Beyond IBD aims to inform, comfort and inspire those living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).This site will include news and articles about:

• IBD, treatment and recent research;
• relationships and talking with friends and family;
• lifestyle, diet and exercise;
• how to conserve, extend and best expend your energy;
• simplifying your life, reducing stress and being positive and productive.

My philosophy on IBD Treatment

The information provided on Beyond IBD is underpinned by the following beliefs:

1. At present, there is no cure for IBD and no single course of treatment which works for everyone;
2. The human body comprises many systems working as a whole;
3. Any improvements to your holistic health are beneficial – this applies whether you have a chronic disease or not;
4. Improvements to your holistic health may not directly affect the course of your IBD but will help you feel better in your daily life;
5. No-one can know your body like you do – ultimately you must make informed choices about how best to look after your own body.

I approach all information pertaining to IBD treatment and research, particularly that given on the internet, with cautious interest. Many people claim to be experts or to know the answer to your problems – some of these people are well-meaning (like Aunt Mable who says that your problems are caused by wearing synthetic underwear) and some of these people are personally or financially motivated to sell you a particular book or product.

Unfortunately opportunists prey on those with chronic illnesses who are desperate for a ‘miracle cure’ or ‘quick fix’. We are all attracted by the promise of a quick fix – a relatively simple treatment which will place control over our bodies firmly back into our own hands – but how often do you find quick fixes in life? Chasing quick fixes can be emotionally draining and can distract you from the deeper changes you may need to make.

In time, a cure may be found for IBD which can be delivered as simply as taking a tablet! Until that time, you must decide for yourself whether you believe a particular treatment (whether pharmaceutical, surgical or otherwise) may help you. If, after careful research and consultation with your doctor, you decide to pursue a particular course of treatment, you should continue to monitor your own health and critically assess whether it is benefiting you.

Please be wary of any extreme advice – such as discontinuing medications without consulting with your doctor. Make sure you are comfortable with the treatment and that any questions you have are answered before proceeding.

Please respect that each person must choose what is best for their own body – what works for you may not work for others.

Wishing you good health,

Rebecca Leigh

Disclaimer

Rebecca is not a doctor, health professional, psychologist, counselor or therapist of any kind.

All material presented on this site is strictly for your general information and should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a doctor or any other health care professional. Please consult your doctor before making any decisions relating to the management of your IBD and general health.

Rebecca expressly and specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the material on this site.