Wrestling the Octopus (IBD)

#36 Living With IBD: Real Patient Stories, Procedures, Prep & The Future of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453562/fan_mail/new] In this candid episode of Wrestling the Octopus: The IBD Patient Podcast, Rachel and Nigel dive deep into the lived reality of IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) - from emergency symptoms to complex procedures, new medications, bowel prep dilemmas and the importance of patient‑centred care. Nigel’s Recent Medical Rollercoaster Nigel recounts a frightening episode of passing blood while urinating - which led to A&E, scans, and ultimately a cystoscopy.  He also discusses: * Kidney stones * An enlarged prostate * An upcoming OGD with ultrasound to assess his pancreas * Ongoing issues with low platelets and splenomegaly This segment highlights how Crohn’s disease and long‑term treatment can intersect with other health conditions, complicating the picture of gut health and overall wellbeing. Rachel’s Treatment Update Rachel prepares to start ustekinumab (a biosimilar: Wezenla) for Crohn’s disease: She also discusses: * Pre‑biologic screening  * The value of regular contact with IBD nurses * How patient experience varies widely across the UK The Great Bowel Prep Debate Listeners wrote in asking about split‑dose bowel prep—especially when the second dose must be taken hours before an early‑morning colonoscopy. Rachel and Nigel share their own strategies: * Nigel: would take the second dose the night before (but stresses this is personal, not medical advice) * Rachel: prefers setting an early alarm to avoid bowel prep “activating” on the train They also reflect on how bowel prep is often worse than the colonoscopy itself: . The Power—and Pitfalls—of Patient Communities Rachel and Nigel explore what they see in online IBD groups: * Anxiety around colonoscopies * Medication experiences * Surgery recovery * Difficulty accessing consultants * The value of peer support We also discuss how digital tools like MyChart can both empower and overwhelm patients. Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

#35 World IBD Day 2026 - Reflecting on Our Efforts in IBD Patient Education

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453562/fan_mail/new] In honour of World IBD Day 2026, Nigel has curated his "best bits" from our Wrestling the Octopus: The IBD Patient Podcast over the last 12 months. If you're living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis - or caring for those who do - this is a chance to catch up on some clips from our previous episodes - including surgery, living with a stoma, colorectal cancer risk in inflammatory bowel disease, blood clots, and more besides. Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

#34 Nigel talks about the reality of managing multiple health conditions as part of his Crohn's

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453562/fan_mail/new] In Episode 34 of Wrestling the Octopus IBD, the tables are turned. This time, Rachel asks Nigel about his battery of recent tests and what the reality is like of managing multiple health conditions that stem from his Crohn's disease. Living with inflammatory bowel disease is a full-time job in itself, and Nigel illustrates this well in this highly relatable episode. Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

#33 Rachel talks candidly about the return of IBD symptoms after years of drug-free remission

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453562/fan_mail/new] In Episode 33 of Wrestling the Octopus IBD, Rachel chats with Nigel about her feelings on getting inflammatory bowel disease symptoms after 15 years of Crohn's remission - the last five years being without drugs. Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

#32 How to find resilience in chronic illness: IBD and cancer patient, Neil Barker shares his story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453562/fan_mail/new] In Episode 32 of Wrestling the Octopus: The IBD Patient Podcast, we meet Crohn's disease patient, Neil Barker. Neil recounts his history of living with IBD, bowel and brain cancer. His story offers an honest, deeply human look at what it means to manage a chronic illness while trying to maintain hope, identity and everyday life. Neil reflects on the early signs of Crohn's, the long road to diagnosis, and the emotional and physical toll of living with unpredictable symptoms. He shares how IBD shaped his relationship with food, work and social life, and how he learned to advocate for himself within the healthcare system. Hear Neil's practical insights on managing gut health, coping with flare ups and finding support. Our discussion then moves into Neil’s experience with bowel cancer, including how his IBD history influenced detection, treatment and recovery. He speaks candidly about the shock of later developing brain cancer, the resilience required to face multiple life altering diagnoses, and the importance of community when navigating long-term illness. Whether you live with inflammatory bowel disease, support someone who does, or want to better understand the complexities of Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and cancer, this episode offers compassion, clarity and connection. Follow Neil on Instagram @bigwoofa_agus_siarach Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd Follow Nigel at @crohnoid