Many of our patients find it helpful to connect with others who have experienced or are currently dealing with similar GI symptoms/diagnoses. Below is a list of support groups created for individuals like you, by individuals like you.
IFFGD does not endorse any of the following programs or organizations. These are just suggestions. Use personal discretion when choosing a support group that is right for you.
If you know of any support groups not listed here that you think others in the GI community could benefit from, please email us at iffgd@iffgd.org
United States
Gastroparesis Support Group
Hosted by the Digestive Health Center’s Behavioral Medicine at Northewestern University
Program Registration is required to attend for first-time attendees. To register, please contact Sara Hoffman Marchese – sara.hoffman@nm.org.
Participants must live in the U.S and be 18 Years or older
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA)
Online Support Forum
CVSA allows patients to interact with others that understand CVS and the impact of living with it. Whether you’re looking for support, have a question, or want to share what has been helpful for you, the community is here for you!
Monthly Support Call
These collaborative meetings usually take place every second Monday of the month at 6:00 PM (Pacific Time). This would be 7 PM Mountain Time, 8 PM Central Time and 9 PM Eastern time. The meetings usually last for about an hour, but you are free to hang up when you need to, and you are more than welcome to just listen.
Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
The Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders (AGMD) offers a variety of ways to connect with others in the GI community
- Inspire: A Forum-type support group that allows you to feel comfortable and safe opening up about your patient journey
Join here - Prayer Community: For some individuals, prayer is an important part of their lives. Here, you can submit a prayer request and find comfort in knowing that others are praying on your behalf.
Submit a prayer request - Telephone and Virtual Support: Each month AGMD offers support groups related to different GI disease states. You can check our their calendar of events to learn about upcoming support groups or webinars and access previous recordings.
See the calendar of events
Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder Pain Syndrome
The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) offers a list of local and online support groups for individuals dealing with IC/BPS.
Search for Interstitial Cystitis Association IC/BPS Support Groups
Pediatric Support Group IBD: Camp Oasis
For 20 years, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF) has put on Camp Oasis, where kids living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can interact with other children struggling with IBD. Camp Oasis is a fun and safe environment for kids without the fear of judgement or feeling different.
Chronic Pain
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) is a nonprofit organization that offers support for individuals dealing with chronic pain. You must be a member of the ACPA to join a support group.
My Health Teams
My Health Team has over 46 different social networks to help you connect with others living with your condition and learn from medical experts to help support you in living life to the fullest.
Current GI networks:
- My Crohn’s and Colitis Team
- My Chronic Pain Team
- My EoE Center
- My Fibro Team
- My Food Allergy Team
- My IBS Team
- My SMA Team
Check it out here
Canada
GI Society: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research
Mind-Gut Health (In Person)
Connect with others and discover ways to care for both your gut and your mind. This group is primarily for individuals living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), and obesity, but all others struggling with gastrointestinal diseases or conditions are welcome.
We will discuss these as they relate to mental health.
- Location: Dartmouth, NS B2X 1K8
- When: Last Thursday of every Month
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Group (Virtual)
The GI Society offers virtual IBD support held on the third Wednesday of each month via Zoom at 7:00 pm PT.
United Kingdom
The IBS Network
The IBS Network offers virtual support groups for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Click the link below to find a support group in your area.
Still can’t find any?
If you don’t see anything below that can help, you can try calling a community hospital or a GI practice in your area, as they sometimes sponsor support groups or know of established support groups.
