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. 5D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 11/04/2025

    What You Need to Know About IBD and Gastroparesis Featuring Samantha Sauer, BCPA of G-PACT

    Samantha Sauer, BCPA, president of Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments (G-PACT), uncovers the challenges of living with gastroparesis and how it can overlap with IBD or other conditions. Sam shares her personal journey with gastroparesis and gives insights on symptoms, diagnosis, misconceptions, and the daily impact on patients' lives. Topics include the difficulties in getting the right diagnosis, the emotional toll of dietary restriction, and the importance of support communities. Sam also highlights resources offered by G-PACT, including support groups and educational outreach, while encouraging self-advocacy and perseverance for those seeking answers or support for their condition. Timestamps on this episode: 0:04 – Introduction and Guest Background 1:25 – Samantha's Diagnosis Journey 4:17 – What is Gastroparesis? Symptoms and Diagnosis 7:19 – Misdiagnosis and Overlapping Conditions 10:50 – Inflammation and Gastroparesis 12:18 – Impact on Daily and Social Life 16:22 – Social Challenges and Stigma 18:47 – Common Myths and Misconceptions 22:00 – Gastroparesis and IBD Overlap 24:57 – Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges 27:32 – GPACT Resources and Support 31:32 – Advice for Suspected Gastroparesis Patients 33:09 – How to Connect with GPACT 36:18 – Samantha's Treadmill and Movement Routine 38:42 – Closing Remarks and Gratitude  More information on the topics discussed: Surviving Out of Spite Podcast via YouTube Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Is a Procedure to Examine Your GI Tract via Verywell Health Metoclopramide: Treatment for Nausea & Vomiting Relationship Between Gastroparesis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A United States Nationwide Sized Database Analysis Gastroparesis in patients with inactive Crohn's disease: a case series Surviving Out of Spite Podcast Find Samantha Sauer, BCPA and Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments (G-PACT) on: Web: www.g-pact.org Facebook: @GPACT Instagram: @4gpact YouTube: @GPACT_nonprofit LinkedIn: @gpact Find Amber J Tresca at: AboutIBD.com 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, © 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.

    40 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    The Truth About Stigma and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Featuring Mariah Leach, JD, MS

    Amber and Mariah discuss how women with chronic illnesses cope with advice on medication use in pregnancy—especially in light of the confusion around acetaminophen. Mariah shares her experiences with rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy, focusing on changes in medication safety data. They talk about the pressure, stigma, and lack of support for pregnant women, the need for nuanced guidance, and provide resources. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD188 This episode sponsored by Fathom Care! Fathom is an AI-powered wellness companion made for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Over 2.4M people in the United States are navigating IBD alone, and Fathom is here to change that. Learn more at: https://fathom.care/ Chapters: 00:04 Intro & Guest Introduction 01:26 FDA Statement on Acetaminophen & Pregnancy 02:55 Concerns About Acetaminophen Guidance 04:03 Mariah's RA & Pregnancy Experience 07:13 Impact of Medication Decisions 07:33 Biologics & Medication Safety 09:45 Pressure to Avoid Medications 10:05 Balancing Risks: Medication vs. Flare 12:06 Stigma & Judgment Around Medication Use 13:19 Authority Statements & Social Stigma 15:10 "Tough It Out" Mentality 17:11 Societal Judgment & Pregnancy Experiences 17:53 Infusion Appointments While Pregnant 19:09 Sponsor: Fathom Care App 20:59 History of Blaming Mothers & Autism 22:17 Societal Support & Pregnancy Discrimination 24:04 Expectations vs. Realities of Pregnancy 25:58 Reframing Autism & Neurodiversity 28:15 Resources for Pregnancy & Chronic Illness 30:01 Importance of Up-to-Date Data & Planning 33:20 Medication Changes & Specialist Involvement 34:49 Changing Data & Continuing Education 36:25 Mamas Facing Forward: Community & Support 38:48 Peer Support & Parenting with Chronic Illness 40:08 Mariah's Background & Expertise 41:19 Personal Updates & Closing 42:42 Final Thoughts & Outro Concepts discussed on this episode: About IBD Podcast Episode 71- I Evaluated What Was Really Important to Me Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood — Jessica Grose Notice to Physicians on the Use of Acetaminophen During Pregnancy — US FDA The IBD Parenthood Project Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism? The evidence says 'no.' — UCHealth MotherToBaby, a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) PIANO (Pregnancy Inflammatory bowel disease And Neonatal Outcomes) Study Find Mariah Leach, JD, MS at: Web: MamasFacingForward.com Instagram: @mamasforward Facebook: @mamasfacingforward LinkedIn: @mariahzebrowski 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 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.

