Cork nurse to guest on podcast aiming to shine a light on IBD

A nurse from Cork University Hospital (CUH) is among the guests of a new podcast aiming to highlight inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and support those living with the condition.

IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a condition that involves chronic inflammation of the intestines.

It is estimated that IBD impacts 40,000 people in Ireland, affecting all genders equally.

It can be diagnosed at any age, with peak incidences between the ages of 15 to 35 and 50 to 70.

‘Gutcast’, the first podcast for people living with IBD in Ireland, was developed by Crohn’s Colitis Ireland and Johnson & Johnson, to support people with IBD.

The podcast series brings together healthcare professionals and people living with the condition to provide practical advice and information for people with IBD, and helping friends and family understand more about their loved one’s experience.

The podcast returns this year with a bonus live episode, recorded at the Crohn’s Colitis Ireland’s annual patient meeting in May.

Hosted by Crohn’s Colitis Ireland’s chief operations officer Amy Kelly, who has Crohn’s disease, the new episode features Angela Mullen, an IBD nurse specialist at CUH.

Common questions

To tie in with the launch of the new episode, Ms Mullen addressed some common questions, helping people to understand more about living with the condition and how to live well with IBD.

“IBD sees structural damage to the intestines due to inflammation, with symptoms often including severe abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue,” she said.

“IBD can lead to serious complications such as intestinal blockage, ulcers, and an increased risk of colon cancer.

“The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, however genetic factors and environmental factors can all play a role,” she said.

“While there is currently no known cure for IBD, treatments and interventions are constantly improving to help people manage the condition and live full lives.”

Diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis of IBD can be a lengthy process, Ms Mullen said, often taking about nine months from the first symptoms to a definitive diagnosis.

“It’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed when you finally receive the news, but there are several steps you can take to manage your condition and live a full life,” she said.

“After your diagnosis, it’s important to engage with your doctor and specialist team to understand your condition fully.

“Your doctor will be able to discuss the specifics of your diagnosis with you, including the location and severity of your disease.

“IBD nurses are an important link between you and your multidisciplinary team, which is made up of doctors, nurses, dieticians and psychotherapists,” she said.

“Ask about the treatment plan, how long it might take to experience relief from symptoms, and what steps will be taken if the initial treatment is not effective. By staying informed and proactive, you can better manage your IBD and maintain a high quality of life.”

The ‘Gutcast’ podcast series features a variety of healthcare experts including consultant gastroenterologists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and IBD nurse specialists alongside individuals with IBD, offering valuable insights and advice on numerous topics.

• For more information and to listen to the full
  episode of the Gutcast series, visit https://www.janssenwithme.ie/en-ie/myibdjourney/
  gutcast.
• More resources for IBD, including the helpline and peer-to-peer support, through the Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland website at 

  https://crohnscolitis.ie.