Because it’s Autoimmune Awareness Month
"You don’t have to shout. But you do have to speak. Because your story can open doors—to healing, understanding, and community. Your voice might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today."
When Twirls Turn into Tumbles: Embracing the Unexpected Side of Aging
As someone already juggling IBD, I didn’t think a failed twirl would be what added “knee brace” to my list of must-have accessories. But here we are!
Will You Be My Colon-tine? 🌹
In honor of our guts, here’s a little poem just for us—because nothing says romance like a well-behaved colon. 🌹
Prioritizing Dental Health When You Have IBD
Living with IBD doesn’t just affect the gut—it can take a toll on dental health, too. From brittle teeth and gum disease to bone loss, the impact of chronic inflammation and medication side effects is significant. That’s why prioritizing oral care is essential. In this post, I share my experience navigating dental health with IBD, the importance of investing in comprehensive dental care, and tips to make treatments more affordable. If you’ve been putting off a visit, consider this your reminder—your health is worth it! 🦷💙
A Small Bite, A Big Win: Sharing A Gluten-Free Dish with My Father
For years, my father would grumble whenever I made adjustments to familiar dishes. If I cooked gluten-free pasta for myself, he’d insist on “gluten-full” pasta for him. But this time, things were different.
Officially golden!✨
Last night, I didn’t let my Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) stop me from celebrating my 50th birthday with my loved ones in the best way possible - karaoke night at Good Night John Boy!
AGA Advocacy Day 2024
When I’m not focused on my professional responsibilities, I’m advocating for my health and the health of others. Recently, I had the honor of joining the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) for their Advocacy Day 2024—a powerful opportunity to stand alongside AGA members and passionate gastroenterologists, united in our commitment to creating a healthier future for all.
It’s Dear Colitis on SD Voyager Magazine
Meet Demi Ricario, the inspiring creator of Dear Colitis. Discover how her journey from Manila to San Diego—shaped by living with ulcerative colitis and navigating strict dietary challenges—fuels her passion for culinary adventures, travel, and IBD advocacy.
From Express Scripts -> CarelonRx
Price change from switching to Express Scripts to CarelonRx.
Restroom Review: Wolfie’s
My dining adventures have led me to stumble upon the most captivating restrooms! Among my cherished eateries, Wolfie’s stands out, boasting a bathroom adorned with enchanting blooms. Just a heads up, I’m evaluating their restroom through the lens of an IBD patient, but for the majority, it’s an undeniable 5/5. Make sure to visit @wolfiescarousel when you're in San Diego!
Dear Colitis at DDW 2023!
Despite the shame and cultural stigma surrounding this disease, I stood alongside other advocates and our mentors - as a proud Filipina whose hope is to inspire other patients to seek medical help, rely on credible sources of truth and live their best life. 🇵🇭
From diagnosis to treatment: how much do you know about the process?
Seeing this chart helped me be aware of what questions I need to ask my healthcare provider as I go through my journey with this disease so that I can make the best possible decisions for myself.
Thank you, AGA IBD Patient Influencer Education Program!
I’m excited about the positive changes I can make for other IBD patients. Maraming salamat, what an honor this is!
My healthcare team
My GI doctor was referred to me by my primary care physician. At that time, I had no choice other than who was available. “She’s great; you’ll like her,” my primary told me. Well, that’s encouraging, I thought, and after some online search, I was relieved to see my GI doctor’s expertise and positive patient reviews. Thus my small IBD healthcare team was born.
Lesson Learned: How I caused and overcame my 8th flare
I thought I could outsmart my IBD, but I didn't, and I couldn't. What was I thinking, indulging in this deliciously decadent dessert called ice cream?
My IBD Story
Girls with Guts and the Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning featured six different IBD stories from six different voices. I am honored to have been able to share mine.
Seven Years into Colitis (and what has worked for me so far!)
I haven't changed my medication for the past seven years (and neither have I skipped them). I haven't had any surgery. I haven't lost weight either (but I've lost a lot of hair which thankfully keep growing back!).
UC patients' have different stories, and not everyone has the same set of symptoms. How I maintained my mild-to-moderate UC is not simply luck, it also took a lot of experimentation, sacrifices, and "cleansing."
Here are the 7 things that have worked for me so far:
Hello New Year, It’s Me!
For some reason (and I think this is partly due to a mild form of OCD), I feel like if I don't start this day right, the rest of 2022's 364 days will be doomed. I stopped myself from making a checklist of things to do, and yet, I went through our apartment like a madman: cleaning and organizing the refrigerator, cupboards, and other appliances; mopping the floors, cleaning the bathrooms, doing the laundry, washing my make-up brushes, and now writing content for my first post this year.