Meeting my new gastroenterologist

A few weeks ago, I finally met with my new gastroenterologist in the VA community care network. In stark contrast to my October visit with the gastroenterologist who blew me off, this one actually took me seriously and listened to everything I had to say, even though I’m feeling well and doing good overall right now.

IgAN and Crohn’s disease

I recently had a follow-up appointment with my nephrologist at the VA hospital here in Florida for IgA nephropathy. Overall things are good (yay!), but the long and the short of it is that I need to eat more food and drink less water. I’m so used to being told I’m dehydrated that this was definitely new advice for me!

Cystoscopy: My fears and anticipation vs. what actually happened

Do you ever find yourself loving Google, yet hating it at the same time? That was the case for me as I spent more and more time researching and looking up information during the two weeks leading up to my cystoscopy earlier this month. My last four urine tests all showed blood in the urine,Continue reading “Cystoscopy: My fears and anticipation vs. what actually happened”

Episode 24: Stephanie Gish answers her most-asked questions!

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/5jvse5/E24_-_Steph_Solocast_mixdown.mp3 Today’s episode is a special solocast where I’m taking the opportunity to answer the most common questions that many of you, my fellow IBD warriors, ask me through Instagram, email, and my blog. My first “solocast” was Episode 6 where I shared my full Crohn’s story, so be sure to check that out ifContinue reading “Episode 24: Stephanie Gish answers her most-asked questions!”

“But you don’t look sick.”

  My heart was racing at 100 beats per minutes. My skin was pale. My hands were cold and clammy… Let me rewind 48 hours and take you back to Thursday with me. My legs were weak when I arrived at work and walked down the hill toward the chapel on our school campus. IContinue reading ““But you don’t look sick.””

Episode 18: Zach and Chelsie Leighter, Crohn’s Warriors

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/z49azv/E_18_-_Zach_and_Chelsie_2.mp3 In this episode, Zach and Chelsie Leighter share their stories of battling Crohn’s Disease. Together since high school, they are now married with a little boy, Kash. Zach was diagnosed with Crohn’s at the age of 12, has been on countless medications from steroids to biologics, and just one month ago had his temporaryContinue reading “Episode 18: Zach and Chelsie Leighter, Crohn’s Warriors”

My top 6 tips for fighting Crohn’s Disease

I often get asked what I do to manage my Crohn’s. I’ve been battling Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) since my first major flare back in 2006. I did OK on biologics–never really having complete relief from my symptoms–but, I’m now on my second attempt at going medication free and about to hit the three yearContinue reading “My top 6 tips for fighting Crohn’s Disease”

Episode 16: Meghan Cary Brown, Crohn’s/Colitis Warrior and Patient Coach

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/ejphny/E16_-_Meghan_Cary_Brown.mp3 This week’s guest is Meghan Cary Brown. At 27 years old, Meghan has lived 10 years with active disease, 13 years with indeterminate Crohn’s/Colitis, and 3 years with an ostomy. But IBD can’t stop her. In that same time, she’s also gotten married, graduated college, lived in four different states, travelled abroad, adopted aContinue reading “Episode 16: Meghan Cary Brown, Crohn’s/Colitis Warrior and Patient Coach”

Episode 14: Luciana Podschun, 30-year Crohn’s Warrior

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/r6jqkv/Episode_14_-_Luciana.mp3 In this episode, Luciana Podschun shares her nearly 30-year journey with Crohn’s Disease and talks about everything from international travel, the support and love of her husband over the years, and how she doesn’t let Crohn’s stop her from living her life.

Episode 10: Jim Bell, Crohn’s Warrior and Marathon Runner

https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/mf/play/8hxpq7/Episode_10_-_Jim_Bell.mp3 Today’s guest today is Jim Bell, a Crohn’s Warrior since the age of 8 who was inspired to run his first marathon at the age of 44. In this episode, Jim share his Crohn’s journey, why running has become a passion for him now, and what he’s doing to raise awareness for Crohn’s andContinue reading “Episode 10: Jim Bell, Crohn’s Warrior and Marathon Runner”