IBS Blog

Sarah Jenkins August 8th, 2007

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used for a group of illnesses affecting the digestive system. With roughly one million sufferers in the United States, IBD is primarily composed of two disorders: Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.

What takes place with IBD, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis is the body’s immune system has an exaggerated response to an unknown bacteria or condition of the bowel system, releases a large number of white blood cells to the affected area, and as a result, the area becomes drastically inflamed. This swelling causes ulcerations and injury to the bowel, as well as various other negative side effects. Continue Reading »

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• Crohn's Disease
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Sarah Jenkins August 2nd, 2007

Crohn’s Disease is especially difficult for women to accept as part of their lives. Perhaps it is because women are supposed to be delicate and graceful, but a disease which results in excessive diarrhea and rectal bleeding is contrary to a woman’s idea of what is acceptable. Often plagued with poor self-esteem anyway, women usually react to Crohn’s Disease with more of an emotional sentiment than men. This disease also affects many other areas of a woman’s life, including menstruation, reproduction, and other potential medical areas.

One such effect, in addition to the regular symptoms, is the irregularity of menstrual cycles common in women with Crohn’s Disease. Because chronic disease throws the entire body off, it sometimes results in unexpected abnormalities. Also, malnutrition caused by Crohn’s is a contributing factor to this, as well as the inflammation in general. Likewise, the effects of Crohn’s Disease will often worsen just prior to or just after menstruation.

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• Crohn's Disease
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Sarah Jenkins July 25th, 2007

Crohn’s Disease may seem like an overwhelming challenge; however, it is not an insurmountable disorder. You can lead a fairly normal life although Crohn’s is a part of it.

The first step in coping with Crohn’s Disease is seeking treatment. While at first you may feel like you are overreacting or you may feel embarrassed, the truth is that you suffer from a medical condition. Like diabetes or cancer, medical care is necessary to reduce pain, lessen complications, and improve life in general. The doctor you see will explore your history, symptoms, and physical being, but you should feel comfortable knowing this necessary is to treat your condition. Medication will greatly improve your overall physical wellbeing and should be discussed with your doctor. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

While the physical body is an obvious area that needs attention, the human psyche may also require treatment in dealing with this chronic disease. Once you realize and accept this is a disease that will more than likely affect you for the rest of your life, you may become incredibly weighed down. You may become depressed, feel excessive anxiety, or experience a lot of tension. If symptoms are severe, you may need to speak to your doctor about your feelings as medication may be an option. You should also seek emotional assistance, such as support groups. There are also agencies that provide educational information that may prove to be a valuable resource. The most important aspect of this area of coping is that you acquire the help you need to manage the condition you have.

There are also other areas of Crohn’s Disease that are not often discussed. Poor self-image, physical pain, and fear often hamper sufferers’ sex lives. In addition, medication that is taken to treat the disorder also has negative side effects. If any of these issues occur, you should discuss your situation with your doctor to what may be done to improve the situation.

Also, there are small things you can do to make yourself more comfortable when you are around others or out in public. Knowing where restrooms are in public places, carrying a change of clothes, and being prepared for accidents or possibly embarrassing circumstances may reduce the impact of the occurrence of such. If you realize the possibility of something happening, you can mentally prepare yourself.

Taking these small measures will greatly improve your quality of life and allow you to live your life to the fullest.

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• Crohn's Disease
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Sarah Jenkins July 22nd, 2007

Although Crohn’s Disease is a difficult disorder, you should not keep yourself from living the best life possible because you suffer from this disorder. You should continue in your life as you would without Crohn’s, although a few more precautions may be necessary. When traveling, this will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

The first thing you should do, whether you are traveling abroad or close to home, is locate a doctor in the area you will be visiting. There are several organizations available to utilize in your search or you can simply ask your doctor for referrals.

If you are taking prescription medication, you should be sure to take plenty for the duration of your trip. You should also keep it with you when you travel on the plane to avoid it being lost in the heaps of luggage. Always keep your medication in its original container and a typed statement from your doctor regarding what medications you are taking and what they are for. You will also need to get copies of all of your prescriptions, including foreign names, in case you have to refill them abroad. However, you should avoid this by carrying enough medication with you, as filling prescriptions in other counties can sometimes be difficult.

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• Crohn's Disease
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David July 11th, 2007

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• Diet & Fitness
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Sarah Jenkins July 5th, 2007

For years, many people have argued that forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s Disease, is caused by emotional stress, tension, and anxiety; this, however, is completely inaccurate. While there may be links to emotional stress and Crohn’s Disease, it is not a cause of the disorder.

A common misconception is that Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the same thing as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, these differ considerably. IBD causes inflammation of the intestines and is not caused psychological factors. On the other hand, there is a strong link in emotional issues contributing to IBS.

While some may argue Crohn’s Disease is caused by being overly emotional, it is in fact an inappropriate response of the immune system and no correlation to the disease and psychological issues. However, emotions may play a role in how a person deals with Crohn’s Disease.

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• Crohn's Disease
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Zoe Renaud July 2nd, 2007

Switching to a low carbohydrate diet commonly results in constipation. This is because low-carb diets lack the foods that contain fiber, such as whole grains and fruits. Depending on the carb-controlled diet that you have chosen, you may be able to increase fiber in your diet by eating more vegetables and whole fruits, or by taking a fiber supplement such as psyllium. Drinking lots of water will also help reduce constipation.

Constipation is not only uncomfortable, and often painful, but it can give rise to many different ailments including appendicitis, varicose veins, insomnia, malabsorption syndrome, depression, fatigue, gas, diverticulitis, body odor, bad breath, indigestion, hemorrhoids and obesity. Constipation may also be involved in the development of serious diseases such as bowel cancer. Continue Reading »

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• Constipation
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David June 24th, 2007

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• Other - Diseases
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David May 17th, 2007

Up to 15 percent of the U.S. population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

But it’s one of the most misunderstood disorder among patients, according to Dr. William D. Chey, director of the gastrointestinal physiology laboratory in the University of Michigan division of gastroenterology.

So he’s listed seven of the most common myths about the syndrome. Continue Reading »

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• IBS Misc
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David May 16th, 2007

Can Chinese medicine be used to treat IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?

IBS mainly results from the dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, whose purpose is to digest food then transport the food essence to other parts of the body. Chinese herbal medicine usually treats IBS very effectively. However, each individual patient is treated with a different prescription according to the main treatment principles.
Cold-dampness is usually a result of dysfunction of the spleen and stomach. The condition is manifested by frequent bowel movements with loose, watery stools, wind in the stomach, bloated abdomen, poor appetite and white greasy tongue coating.

Damp-heat usually manifests itself with frequent bowel movements with a burning sensation, abdominal pain and red tongue with a yellowish coating. Continue Reading »

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• IBS Treatments
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