On June 23rd, 2016 patients, family members and friends, health care providers, researchers, and members of the public across the US reached out to their House Members of Congress through email, phone, and social media on behalf of The Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act (HR 2311). You shared your unique personal story […]
Virtual Advocacy Day: July 21st, 2015 On July 21st, 2015 the Digestive Health Community stood up for the needs of all those affected by functional GI or motility disorders On Tuesday, July 21st, 2015 people came together from across the United States to take part in IFFGD’s 2015 Virtual Advocacy Day. On this day patients […]
In June 2013, IFFGD advocates headed to Capitol Hill to visit congressional offices to express the importance of research, education, and awareness of functional GI and motility disorders (FGIMDs). The group, made up of patients and family members of those affected by FGIMDs, all had different stories to share. Some were experienced Capitol Hill visitors […]
Family and personal relationships can have an effect on illness and on how well a person will feel as he or she lives with chronic digestive disorders. These interactions have been described by family medicine experts. Nurturing Relationships and Digestive Disorders: Putting the illness “in its place” – being concerned about the person with the […]
Advocates in Action What does it mean to be an advocate? Advocates are people who speak out about something they believe in on behalf of themselves and/or others. Outreach to Members of Congress informs policymakers about the needs of people affected by digestive health issues and how they can take meaningful action. Digestive health advocacy […]
Personal Story
Melissa’s Personal Story: Gastroparesis: “Don’t ever be convinced that you can do nothing to help or that you don’t matter” In early February 2014, I spent a week in the hospital and was eventually diagnosed with gastroparesis. My life changed in ways I could not have imagined – overnight. One day, I was able to […]
Personal Story
Michael’s Personal Story: “The diagnosis of GERD is a dysfunctional one” This body is 62. I am fit, slim and active. In the past I was much the same. My mum tells me I almost died within weeks of my birth in Bristol UK. I was throwing up all the time; every feed was emptied […]
Visits to your healthcare provider can be stressful. Using a personal diary or a patient worksheet can help your time spent together more effective. During your healthcare provider visit you will want to know what is wrong, what the healthcare provider can do to treat it, and what you can do to better manage it. […]
IFFGD has developed a Personal Daily Diary that is intended to help you gain a better understanding of your bowel disorder. By keeping a detailed record of diet, medication, stool consistency, frequency, continence, pain, emotional status, and exercise, a clearer understanding may start to emerge for you and/or your physician to determine the best treatment […]
Many otherwise healthy people suffer from bowel incontinence or accidental bowel leakage. Symptoms that are distressing and hard to talk about can isolate a person and restrict inter-personal relations. Relationships – with friends, family, doctors, and caregivers – are one of the most important things in contributing to how well a person with incontinence is […]
Pseudo-Obstruction Defined Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare disorder of gastrointestinal motility where coordinated contractions (peristalsis) in the intestinal tract become altered and inefficient. When this happens, nutritional requirements cannot be adequately met. “Motility” is the term used to describe the contraction of muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To facilitate normal digestion and […]
Every child complains about a bellyache now and then. How can a parent tell what is wrong, and if it is dangerous? It is not always easy. Children less than 5 or 6 years of age often do not have the words to describe their sensations accurately. Toddlers do not separate emotional from physical distress. […]