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About IBD - The Truth About How IBD Affects Families With Adam and Brandon Sikes
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The Truth About How IBD Affects Families With Adam and Brandon Sikes

About IBD

08/18/26

•

31m

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Adam Sikes was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 18 and later with stage 1 colon cancer. Along with his son Brandon, Adam shares how his family supported him through decades of illness, surgery, and recovery with a J-pouch. Adam and Brandon highlight how IBD affects families, the importance of screening, and the power of community support through groups such as Connecting to Cure.

Transcript and more information available at: https://bit.ly/AIBD208

Chapters:

  • [00:02:12] — Adam discusses his diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at age 18.
  • [00:04:05] — Adam describes his colon resection surgery after a perforation.
  • [00:06:17] — Brandon shares his childhood memories of his dad's symptoms.
  • [00:08:04] — Brandon recalls learning about his dad's cancer diagnosis.
  • [00:10:50] — Adam explains how a colon cancer diagnosis led to j-pouch surgery.
  • [00:14:15] — Brandon describes the changes in family life after his dad's j-pouch surgery.
  • [00:17:05] — Adam talks about his concern that his sons might inherit IBD.
  • [00:19:12] — Adam and Brandon discuss the importance of getting involved in advocacy.
  • [00:23:56] — Brandon shares how he became involved with Connecting to Cure.
  • [00:27:08] — Adam shares how pouch surgery has given him a new lease on life.
  • [00:28:21] — Brandon outlines how to engage with Connecting to Cure.

What you'll learn:

  • The role of family dynamics in managing chronic illness.
  • The involvement of children in patient education and advocacy influenced by a parent's health journey.
  • The importance of early screening and awareness for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • The challenges of living with a chronic illness and the need for better support and resources.
  • The impact of j-pouch surgery on quality of life and family interactions.
  • How community groups like Connecting to Cure help families cope with IBD.
  • The influence of chronic illness on the aspirations and career choices of family members.
  • The importance of understanding medical conditions and procedures through research and education.

Find Adam Sikes at:

Find Brandon Sikes at:

This episode sponsored by Connecting to Cure Crohn's and Colitis:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at: These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Previous Episode

undefined - Powerful Lessons: How Women Experience Life With IBD Featuring Alicia Aiello of Girls With Guts
Powerful Lessons: How Women Experience Life With IBD Featuring Alicia Aiello of Girls With Guts

August 11

•

49m

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD207

Alicia Aiello, president of Girls With Guts, shares her journey with IBD, which began in childhood. She discusses major surgeries, including a proctectomy that resulted in an unexpected loss of her fallopian tubes and an ovary, and the early onset of perimenopause. Alicia opens up about navigating rectovaginal fistulas, feeling dismissed, and the importance of knowing when to switch providers.

What you'll learn:

  • The impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on women's health.
  • Why proctectomy surgery might be used, how it affects women, and some potential complications.
  • The challenges of rectovaginal fistulas and their effects on intimacy and mental health.
  • The importance of self-advocacy and seeking second opinions.
  • Some of the gaps in healthcare for women with IBD, especially regarding reproductive health and menopause.
  • The role of community support and organizations such as Girls With Guts.
  • How multidisciplinary approaches are important in managing women's health issues.
  • Some personal coping strategies and hobbies outside of IBD advocacy.
  • Upcoming events and resources for women living with IBD.

Key Chapters & Timestamps:

  • [01:12]: Introduction to Alicia Aiello, president of Girls With Guts (GWG).
  • [03:01]: Alicia describes her abrupt diagnosis with ulcerative colitis at age 14.
  • [04:36]: Alicia explains a proctectomy and details her surgical history, including rectovaginal fistulas.
  • [07:26]: Alicia discusses her decision to seek a permanent ostomy.
  • [09:19]: Alicia shares the unexpected outcome of her proctectomy surgery.
  • [13:43]: Alicia talks about the lack of mental health support and reproductive care.
  • [22:40]: Alicia shares the physical and mental toll of fistulas.
  • [25:34]: Alicia offers advice on trusting your gut and advocating for yourself when you feel invalidated or rushed by a provider.
  • [35:42]: Alicia outlines how providers can improve care for their patients.
  • [38:24]: Gaps in care, including isolation and lack of information on aging with IBD.
  • [40:49]: Alicia details the upcoming GWG annual retreat and highlights the Cedars-Sinai Women's Health Conference.
  • [45:54]: Alicia shares about her hobbies outside of advocacy.

Resources:

Find Alicia Aiello at:

Find Girls With Guts at:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

Next Episode

undefined - Why Your Symptoms Get Dismissed (and How to Be Heard) — With Morgan Check, NP
Why Your Symptoms Get Dismissed (and How to Be Heard) — With Morgan Check, NP

August 25

•

39m

Pediatric GI Nurse Practitioner Morgan Check shares her journey living with Crohn's disease, navigating a diagnosis change, emergency surgery, and motherhood. She uncovers the challenges facing women with IBD, from bone density and fertility to dismissal in clinical settings, and gives actionable tips for effective self-advocacy.

Transcript, video, and more at: https://bit.ly/AIBD209

This episode is sponsored by Connecting to Cure.

What you'll learn:

  • The challenges faced during the path to motherhood, including fertility issues and pregnancy complications.
  • The impact of IBD on women's health, including fertility, bone density, and sexual health.
  • Strategies for self-advocacy in healthcare settings, particularly for women.
  • The importance of healthcare providers listening to patients and understanding their unique experiences.
  • The role of community support organizations in providing resources and advocacy for patients.
  • The intersection of personal experience and professional practice in healthcare.
  • The significance of mental health and body image in managing IBD.

Key chapters:

  • [00:05] Host Amber Tresca introduces guest Morgan Check, a pediatric gastroenterology nurse practitioner who lives with Crohn's disease.
  • [02:03] Morgan recounts her diagnosis with ulcerative colitis at 15.
  • [04:32] Morgan starts Remicade, which led to ten years of remission.
  • [05:38] At 25, Morgan needed emergency J-pouch surgery.
  • [07:58] Morgan was rediagnosed with Crohn's disease.
  • [10:37] Morgan discusses being a nurse practitioner with IBD.
  • [14:06] Morgan shares her path to motherhood.
  • [17:09] Morgan describes experiencing small bowel obstructions.
  • [21:14] Morgan discusses specific health issues for women with IBD.
  • [24:29] Advice for women on how to communicate with healthcare providers.
  • [27:16] Tips for healthcare professionals on how to better listen to their female patients.
  • [29:50] Discussing Connecting to Cure and how it supports patients and families.
  • [34:14] Morgan talks about her son Ezra's "Taco Tuesday" food review videos.
  • [36:20] Morgan shares her social media handle, "Gut Check with Morgan."

Find Morgan Check, NP at:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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