How to Navigate ER Visits and Avoid Fragmented Care With Dr Stephen Lupe

About IBD

07/07/26

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35m

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Emergency room visits are a source of stress and can lead to fragmented care. Amber speaks with psychologist Dr Stephen Lupe to learn why inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients avoid the ER, the reality of medical trauma, and how a multi-disciplinary approach like the IBD Medical Home can revolutionize patient care. Transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD205 Sponsored by: Johnson & Johnson: http://tremfyaradio.com/ Find Stephen Lupe, PsyD at:

Cleveland Clinic: https://providers.clevelandclinic.org/provider/stephen-lupe/4826753
Twitter: @Psylupe
LinkedIn: @stephen-lupe Resources mentioned:
Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute: Explore the multidisciplinary healthcare programs where integrated care models such as the IBD Medical Home are being used and expanded. https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/clinical-institutes/digestive-disease-surgery/inflammatory-bowel-disease
Posttraumatic Stress in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Read the full foundational study on IBD-related medical trauma co-authored by Dr. Tiffany Taft in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, which highlights the psychological impacts and the 90% prevalence statistic discussed by Dr. Lupe. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34137449
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation: Access educational materials and find vetted local peer support groups. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/myibdlearning
Digital Health: Discover the digital collaborative care platform mentioned by Dr. Lupe that uses clinical care teams, evidence-based dietary interventions, and behavioral therapies to support chronic GI health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12534582

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.

Previous Episode

Brown Note: Helping People with IBD Find Hope and Support With Andrew Giffin

June 23

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36m

Amber Tresca talks with Andrew Giffin, a product manager in Toronto who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 19 after years of symptoms in high school. Andrew shares his experience navigating three major surgeries, adjusting his career path away from law enforcement, and learning to manage stress as part of living with a chronic illness. He also discusses developing apps, including Brown Note, a free, anonymous peer-support app for people with digestive diseases. Brown Note was inspired by his own feelings of isolation while preparing for his third surgery and is available on Apple, Android, and the web.

Transcript and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD204

What you'll learn:

Personal journey with Crohn's disease, including challenges in high school and college and the impact surgery has on personal and professional life.
What goes into developing apps to support individuals with digestive diseases.
What goes into creating a bathroom finder app such as "Flusher."
Explanation of Brown Note, an anonymous peer support app for people with IBD.
Importance of community and support for those with chronic illnesses.
Coping strategies for managing stress and emotional challenges related to illness, such as reading and music.

Key Chapters & Timestamps:

[00:00:05] — Introduction to Andrew Giffin
[00:01:49] — Early Symptoms and Diagnosis Journey
[00:03:53] — The Challenge of University Life
[00:07:09] — First Surgery and Recovery
[00:09:30] — A Ruptured Appendix Emergency
[00:12:28] — Changing Career Aspirations
[00:15:53] — Coping with Life Changes
[00:18:32] — Developing the "Flusher" App
[00:21:14] — Lessons Learned from "Flusher"
[00:24:54] — The Creation of "Brown Note"
[00:27:50] — The Goal of the "Brown Note" App
[00:30:12] — Andrew's Current Reading Obsession
[00:33:59] — How to Find "Brown Note"

Find Andrew Giffen at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giffen/

Find Brown Note at:

Web: https://www.brownnote.app/
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759183219
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brownnote.app

Resources discussed on this episode:

Melsheimer R, Geldhof A, Apaolaza I, Schaible T. Remicade® (infliximab): 20 years of contributions to science and medicine. Biologics. 2019;13:139-178. doi:10.2147/BTT.S207246 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6679695/
Anal Fissure vs. Fistula: What Are the Differences
First Signs of Appendicitis and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
IBD in College or Grad School: Coping With Stress, Flares, and Feeling Left Behind
Got2Go — New York City Bathroom Finder
We Can't Wait: Restroom Finder App — Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
GoHere® Washroom Access — Crohn's and Colitis Canada

Pop culture references:

The Smiths: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+smiths&rh=p_lbr_music_artists_browse-bin%3AThe%2BSmiths
The Wheel Of Time Series: https://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Time-Book-Set-Crossroads/dp/B00132BG7U/
Frank Herbert's Dune Saga: https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Herberts-Dune-6-Book-Boxed/dp/0593201884/

Find Amber J Tresca at:

AboutIBD.com: About IBD
Verywell: Verywell Health
Facebook: @aboutIBD
Twitter: @aboutIBD
Pinterest: @aboutibd
Instagram: @about_IBD

Next Episode

Hidden Ways IBD Affects You Over a Lifetime With Puja Khanna, MD

July 21

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41m

The truth about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is that it goes beyond the gut. In this first ever live recording of About IBD, Amber talks with Dr. Puja Khanna from Cedars-Sinai to explore the extra-intestinal impacts of IBD, from skin conditions and eye inflammation to debilitating fatigue. Learn how sex-specific factors affect women and why building a multi-disciplinary care team is the best strategy for long-term health.

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD206

Chapters:

(00:01): Amber introduces the first-ever live recording of the "About IBD" podcast, recorded at an event in Los Angeles.
(01:31): Amber and guest expert Dr. Puja Khanna are introduced, detailing their backgrounds and expertise in the IBD space.
(03:26): Dr. Khanna discusses common extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD, including issues with the eyes, liver, skin, and joints.
(05:45): A discussion on how women are uniquely affected by IBD, including hormonal influences during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
(06:30): Dr. Khanna explains the importance of a multidisciplinary care team and open communication with your gastroenterologist about all symptoms.
(08:00): The importance of discussing reproductive health early, even in adolescence, to gather information and make informed decisions later.
(10:18): Dr. Khanna offers advice on managing fatigue by addressing sleep, mood, nutrition, and energy conservation, even when labs are normal.
(14:23): Amber and Dr. Khanna discuss the fine line between pushing through illness and recognizing one's capacity to avoid overexertion.
(15:47): Dr. Khanna advises focusing on trends rather than daily details to avoid anxiety while still providing useful data to doctors.
(20:04): Guidance on when to send a portal message versus seeking immediate care, emphasizing that patients should not hesitate to reach out.
(22:41): How patients can understand that issues like joint pain or eye problems can be connected to their IBD.
(26:01): Dr. Khanna explains the detective work involved in distinguishing between medication side effects and extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD.
(30:00): Dr. Khanna discusses a multidisciplinary treatment approach that incorporates nutrition, mental health, and physical therapy alongside medication.
(32:27): A discussion on the long-term safety of modern IBD medications and the genetic risk of passing Crohn's to children.
(35:34): Dr. Khanna explains the role of diet, the microbiome, and specialized nutrition in managing IBD for human patients.
(38:31): Dr. Khanna shares personal details about her family, her life in Southern California, and her experience as a triathlete.