ImproveCareNow Talking_about_ibd
A Thank You Letter
During a recent consultation with a colorectal surgeon, I found myself being heard. My feelings and my goals were shared and validated. It had been so long since I felt this way after meeting with a new provider. After the visit, I sat in my car for a moment, completely taken aback by how well the encounter had gone (especially when I have also experienced having both myself and my concerns written off without even so much as an examination). After this visit, I found myself reflecting on all the healthcare providers who have treated me over the past 13 years. And I just have to say…thank you.
Episode 21 of the imPACt Podcast - J-Pouches
Hi all, it's Hannah. I've written about ostomies and j-pouches here on LOOP before. Last June, I shared What I Wish I Knew About J-Pouch/Ostomy Takedown Surgery and it ended up being the second most-read post of 2021. So, this topic is pretty important to our community. And that's why we decided to make a podcast episode about it.
I never liked avocados until after my UC diagnosis
I never liked them, but when my doctor told me avocados are filled with good fats and that they are a wholesome food loaded with nutrients, I decided to give them a chance. I was surprised by how good they tasted!
Episode 20 of the imPACt Podcast - PAC Toolkits Recap
One of the opportunities that active PAC members have is to work on the creation of PAC toolkits. These resources cover many different topics related to life with IBD, but they all share one important thing in common - they are for patients, by patients.
What I Wish You Knew About IBD & Holidays
Invisible illnesses, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, don't take time off for the holidays. Learning about what your friends and family members who live with IBD may be experiencing is a powerful way to demonstrate your caring and support, and to also include them in holiday plans in ways that work for them.
Top Ten LOOP posts of 2021
LOOP is an important venue for our community to keep #TalkingAboutIBD. It’s a place where #StoriesMatter - where they connect us, grow our confidence, validate our experiences, remind us we are not alone, and motivate us to continue improving together.
So far, in 2021, 70 stories have been shared #InTheLOOP. Patients, clinicians, parents, dietitians, researchers, and staff & leaders from across the ICN Community have written about IBD from their unique perspectives. They have covered topics ranging from support and advocacy to the importance of sharing openly and talking about IBD, from research and innovative projects to personal struggles, triumphs and hopes for the future.
Without further ado, here are the stories you read the most in 2021!
Episode 19 of the imPACt Podcast - Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week 2021
Each year, December 1-7 is set aside as Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week - a time to talk about IBD and raise awareness and understanding of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Gluten free pasta and vegan pesto are part of my UC diet
I've been sharing my experience with foods that I eat as a vegetarian living with ulcerative colitis. Today, I'm writing about my favorite way to eat pasta (hint: it's green).
Join Us - Fall 2021 Virtual Community Conference
Twice a year we host a Virtual Community Conference to connect, grow and learn from our diverse community of improvers. These web-based events are free & open to all who wish to attend. We hold them in the evenings, so community members can drop in when it works for them or if there is a specific session of interest. Our next event is on December 8 from 7-8:30 PM eastern (4-5:30 PM pacific). We hope you will join us!