Ashley Zuchelli: Navigating Crohn's (E99)

Stress, a weakened immune system and Shingles (E102)

Things have gotten stressful as we prepare to sell our house and map out the logistics of living on a boat! Even though we've been planning for a variety of scenarios, this is something I've never done before and that has my stress level amplified. But this time, stress didn't trigger an IBD flare-up, it triggered Shingles. Listen to this episode to hear my experience, adjustments to medications, treatment and how I'm feeling. Links from the show: Briotech https://amzn.to/41RbvPG [https://amzn.to/41RbvPG] (Amazon affiliate link) Healthline article: https://www.healthline.com/health/shingles-contagious [https://www.healthline.com/health/shingles-contagious⁠]

Colonoscopy #10, Prep tips and update (E101)

I recently had my 10th colonoscopy! This was a routine colonoscopy scheduled look for any dysplasia and to make sure my medications are working and that I'm in remission. In this episode I share some tips and things I've learned over the years to make the prep more palatable and a little easier. If you've got tips of your own to share, please write them in the comments for others to learn from your experiences, too!

Steph's Update and Podcast Announcement (E100)

A lot has happened since my last episode so I'm giving you an update on my own IBD journey and sharing a big move that my husband and I are about to embark upon! Topics covered: * My Crohn's disease update * My IgA Nephropathy update * Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1); https://alpha1.org/ * Silent Reflux * Cough Variant Asthma * Where I'm going and where the podcast is going! #chronicillness #travel #crohns

Ashley Zuchelli: Navigating Crohn's (E99)

Ashley Zuchelli shares her journey with Crohn's disease, from the onset of symptoms to her recent diagnosis. She discusses the challenges she faced in finding a doctor who would listen and the frustration of not knowing what was causing her symptoms. Ashley also talks about the impact of Crohn's on her work and how she manages anxiety. Finally, she shares her motivation for advocacy and raising awareness about IBD. In this conversation, Ashley Zuchelli shares her journey with IBD and the challenges she faced in getting a diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of realizing when something is wrong and seeking help, even when faced with fears and uncertainties. The conversation also highlights the difficulties doctors face in diagnosing IBD and the need for patients to advocate for themselves. Ashley encourages listeners to not give up on their goals, to prioritize their health, and to listen to our bodies and not dismiss symptoms. Takeaways * Finding a supportive and understanding doctor is crucial in the journey to diagnosis and treatment. * Managing anxiety and stress is important for overall well-being and symptom management. * Having a flexible work schedule can be beneficial for individuals with IBD to accommodate flare-ups and self-care. * Sharing personal stories and advocating for awareness can help others going through similar experiences. * Realizing when something is wrong and seeking help is crucial for managing IBD. * Don't let fears and uncertainties prevent you from seeking the care you need. * Advocate for yourself and communicate your symptoms and concerns to your doctor. * Don't give up on your goals and prioritize your health. * Connect with others who have similar experiences for support and guidance. Topics covered in the interview * Ashley's Journey with Crohn's Disease * Seeking a New Doctor for a Diagnosis * Diagnosis and Treatment * Managing Anxiety and Balancing Work * Realizing Something's Wrong * The Importance of Seeking Help * The Challenges of Diagnosing IBD * Don't Give Up on Your Goals * Don't Disregard Your Body's Signals From the show Stephanie: What have you done over the years to help manage anxiety? Ashley: I would say meal prepping actually soothes me and it keeps my mind at ease because I know if I am hungry or if…I’m feeling good that day, I have food ready for me and it just makes me happy just cooking in the kitchen…And then I started doing the HelloFresh program, where I get ingredients sent to me and then I just cook. I don't have to think about the recipes. They have dietary restrictions on there of things you can and cannot eat, so that helps my anxiety—to make sure I have the food I need when I have a long day at work or if we go travel. feeling so great today or, you know, I do have that type of job where if I wasn't feeling well, I can block that time and deal with what I need to deal with. If I had a flare or upset stomach from eating something or just. Stephanie: How do you balance work and work in IBD? Ashley: You know, Crohn's being Crohn's, acting up when it's not the best time, so I was just honest with my clients. Like if I didn't feel well, like I have to go to the bathroom, [saying] I'll be right back. We don't discuss what happens in the bathroom, but they know I need a moment to break away because of issues going on…I am grateful that I have the luxury to make my own schedule when a flare happens. Links from the show: * Follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/azuchelli4 [https://www.instagram.com/azuchelli4] * * * * * Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com * Shop my favorite products [https://crohnsfitnessfood.com/shopping-list/], * Read my favorite books [https://crohnsfitnessfood.com/reading-list/], * Subscribe to the podcast [https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/], * Send a little love/coffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stephgish] 😉 * More at crohnsfitnessfood.com [http://crohnsfitnessfood.com] Want to share your story? Send me a message here [https://crohnsfitnessfood.com/contact/] or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com #crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy

Stephanie Gish solocast: Back on medications (E98)

Back on medication and mindset changes during my Crohn’s journey It’s been over 20 years since my colon started bleeding and my inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) journey began. In 2003, I ignored the symptoms of blood, pain, and bloating for nearly three years. When I finally sought help in 2006 after a severe flare, it took another three years to reach a diagnosis. In those first six years, I was left to my own devices to try and stop the symptoms and find some way of living a normal life.  It’s been a long journey with Crohn’s disease and I know it’s far from over. As I reflect back to my first six years with IBD and being left on my own to manage symptoms, I now wonder if I would have been so determined to come off medications ten years ago if I would have received the help and diagnosis I needed at the very beginning. I don’t know the answer to that, but what I do know is that as life goes on, we evolve, we grow, and things change – including our perspectives and even beliefs we once held so tightly.  I’m ready now, and I’m grateful. Grateful to have a supportive gastroenterologist who listens and actually believes me, grateful to have access to medications I need, and grateful for a clear path ahead for this next chapter.  1. https://www.formularywatch.com/view/the-va-replaces-humira-with-hadlima-on-national-formulary [https://www.formularywatch.com/view/the-va-replaces-humira-with-hadlima-on-national-formulary] 2. https://www.organon.com/news/samsung-bioepis-organon-announce-fda-acceptance-of-supplemental-biologics-license-application-sbla-for-interchangeability-designation-for-hadlima-adalimumab-bwwd-a-biosimilar-to-humira/ [https://www.organon.com/news/samsung-bioepis-organon-announce-fda-acceptance-of-supplemental-biologics-license-application-sbla-for-interchangeability-designation-for-hadlima-adalimumab-bwwd-a-biosimilar-to-humira/] * * * * * Support the podcast ❤️ at https://www.crohnsfitnessfood.com * Get your copy of Crohn's Fitness Food and My Rocky Road to Health [https://crohnsfitnessfood.com/get-the-book/], * Shop my favorite products [https://crohnsfitnessfood.com/shopping-list/], * Read my favorite books [https://crohnsfitnessfood.com/reading-list/], * Subscribe to the podcast [https://crohnsfitnessfood.podbean.com/], * Send a little love/coffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stephgish] 😉 * More at crohnsfitnessfood.com [http://crohnsfitnessfood.com] Want to share your story? Send me a message here [https://crohnsfitnessfood.com/contact/] or email story@crohnsfitnessfood.com #crohns #crohnsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #podcasthost #healthpodcast #chronicillness #chronicillnesspodcast #ostomy