Top 10 Notable Crohn's Disease Blogs in 2017
Crohn's disease can be a total bummer, but luckily there are tons of blogs out there to help you navigate this madness. Check out our top picks for the best Crohn's disease blogs that'll keep you in the loop on the disease, provide emotional support, and share the latest research findings.
Crohn's disease affects around 1 million adults in the States, causing inflammation in the digestive tract and leading to issues like pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and weight loss. While the exact cause remains a mystery, scientists suspect a malfunctioning immune system and family history may play a role.
There's currently no cure for Crohn's, but there are treatments to manage its symptoms and help individuals live near-normal lives. The condition can have a physical and emotional impact, and that's where these badass blogs come in.
1. Inflamed & Unglued (Sarah Ringer)
Sarah started her blog in 2011 after being diagnosed with Crohn’s and a rare condition called chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction. She has no colon or rectum but plenty of passion for spreading accurate information and awareness. Through her blog, Sarah aims to teach, inspire, and act as a voice for others when they feel like they don’t have one.
Her blog shares educational articles, snippets of her story, and features topics like whether you can ride roller coasters with a port-a-cath or power port, a travel guide for people with total parenteral nutrition, and honest discussions about living with Crohn's disease.
2. Lights, Camera, Crohn's (Natalie Hayden)
Formerly a television news anchor, Natalie was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2005 and began her blog to be an advocate for those living with the disease and show that having a chronic illness doesn't have to diminish your sparkle. Natalie covers anything and everything from overcoming Crohn's struggles to celebrating small victories.
Recent posts include how yoga can help alleviate Crohn's, why a Tampa Bay news anchor went public with her personal Crohn's story, and a mother's tips on coping with her child's Crohn's diagnosis.
3. ImproveCareNow Blog (ImproveCareNow)
ImproveCareNow was founded in 2007 to revolutionize the health and care of children and teenagers with Crohn's. They do this by creating a collaborative care network and working together to accelerate research, innovation, and the application of knowledge.
Some of their posts include a young girl's account of choosing resilience after her Crohn's diagnosis, a woman's lead-up to a diverting loop ileostomy, and how Natalie manages to stay active and not let Crohn's take control.
4. Chronic Love Notes (Mary Horsley)
Diagnosed with Crohn's in 2016, Mary writes about her experience on her blog, enjoying sharing her journey with other "invisible illness warriors" and finding the positive in life because "it could be worse."
Recent posts include her account of her last Entyvio infusion, advice on what to keep in your Crohn's essentials kit and emergency kit, and triumphs that can arise from chronic disease.
5. Sweetened by Nature (Jamie Horrigan)
Jamie, a medical student and Crohn's warrior, shares both her day-to-day life stories and recipes on her blog to empower her readers and help them take control of their lives and improve their health.
Some posts include homemade blueberry muffin Larabars, nut-free Paleo chocolate chip cookies, and advice for success in college when you have a chronic disease.
For more Crohn's-centric blogs, check out IBDVisible (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Blog), Crohn's & Colitis UK Blog, ImproveCareNow LOOP Blog, Own Your Crohn's (by Tina), and Jo's Travel Story (Crohn's & Colitis UK).
By following these amazing blogs, you'll stay informed, find emotional support, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Keep kicking Crohn's disease in the butt!
- Sarah Ringer, diagnosed with both Crohn's disease and a rare condition called chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction, started the blog Inflamed & Unglued in 2011 to educate, inspire, and provide a voice for others living with the disease.
- Natalie Hayden, a former television news anchor diagnosed with Crohn's in 2005, runs Lights, Camera, Crohn's with the aim to be an advocate and show that having chronic illness doesn't have to dampen one's spirit.
- ImproveCareNow, founded in 2007, works on revolutionizing healthcare for children and teenagers with Crohn's through collaborative care networks and innovative research.
- Diagnosed with Crohn's in 2016, Mary Horsley logs her chronic disease journey on Chronic Love Notes, sharing experiences with "invisible illness warriors," and staying optimistic that it could always be worse.
- Medical student and Crohn's warrior Jamie Horrigan shares life stories and recipes through Sweetened by Nature, helping readers take control of their health and lives.
- For additional Crohn's-centric blogs, take a look at IBDVisible (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Blog), Crohn's & Colitis UK Blog, ImproveCareNow LOOP Blog, Own Your Crohn's (by Tina), and Jo's Travel Story (Crohn's & Colitis UK).
- These blogs serve as essential sources of information, emotional support, and community for those navigating the challenges of Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and other chronic medical conditions. Stay strong and keep living your best life despite these obstacles.
