Lisa Pearl McIntosh

Lisa was previously an advocate on IrritableBowelSyndrome.net.

As a life-long member of the IBS crew, Lisa was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the age of 17 and has struggled with the combination ever since. Interestingly enough, the universe decided that her life needed a little bit more color and in recent years Lisa was diagnosed with general anxiety and borderline personality disorder. Though life has been difficult, and episodes of sheer exhaustion and depression abound, her will to survive is aided by Buffy the Vampire Slayer quotes and supportive friends and family. She is a firm believer in open communication and discussion regarding physical and mental health -often divulging more than people wanted to hear.

A rather colorful puzzle of disorders and quirks, Lisa finds solace in art and creative writing. Though a trained historian (with an MA in history from the University of Guelph, Canada), her real passion lies within an interdisciplinary approach to writing that infuses dull facts with anecdotal references and witty sarcasm. Lisa’s artistic background is almost entirely self-taught and resembles a rather eclectic amalgamation of traditional, popular, and graphic art. Her forays into digital design and cartooning led to the recent creation of Lisa Pearl Designs, a small business devoted to branding, murals, and original art.

Ultimately, Lisa hopes that her work might be helpful as an outlet for those suffering from physical and mental disorders, like IBS, that often make it difficult to find the humor in life.

Click here to read all of Lisa's articles on IrritableBowelSyndrome.net.