If you have a cold, you could go to work, or if you
sprain your ankle, you can still get around with some supports, that are a good
thing. However, if your stomach is
upset, you have a problem, and it most likely means you will need to be home
and near your restroom. There are not
many conditions that can control a person’s life like a gastrointestinal
problem. It can be debilitating.
Crohn’s
With Crohn’s, the patient often has what is considered
a flare up. A flare up involves swelling
of the colon lining, diarrhea, and occasionally rectal bleeding. Crohn’s is difficult to control, and
occasionally a patient may need to undergo surgery to remove a portion of the
affected intestines. Some people go
weeks or months with no difficulty, and then suddenly they are reminded this
medical condition can put a stop to their life.
A gastrointestinal doctor can work with the patient to help control
symptoms, which may include IV treatments, or prescription medications.
IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome has been referred to by a
number of names over the years.
Regardless of what it has been called, the results are the same, a
patient that misses far too much in life because their stomach condition
dictates they remain near a restroom.
IBS is different from other gastrointestinal diseases, as the symptoms
can vary, sometimes day to day. IBS can
cause acute watery stools that are basically uncontrollable. Then there are times that constipation is in
control, you feel as though you need to remain very close to a restroom, just
in case. IBS can be very painful; the
constipation pains can be very intense and make life unpredictable for
many. With IBS, the symptoms can differ,
one day severe constipation, and the following day severe loose stools. There are some medications that can help,
however there is no cure for this condition.
Living
with Intestinal Problems
For a patient that has lived with a severe
gastrointestinal problem, they most likely tell you they do not control their lives,
their stomach does. Imagine making plans
for an evening, and right before leaving, it hits, your stomach is in pain,
cramping perhaps. In most cases, there
is little you could do, but to give in to the pain and symptoms. All too many times patients are calling at
the last minute, and excusing themselves from the event. Many patients have suffered through times
of excuse after excuse, as well as embarrassing moments.
Tips and Suggestions
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The number one, and very important is, do not give up. At some point, there will be a combination of
drugs and treatment that will help.
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Be open and honest with the physician.
Often patients are embarrassed to discuss just how serious the problem is, no
one wants to admit they are forced to wear a diaper. In this case, it is essential to be honest;
the doctor needs to know how serious your condition is, and exactly how it is
effecting your life. When gathering
patient information for the physician, encourage the patient to provide
accurate information, including pain level, and just how much of impact your
medical condition has on their lives.
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In some cases, visiting a dietician that
specializes in GI conditions can help to offer suggestions on diet changes that
can help the condition.
On average, a person suffers with intestinal issues for
2 years prior to seeking medical care for it, then, unfortunately patients
spend on average 3 years prior to an accurate diagnosis required to treat their
condition. That is 5 years out of
someone’s life; it’s easy to see how that can be viewed as stealing one’s life
away. About 70% of people that have
severe intestinal problems also suffer from anxiety and depression. This can create complications with the
involvement of dual conditions that require the patient be on multiple
prescriptions.
Sometimes a patient suffering from an intestinal issue
that is consuming their life simply needs an understanding and sympathetic
person to listen. Who better to provide that service than a dedicated nurse?
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