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When you're battling inflammatory bowel disease, the wounds aren't always visible. Beyond the physical symptoms lies a reality many patients face but few discuss openly – the psychological impact of medical trauma.

Dr. Christina Jagielski, clinical health psychologist at Michigan Medicine, brings her expertise to this powerful conversation about trauma-informed care in the IBD community. With surprising candor, she reveals how she discovered that approximately half of gastroenterologists avoid screening for trauma history – not because they don't care, but because they feel unprepared to respond appropriately to what patients might share.

Through Robin's emotional personal story of emergency room panic attacks and medical gaslighting, we witness firsthand how past medical experiences shape current healthcare interactions. The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for both patients and providers: how to communicate triggers without reliving trauma, why certain medical settings feel unsafe, and what small changes can make enormous differences in patient comfort.

Dr. Jagielski challenges the longstanding approach of selective trauma screening based on gender or diagnosis, advocating instead for universal trauma-informed care. "People living with IBD are so much more than their labs and test results," she reminds us, emphasizing that acknowledging patients' lived experiences is just as crucial as treating their physical symptoms.

Whether you're a patient who's experienced medical trauma, a healthcare provider seeking to create safer spaces, or someone supporting a loved one with IBD, this episode offers transformative insights into healing the hidden psychological wounds of chronic illness. Listen now to start breaking down the barriers between physical and psychological care in the IBD journey.

Links:

• Dr. Christina Jagielski
• "Had a Traumatic Medical Experience? Don't Ignore it"- article in Psychology Today by Dr. Tiffany Taft
• Journal Article on Medical Gaslighting- Dr. Jagielski, Dr. Taft, and Dr. Fuss

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