Blue Orchid Guides
Your Personal Guide To Women's Health
As a Nurse Practitioner, mom, wife, friend, sister and neighbor, people are always asking me for health advice. I love translating complicated medical information to help people navigate their way toward better health and wellness. I’ll help you find the information you need to make the best decisions for your health and the health of your family.
Here’s to better health,
Nurse Barb Dehn RN MS NP
This is a sponsored post. Salix Pharmaceuticals compensated me for this post. All opinions are my own.
A few months ago Alana* came to see me for an annual physical. As we reviewed her health history over the last year, she shook her head in frustration as she recounted her recurrent and unpredictable diarrhea, bloating and gas. She underwent a multitude of tests and diet changes that ultimately led to her being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Alana was working on completing her teacher’s credential, which meant commuting to her own classes and to the schools where she was gaining experience. Though there were always bathrooms nearby, she couldn’t predict when her symptoms would hit and she would need to find a bathroom immediately. She was worried about what her mentor teachers would say about her time spent away from teaching. She felt very alone and overwhelmed by her symptoms.
Like Alana, many people with IBS-D may:
A Closer Look at IBS-D
Earlier this year, I attended a talk by leading gastroenterologist, Dr. Mark Pimentel and learned about the complexities of our GI system’s microbiota. It was not only fascinating, but it’s also helped me understand how disruptions in the healthy bacteria in our intestines can contribute to IBS symptoms.
IBS-D Up Close
I also found a new website, IBSDUpClose.com that was launched to provide information for patients and for health care providers about IBS-D.
As I took a closer look at what IBS-D is, I found that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disease associated with unpredictable bowel movements. People with IBS usually have stomach (abdominal) pain at least 1 day a week, for at least 3 months. If more than 25% of their bowel movements are loose or watery and less than 25% are hard or lumpy, they could have IBS-D.
A Closer Look at IBS Stats:
There is no cure for IBS, but there are treatments that address the symptoms
A Closer Look at the Possible Causes of IBS-D:
I also liked that the IBS-D Up Close site has links to 2 different on-line patient support groups: Patients Like Me and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help and Support Group.
I found the site very helpful. I did refer Alana to a GI specialist who is treating her and seeing her for regular follow-ups. As a health care provider focused in women’s health, I know that I am not an expert in other areas such as gastrointestinal issues; however, I do try to point my patients in the right direction for further evaluation and care. I think IBSDUpClose.com is a good resource for both patients and providers. I hope you also find it helpful.
This is a guest post from Lori Hardoon.
It’s never easy dealing with the loss of a loved one, but it can be especially difficult during the holiday season. Some people find solace spending time celebrating with friends and family while others may feel uncomfortable doing so. There is no right or wrong way to handle the holidays, and there is help available for those struggling to cope.
Lori Hardoon, The director of JASA’s Partners In Dignity, a 15-year-old program that provides specialized and culturally sensitive services and resources to those facing a loss, offers some invaluable tips: […]
