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

About IBD

08/25/26

•

39m

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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.

Previous Episode

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

August 18

•

31m

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.
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