About IBD

Amber J Tresca
  • 4.9 (31)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 9H AGO

    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

  2. FEB 24

    How to Harness AI for Good Featuring Michael Tresca

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized in healthcare for many purposes. Patients are wondering how they can safely and effectively use AI tools to educate themselves and to manage their health. Amber and guest Michael Tresca discuss what AI is, how it works, and why skepticism and source verification are essential. They highlight practical, lower-risk ways patients might use AI, such as organizing personal health data, drafting appointment questions, and explaining medical terms. The emphasis is on ongoing education, privacy concerns, responsible use, and the importance of "trust but verify" when using AI for critical health decisions without professional input. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD196 Sign up for Mike's AI newsletter: AI Unplugged on LinkedIn Timestamps: 00:05 — Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:20 — Recap of Previous Episode and Relationship Disclosure 02:16 — Defining AI and Common Misconceptions 04:14 — AI in Clinical and Patient Use 05:11 — AI in Everyday Search and Unintentional Use 06:39 — AI Hallucinations: What They Are and Why They Happen 10:13 — Importance of AI Showing Its Work and Sources 10:58 — Challenges in Understanding AI's Reasoning 14:33 — AI Training Data and Source Reliability 15:31 — Risks of Outdated or Inaccurate Health Information 21:35 — AI's Responsibility in Providing Answers 23:13 — Tolerance for Error and Regulation in AI 24:02 — Transition to Patient Use Cases 24:19 — Using AI to Organize Medical Information 26:23 — Drafting Questions for Appointments with AI 27:19 — Tracking Symptoms or Diet with AI 28:22 — AI for Coping with Brain Fog or Fatigue 31:10 — Listener Feedback: Avoiding AI 32:31 — Listener Feedback: Privacy, Data Breaches, and Environmental Concerns 34:45 — Listener Feedback: Worry About Errors 36:29 — Listener Feedback: Using AI for Definitions and Basic Research 37:24 — Listener Feedback: Using AI to Explain Test Results 40:31 — Listener Feedback: Healthcare Providers Using AI for Notetaking 43:30 — Ethics of Recording Medical Visits 44:42 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts 46:25 — Outro and Credits Find Michael Tresca at World of Welstar: Twitter: @WorldofWelstar Instagram: @world_of_welstar Facebook: @worldofwelstar MeWe: http://tinyurl.com/MeWeTRPG Threads: http://tinyurl.com/threadsWOW Bluesky: https://blskyl.ink/worldofwelstar Amazon: http://amzn.to/41jMn5h EN World: http://tinyurl.com/ENWRPG Drive Through RPG: http://tinyurl.com/DTRPGMNT Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talien 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.

    47 min

  3. FEB 13

    How You Can Improve Intimacy When Living With IBD Featuring Dr Stacy Friedman

    The bedroom can be a place of anxiety for people of all genders living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). How can you boost your confidence and deepen your connection with your partner while living with IBD? Dr. Stacy Friedman is a clinical sexologist and intimacy coach living with ulcerative colitis. She explains how IBD affects intimacy, body image, dating, and relationships. Dr. Stacy shares her personal experiences and professional advice, with a focus on communication, trust, and how to know if a partner will be supportive. In this episode, we talk about why intimacy is more than sex and give tips about how to manage challenges. Dr. Stacy also encourages listeners to seek out support and embrace connection in the ways that work for them.   Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD195   Get Dr Stacy's book "Confessions & Lessons of a Sexpert: The Ultimate Guide to Intimacy and Better Sex"   Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction and Episode Overview 03:10 — Dr. Stacy's IBD Journey 05:30 — Sex and Intimacy Coaching Explained 07:44 — Body Image and IBD 09:59 — Fear, Embarrassment, and Communication 12:26 — Intimacy Beyond Sex 14:32 — Communication and Relationship Dynamics 17:18 — Trust and Emotional Safety in Relationships 17:49 — Embracing Unpredictability 20:38 — Disclosing IBD or Ostomy to Partners 22:53 — Personal Stories of Disclosure 25:12 — Sex Coach vs. Sex Therapist 27:09 — Who Benefits from Sex Coaching 28:51 — Getting Started with Sex Coaching 30:43 — Changing Mindsets About Intimacy 31:32 — What to Expect from Coaching Sessions 33:37 — Resources and The Purple Passion Project 35:13 — Pelvic Floor Therapy and Additional Support 36:54 — Closing Remarks and Appreciation 38:01 — Outro and Credits   Key Topics Impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on intimacy and relationships Personal experiences of living with ulcerative colitis Effects of IBD on mental health and body image Communication and trust in relationships for individuals with IBD Navigating dating and intimacy challenges related to IBD Importance of open discussions about medical conditions with partners Strategies for building supportive and understanding relationships Redefining intimacy beyond sexual intercourse Role of sex coaching versus sex therapy in addressing intimacy issues Resources and support available for individuals seeking to improve intimacy and relationships while managing IBD Find Dr Stacy Friedman on: Web: DrStacyFriedman.com Apple Podcasts: Purple Passion Project Spotify: Purple Passion Project YouTube: @DrStacyFriedman TikTok: @drstacyfriedman Facebook: @drstacyfriedman Instagram: @drstacyfriedman LinkedIn: @drstacyfriedman 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.

