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

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:

• Instagram: @GutCheckWithMorgan
• Facebook: @GutCheckWithMorgan
• YouTube: @GutCheckWithMorgan
• Threads: @GutCheckWithMorgan
• TikTok: @GutCheckWithMorgan
• LinkedIn: Morgan Check, NP

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.

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