The Powerful Impact of the IBD Community Featuring Katie Neu

Katie Neu and Amber Tresca talk over the results of the IBD Social Circle white paper, "The Power of Community in Inflammatory Bowel Disease." A survey of more than 500 patients puts a spotlight on the ways IBD affects body image, relationships, intimacy, and mental health. Amber and Katie discuss masking symptoms, the difficulties of working a corporate job, and why having community is critical.

 

• 00:05 — Host Amber Tresca introduces the podcast and her guest, Katie Neu, who lives with Crohn's disease.
• 01:25 — Amber and Katie discuss the IBD Social Circle, a community for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
• 04:25 — The conversation turns to the experience of "faking being well" to manage social and professional expectations with an invisible illness.
• 10:17 — Katie shares her experiences with the stigma surrounding IBD, from high school and college to the workplace.
• 13:59 — The discussion focuses on the significant barriers to maintaining a career while living with IBD, including needing accommodations.
• 23:20 — Amber and Katie discuss the impact of IBD on body image, dating, and intimate relationships.
• 31:26 — The hosts talk about why people hesitate to join support groups and the mental health benefits of finding community.
• 37:08 — Katie shares where listeners can find her online, including her Instagram and Substack, to connect and learn more.

The IBD Social Circle White Paper: The power of community in inflammatory bowel disease