Being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at any time or at any age is challenging. However, the pre-biologic era was especially difficult because of the lack of treatment options and the absence of some of the legal protections that are in place today. Danielle O'Connor tells her story of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at a young age and how she managed her career as a special education teacher through many hospitalizations and surgeries.

Concepts discussed in this episode:

• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): https://www.verywellfamily.com/understanding-family-medical-leave-act-4628330
• Affordable Care Act (ACA): https://www.verywellhealth.com/affordable-care-act-what-you-should-know-1738904
• Rectovaginal Fistula: https://www.verywellhealth.com/rectovaginal-fistula-overview-4587356
• J-Pouch Surgery: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-j-pouch-surgery-1942967

Find Danielle O'Connor at:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_mvoc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Youcantmakethi4

Find Amber J Tresca of About IBD at:

• Verywell: https://www.verywell.com/ibd-crohns-colitis-4014703
• Blog: https://aboutibd.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboutIBD/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/aboutIBD
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aboutibd/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/about_IBD/

Credits:

• Additional sound engineering courtesy Mac Cooney, https://www.facebook.com/michaelandrewcooney
• "About IBD with Amber Tresca" ©Cooney Studio http://cooneystudio.com/