    39 min

  4. JAN 20

    How to Protect Yourself in the Age of AI

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. How can we approach AI with both curiosity and caution, especially as it becomes more integrated into daily life? If we're not aware of it and looking for it, AI could become inserted into spaces where we aren't comfortable with it. Amber talks with her son Brenden, a computer science student, about recognizing AI-generated content, the importance of media literacy, and the ethical challenges technology brings. This conversation offers some practical uses for AI, such as learning new skills or automating mundane tasks, while pointing out that creativity and critical thinking are human pursuits. We stress how AI isn't a replacement for expertise and that we should all question what we see online to encourage the responsible use of AI tools. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD194 Find Brenden Tresca at: LinkedIn: Brenden Tresca WHNU 88.7: Tech Fest radio show 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.

    55 min

  5. 12/30/2025

    How to Bring an Intention to Your 2026

    We explore the idea of setting intentions instead of resolutions in the new year, which are more adaptable for people living with IBD. Amber shares clips from guests who explain their intentions, such as prosper, discipline, generosity, consistency, and the importance of taking breaks. Each guest highlights how intentions guide actions and mindset, emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and kindness, despite unpredictability. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD193 Chapters: 00:05 — Introduction to Intentions Clip Show 01:14 — Why Intentions Over Resolutions 02:31 — Lisa: Prosper and Uplift 04:48 — Rachel: Discipline, Accountability, Generosity 06:46 — Stacey: Grounded Goals and Consistency 10:57 — Jen Hubley: Give Yourself a Break 12:06 — Episode Wrap-Up and Call to Action Find Lisa Zawrotny of Positively Productive Systems at: Web: Positively Productive LinkedIn: Positively Productive Systems Facebook: Positively Productive Twitter: Positively Lisa Instagram: Positively Lisa YouTube: Positively Lisa TikTok: Positively Living Pinterest: Positively Productive Find Rachel Bee of Infusion Hero at: Web: InfusionHero.com LinkedIn: Rachel Bee Facebook: @infusionhero Instagram: @infusion_hero TikTok: @infusion.hero Find Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN at: Web: Stacey Collins Nutrition Twitter: @staceynellc_rd Instagram: @staceynellc_rd LinkedIn: @stacey-cutler-collins Find Jen Hubley Luckwaldt and The Job Hopper at: Web: The Job Hopper Bluesky: @jenlucky.bsky.social Substack: Old Mom Things LinkedIn: @jen-hubley-luckwaldt 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.

    13 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Amber's Year in Books 2025

