Personal Story
Cheer up folks!!! I read stories about people staying home all the time and scared to leave the house. I have had incontinence for over 10 years. I am now a 55 year old woman who wears diapers and has a wonderful life. I can go most anywhere and remain stealth about my diaper issues. […]
Personal Story
Never thought I would see the day that I would be writing on Google about my dis-motility disorders. Well here goes, I have sooo many dis-orders, that the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic have both told me there is nothing they can do for me, at the age of 50, am now 55.I now am […]
Over a decade ago, investigators noted that approximately half of the women attending a gynecology clinic had symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, change in bowel pattern) compatible with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What can be said about IBS in Women? Since that study, a number of other studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence […]
“Unexplained” Symptoms and “Functional” Disorders People usually go to healthcare providers with symptoms, not with the names of diseases or conditions (diagnoses). The healthcare provider’s task is to make sense of the patient’s complaints within the framework of medical diagnoses and recognized diseases such as IBS and other functional disorders. Your healthcare provider will begin […]
Working with Your Healthcare Provider- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) persists or recurs over time. A long-term relationship with a knowledgeable and empathetic healthcare provider or therapist can be very important. Ideally, your healthcare provider should:
April is IBS Awareness Month! Join us in spreading awareness, breaking stigma, and supporting those with IBS Join our 2026 social campaign Share the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #ThisIsIBS Download our IBS Media Toolkit IBS This April, we are raising awareness about the hidden realities of IBS and the profound impact these symptoms have on daily […]
News Article
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) raises awareness for Gastroparesis Awareness Month to bring the patient story and perspective to life For Immediate Release Media Contact: media@iffgd.org MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (July 1, 2021) — In recent studies, gastroparesis, a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, affects approximately five million people in the United States. Gastroparesis Awareness Month, established […]
Abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel produce the symptoms of IBS. A “dysregulation” between the brain, the gut, and the central nervous system causes the bowel to become “irritated,” or overly sensitive to stimuli. Symptoms may occur even in response to normal events. A number of symptoms that occur together characterize […]
Testimony
IFFGD President, Ceciel Rooker, submitted the following written statement to the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies. STATEMENT OF CECIEL T. ROOKER PRESIDENT and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS ON BEHALF OF INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2022 APPROPRIATIONS […]
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition that causes recurrent attacks of abdominal pain or discomfort in association with bowel habits. This condition affects up to 5-10% of individuals worldwide and it can affect children and adults of both genders. Although irritable bowel syndrome does not shorten a person’s life span, it is […]
Constipation is one of the most common intestinal problems in children, accounting for 3% to 5% of all visits to pediatricians. It is a symptom, not a disease. Fortunately, most constipation in infants and children is not caused by any serious medical disease. The cause of most constipation is functional or idiopathic, meaning there is […]
The main functions of the colon and anorectum (collectively known as the large intestine) are to mix and absorb water from ingested material, to store fecal wastes, and to eliminate them voluntarily at a suitable time. A wide variety of neurologic diseases (disorders involving the nervous system) can affect colonic and anorectal function and are […]