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 …

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 wh…

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 e…

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 medi…

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 o…