    Looking for your next great read? Host of About IBD, Amber Tresca, gives her year-end roundup of books, with brief summaries and her reflections on each. The selections cover a mix of genres, from speculative fiction and psychological thrillers to memoir and dark fantasy, often touching on themes of trauma, community, self-acceptance, and chronic illness. Amber shares how the stories resonated with her experience as a GenX mom living with a chronic illness, offering both recommendations and caveats. She also discusses practical tips for accessing books affordably through libraries and apps, and encourages exploring local bookstores or thrift shops to boost your reading journey and sense of community. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD192 Find Amber's 2025 books at Bookshop.org Chapters: 00:05 — Introduction and Episode Overview — Amber introduces herself, the podcast, and the year-end book review episode. 01:08 — Book 1: Beautyland by Marie Helene Bertino — Summary, themes, and reflections on the coming-of-age story of an alien observing human life. 03:35 Book 2: The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult — Summary, dual timelines, ancient Egypt, and personal frustrations with the main character. 06:10 — Book 3: Doctor Sleep by Stephen King — Summary, differences between book and movie, trauma, and post-Shining life for Danny Torrance. 09:57 — Book 4: We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer — Summary, psychological horror, reality distortion, and the challenges of ambiguous endings. 12:23 — Book 5: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — Summary, alternate lives, regret, self-acceptance, and critique of the book's premise. 16:07 — Library Resources and Digital Media Tips — Amber shares how she accesses books via library apps and encourages listeners to use library resources. 17:36 — Book 6: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher — Summary, dark fantasy, abuse, coming of age, and resilience in a retelling of Goose Girl. 20:40 — Book 7: Death Valley by Melissa Broder — Summary, magical realism, chronic illness depiction, and reflections on escapism and coping. 24:21 — Book 8: One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole — Summary, dissociative identity disorder, pandemic context, and a unique take on the locked-room thriller. 27:07— Book 9: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman — Summary, community, connection, and critique of the book's tone and humor. 31:06 — Book 10: A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost — Summary, comedic memoir, personal anecdotes, and recommendation of the audiobook version. 33:44 — Book Shopping, Thrifting, and Community Reflections — Amber discusses supporting bookstores, thrifting, and the importance of reading for community and personal growth. 36:07 — Closing Remarks and Call to Action — Amber wraps up, encourages listener engagement, and provides information about show notes and future book clubs. Books Amber Contributed to in 2025: Living with Fire: A Patient's Guide to Thriving with Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases Wellness Through Words: A Multivocal Anthology on Healthcare, Patient Safety, and Wellness Library apps mentioned in this episode: Libby Hoopla Freegal Music 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: @AboutIBD 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.

    37 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    How To Build Resilience and Manage Life With IBD Featuring Kinsey Beagley

    Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD191 Kinsey Beagley, a pediatric medical assistant diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 15, shares about her experiences with IBD, including struggling with symptoms, multiple medication failures, and eventually having J-pouch surgery. Kinsey shares how reframing difficult experiences and adopting a positive mindset—her mantra is "I can do hard things"—has helped her cope. Chapters 00:04 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:05 Kinsey's Diagnosis Story 04:42 Initial Treatments and Medication Journey 06:06 Decision for Surgery 07:09 Emotional Impact of Taking a Gap Year 09:05 How and When Surgery Was Discussed 10:12 Life After J-Pouch Surgery 12:30 Reframing Difficult Experiences 14:04 Advice on Positive Mindset 15:35 Inspiration for a Healthcare Career 17:38 Applying Patient Experience to Her Work 18:52 Hiking and Bathroom Anxiety 21:19 Managing Hydration and Pouch Function 22:29 Coping with Bathroom Anxiety in Daily Life 26:24 Practicing Pouch Control and Mental Adjustment 27:26 Where to Find Kinsey Online 28:07 Closing Remarks and Outro Some of the topics discussed include: Personal journey of living with ulcerative colitis from diagnosis to treatment. Decision-making process regarding surgical options and the emotional impact of surgery. Experiences and challenges of living with a J-pouch post-surgery. Importance of maintaining a positive mindset and reframing difficult experiences. Strategies for managing anxiety in social situations and daily activities. Tips for outdoor activities and managing bathroom access while hiking. The significance of community support and patient-centered care in chronic illness management. Find Kinsey Beagley at: TikTok: @unifyinguc Instagram: @unifyinguc 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.

    30 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    The Truth About Surviving IBD and Incontinence

    Katryna Loewen, a registered nurse diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020, shares her journey through severe flare-ups, incontinence, and her decision to have a colectomy and ileostomy in 2024. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of living with IBD, the stigma of ostomies, and how these experiences shaped her life, relationships, and career. Katryna also describes managing her mental health, planning her wedding, and preparing for motherhood, offering hope and practical advice to others with IBD. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD190 Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Guest Background 02:09 Katrina's Nursing Career 03:08 Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis 04:48 Remission and Flare-Ups 05:09 Severe Flare in 2023 07:08 Decision for Surgery 10:36 Facing Ostomy Surgery 14:08 Acceptance and Life with an Ostomy 16:08 Impact of IBD on Mental Health 17:18 Incontinence Experiences 23:31 Tracking Symptoms and Advocacy 26:23 Wedding with IBD 28:45 Therapy and Emotional Recovery 32:06 Pregnancy After Ostomy Surgery 37:50 Preparing Pets for Baby 41:54 Support Networks and Advice 43:32 Where to Find Katrina 43:38 Closing Remarks Find Katryna Loewen at: Instagram: @goingpains88 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.

    46 min
See All (200)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

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

You Might Also Like