    44 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    How To Stay Active With IBD Featuring Sean Lochran

    Sean Lochran, who lives with IBD and an ileostomy, describes his IBD journey, including complications such as blood clots and adrenal insufficiency. Sean shares advice for staying active on difficult days, including the importance of personalization, hydration, and tracking health data. He debunks misconceptions about exercise with IBD or an ostomy and describes his client-centered approach to fitness coaching, grounded in empathy and lived experience. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD187 This episode sponsored by Fathom Care! Fathom is an AI-powered wellness companion made for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Over 2.4M people in the United States are navigating IBD alone, and Fathom is here to change that. Learn more at: https://fathom.care/ Chapters in this episode: 00:04 – Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:20 – Sean's Diagnosis Journey 02:59 – Complications: Adrenal Insufficiency and Prednisone 04:08 – Living with Adrenal Insufficiency 05:34 – Blood Clots and IBD 08:36 – Mental Impact of Complications 10:20 – Pre-Diagnosis Fitness and Lifestyle 12:29 – Managing Fatigue and Flare-Ups 14:23 – Sponsor Message: Fathom Care App 16:15 – Coaching Clients: Fatigue vs. Tiredness 17:32 – Tracking and Adjusting Fitness Plans 18:55 – Practical Tips for Staying Active During Flares 23:47 – Weekly Averages and Progress Tracking 25:21 – Misconceptions About Fitness and IBD 26:50 – What It's Like to Work with Sean 30:38 – Learning to Understand Your Body 31:45 – Visiting Scotland: Local Recommendations 34:27 – How to Connect with Sean 36:04 – Closing Remarks and Credits Find Sean Lochran at: Instagram: @seanlochrancoaching 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.

    37 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    How Patient Stories Change Perspectives and Influence Lawmakers

    Every person living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can help change public policy by sharing their story and participating in advocacy events, such as visiting legislators in Washington, D.C. Amber talks to Kelly E. Dwyer, who teaches us how to prepare an elevator speech and gives us practical tips for Hill Day logistics, working within teams, staying emotionally resilient, and following up with staffers. Advocacy is for everyone, and persistence and collaboration can lead to real policy changes to benefit the IBD and chronic illness communities. By the end of the episode, you'll have the real resources you can use to do this work as a patient advocate both locally and nationally.   This episode is sponsored by Connecting to Cure.   Transcript and more information: https://bit.ly/AIBD186   Chapters: 00:05 Introduction and Guest Background 01:23 The Role and Nature of Patient Advocacy 02:37 The Long Game of Advocacy: Successes and Challenges 04:37 Advocacy vs. Activism and Personal Motivation 06:05 The Importance of Patient Stories in Advocacy 06:52 Crafting and Delivering Your Elevator Speech 11:46 Managing Emotions and Practicing Your Story 15:42 Preparing for Advocacy Day: Research and Teamwork 18:07 Training and Building Confidence for Hill Visits 20:58 Coordinating with Your Advocacy Team 22:38 Practical Logistics: What to Wear and Security 24:42 Navigating Capitol Hill: Accessibility and Facilities 29:26 Managing the Day: Scheduling and Flexibility 32:17 During the Meeting: Structure and Communication 36:04 Group Dynamics and Respectful Storytelling 40:29 Building Relationships and Following Up 42:12 How to Get Involved with Advocacy Groups 44:42 Financial Considerations and Accessibility 45:17 Encouragement and Closing Thoughts on Advocacy 47:12 Lessons Learned the Hard Way 50:33 Closing Remarks and Gratitude 51:22 Outro and Credits Topics on this episode: Overview of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Personal experiences of living with IBD and the impact on daily life. The role of patient advocacy in improving healthcare policies and patient rights. Challenges faced by patients regarding insurance barriers and treatment access. Importance of sharing personal stories with legislators to influence policy change. Distinction between activism and advocacy in the context of healthcare. Strategies for effective communication and preparation for advocacy efforts. The significance of teamwork and collaboration in advocacy initiatives. Resources and organizations that support IBD advocacy and patient education. Emotional aspects of sharing health experiences and the importance of building relationships with legislative staff.   Find Kelly E. Dwyer at: Web: https://www.keepingmyshittogether.com Twitter: @keepingmyshitTG Instagram: @keepingmyshittogether   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.

    52 min
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4.9
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2025 Mal and Tal Enterprises; ©2025 Cooney Studio
  • Show Website
    About IBD

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