebook: The IBD Athlete Threads: @theibdathlete Instagram: @theibdathlete Tik Tok: @TheIBDAthlete Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    54 min

  7. 24 Mar

    Epidemiology, Big Data, and Biologics in Pregnancy

    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD198 What does a pregnant woman do when they need a biologic medication, but pregnancy isn't included in drug trials? Dr. Sonia Grandi and Dr. Christina Longo talk to Amber Tresca about the BIONIC study, a groundbreaking project using decades of real-world data to understand how biologics affect a pregnant woman and her baby. The BIONIC study is designed to empower patients to make confident, evidence-based decisions about their own health and their children's future. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Sonia Grandi and Dr. Christina Longo. 04:14 – What exactly is an Epidemiologist? 06:33 – Why childhood asthma research led to the BIONIC Study. 11:05 – Why children and pregnant women are historically excluded from trials. 13:00 – Defining "Remission" in children: Why it's more than just labs. 17:01 – The BIONIC Study explained: Safety and biologics in pregnancy. 22:04 – The Patient Advisory Committee: Why lived experience matters. 25:52 – The "Grind" of Research Funding: How projects actually get built. 32:21 – Fun & Hobbies: Puzzles, running, and the "BIONIC" spirit. Find Sonia Grandi, MSc, PhD at: The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids): Sonia Grandi, MSc, PhD Dalla Lana School of Public Health: Sonia Grandi, MSc, PhD Lab: IMPOWER Lab at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) LinkedIn: @sonia-grandi Find Cristina Longo , PhD at: Université de Montréal: Cristina Longo , PhD CHU Sainte-Justine: Cristina Longo , PhD LinkedIn: @cristina-longo-67656040 Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    40 min

  8. 10 Mar

    The Insidious Reasons Why IBD Destroys Sleep

    Everyone needs sleep, but so many of us struggle to get enough. People living with IBD know that a good night's sleep can feel like a distant dream, whether it's pain, urgent bathroom trips, or racing thoughts keeping you up. But why exactly does IBD disrupt our sleep even during remission? And what is your sleep telling you about the risks of a flare-up? Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD197 Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Host Background 01:32 IBD and Sleep: The Problem 03:00 Why Sleep Matters for IBD 04:14 Defining Sleep Disturbance in IBD 05:23 Inflammation's Role in Sleep Disruption 07:08 Wearables and Sleep Research in IBD 08:29 Mental Health, Pain, and Medication Effects 11:06 Why Prioritizing Sleep is Crucial 12:30 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 14:57 Communicating Sleep Issues and Seeking Support 16:12 Episode Wrap-Up and Resources  16:20 Credits and Outro More Information on Sleep: Alien: How IBD Inspired an Iconic Movie: 10 Tips to Get More Sleep Talking to Your Doctor About Sleep I Am So Tired Have You Tried Yoga? – An IBD Community Poll A Meditation Journey – Week 1 Struggling to Sleep? These 11 Foods Could Help You Rest Better 13 Foods to Eat Instead of Taking Melatonin for Better Sleep The Best Time to Eat Dinner for Better Digestion and Sleep Sources: Su XY, Wang YN, Huang YH, Dai C. The sleep quality and its association with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. doi:10.17235/reed.2025.11305/2025. Zhang JZ, Song XZ, Song XN, Shen YL, Tang H, Li H. Prevalence and risk factors of sleep disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2024;39(1):140. doi:10.1007/s00384-024-04712-w. Chaemsupaphan T, Pimolsri C, Subdee N, et al. Poor sleep quality is common and independently associated with disease activity and poor quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: a long-term follow-up study. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2025;18:17562848241311142. doi:10.1177/17562848241311142. Kuzoian S, Jerson B, Brimacombe M, Schneeberg L, Hyams JS. Sleep tracking and sleep hygiene counseling improve fatigue in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025;81(1):62-68. doi:10.1002/jpn3.70066. Xu TY, Zhang Y, Zhao SL. Association of Poor Sleep Quality With Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Dig Dis. 2024;25(11-12):664-673. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.13328. Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD https://www.threads.net/@about_ibd Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio. These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    17 min
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About

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease) are about more than diarrhea: they affect the whole person. About IBD focuses on health and lifestyle issues important to people living with Crohn's or colitis. IBD patients, doctors, therapists, and care partners give their tips and advice on topics including diet, nutrition, treatments, mental health, family dynamics, and sexuality as it relates to living with IBD.

Information

  • Creator
    Amber J Tresca
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2025 Mal and Tal Enterprises; ©2025 Cooney Studio
  • Show Website
    About IBD

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