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/

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