April is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Awareness Month
As many as 13 million Americans suffer from IBS with Constipation, or IBS-C1
Amber Vesey was one of those people that spent too many years of her life suffering with the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation or IBS-C, as it’s better known. Once her IBS-C was properly diagnosed, she learned how she could best manage the condition. Since that time, Amber has become an advocate for the importance of awareness about the condition; she’s even started a blog to support others who are suffering.
With so many myths and misconceptions about IBS, it’s easy to go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed and untreated for years. In a survey commissioned by the American Gastroenterological Association, as many as 75% of diagnosed IBS-C patients cited abdominal pain and constipation as the symptoms that ultimately led them to speak to a healthcare professional.1 In the same survey, 77% of people with IBS symptoms tried OTCs or home remedies before speaking with a healthcare professional, reporting that they tried an average of more than 3 OTCs.1 Amber shares her story along with Dr. Su Sachar, who offers tips and must-have advice for those living with IBS.
About Amber Vesey:
I’m Amber, and I’m no stranger to living with a chronic medical condition. My IBS journey is what prompted me to become an IBS advocate and start a blog. I thought that if I could help others, then I could somehow help myself in the process. I have taken many OTC medications but my symptoms kept coming back. I do my best to THRIVE with my symptoms instead of merely surviving with them.
About Dr. Su Sachar:
Dr. Su Sachar was trained at the prestigious University of Connecticut Health Center, where she learned cutting-edge skills pertaining to gastroenterology and served as Chief Fellow of Gastroenterology. Dr. Sachar currently practices in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills areas, and was recently featured on the nationally syndicated show The Doctors.
Dr. Sachar’s philosophy is to treat patients like they were a family member, and help them fully understand their symptoms and diagnosis, while providing them with a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. As a female gastroenterologist, she has a vast array of experience in treating gastrointestinal issues including IBS, and how it may affect health.
Dr. Sachar’s mission is to work with patients to help them find an appropriate treatment.
Produced for: Allergan and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals
Reference:
1. Data on file. Forest Laboratories, LLC.