In Episode 5 of Wrestling the Octopus, Nigel and I discuss our definition of "good medicine". What does this term mean to us as patients - and how might it differ from how healthcare professionals define it?

Should "good medicine" take in all the softer clinical skills that go beyond academic knowledge, or is the focus on getting the right drug to the right patient?

As ever, we welcome your feedback on this episode. And don't forget that we're always glad to hear your suggestions for future topics!

Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd

Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

In our fourth episode of Wrestling the Octopus IBD, recorded to mark World IBD Day, Nigel and I busk our way through various IBD topics. Whatever comes to mind - in whichever order - that we think merits discussion. Some serious, some silly.

We talk managing fatigue, the cost of living with Crohn's, the crazy things that steroids made us do, and why neither of us like the idea of wearables to track our IBD. Plus lots more.

We'd love to hear your opinions too and, as ever, let us know what you'd like us to talk about in future episodes.

Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd

Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

Welcome to Episode 3 in our 8-part podcast series on living with inflammatory bowel disease.

In this episode we're talking about how to advocate for yourself (and others, if you're a carer) to give your health the best opportunity to thrive.

Nigel and I give our opinions on what we think advocacy is and some examples of when we used to it to good effect, plus a personal anecdote of how not advocating can cause disadvantage,

We hope you enjoy this episode - as ever, we would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd

Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

Welcome to Episode 2 in our 8-part podcast series on living with inflammatory bowel disease.

We’re talking how we take medication in this episode: IV infusions, self-injectables (sub-cut) and oral tablets.

What are the pros and cons of each method and how do anxiety, disease state and other factors influence patient decisions on how to receive medication?

And why might oral medication not necessarily be the choice of patients even though it’s undoubtedly convenient?

We also mention a recent study on whether to disclose Crohn’s disease at work. Here is the link if you’d like to read more on that: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5647/7/1/18

We hope you enjoy this podcast... please do let us know your thoughts!

Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd

Follow Nigel at @crohnoid

Welcome to the first in our 8-part podcast series on living with inflammatory bowel disease.

Two IBD patients. Both in remission. 

One used to be on medication, but isn't anymore. The other didn't used to be on medication, but is now.

With a total of 70 years of lived IBD experience between us, Nigel (@crohnoid) and myself (@bottomlineibd) discuss our different opinions on starting and stopping our Crohn's medications.

We also have advice for patients and healthcare professionals who are navigating this difficult topic.

We hope you enjoy this podcast... and we welcome your feedback on our first episode! 

Follow Rachel at @bottomlineibd

Follow Nigel at @crohnoid