we_got_guts - Community Profile

Name:	IBD, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's, & Ostomy Support
Membership:	Open
Posting Access:	All Members

we got guts!
livejournal community

for people with:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease
Also for people with Ostomy's or other surgery related To IBD

and for their friends and families

meet your GUTS!
(credit: CDC.gov)

Welcome to the community!

Please feel free to join, watch, and post freely.
No introductions are needed! Cross-posting is OK.

This community was created because of my life-changing experiences with IBD and would like to see a very general community for people of all types of IBD and Ostomys and other intestinal surgeries to gather and ask questions, share stories, and find that you are not alone!

This community's goal is to remain optimistic, positive, and forward-thinking about our experiences with IBD. We realize there are ups and downs and the downs can be really bad living with IBD, however, the ultimate goal of this community is the pursuit of living an active, healthy and fulfilling life despite the very hard times and challenges.

The most important rules here are common sense and respect.

NEWS:

Please tell your friends and family or others you may know who deal with IBD daily to join so we can all help each other out! In time, as the community grows, we will all benefit from each others experiences and advice.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
Quick Reference:

Ulcerative Colitis:
UC is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the rectum, colon (large intestine), and infrequently the last part of the small intestine (ileum). The inflammation affects the inner lining of the colon, causing small sores, or ulcers. UC, along with a similar condition known as Crohn's disease, are collectively called Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Common symptoms of UC include bloody diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. There can also be symptoms outside the digestive system which are known as extra-intestinal symptoms.

Extra-intestinal symptoms are not directly related to the inflammation in the colon and include eye inflammation, joint pains, skin rashes or lesions, and mouth ulcers. Scientists are unsure why symptoms outside the colon occur, but they often decrease in severity along with flare-ups. (about.com)

Crohn's Disease:
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic disease that can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Of all cases of CD, 45% occur in ileum and colon, 35% in just the ileum, and 20% in just the colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis (UC), which only affects the inner layer, CD commonly involves all layers of the intestinal wall. CD and UC are collectively called Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Common symptoms of CD include chronic diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, and lack of appetite.

Extra-intestinal symptoms include eye inflammation, joint pains, skin rashes or lesions, fistulas and fissures. (about.com)

Ostomy:
There is no cure for IBD. In cases of severe illness or cancer, removal of all or part of the colon resulting in the diversion of output to an external appliance through the abdominal wall may be necessary. The opening is called a "stoma". A stoma is the opening in the abdomen through which waste can leave the body from the small intestine. An ostomy bag must be worn on the abdomen. Many choices in comfortable ostomy equipment is available to live a normal and active lifestyle. Many ostomates report they do not know they are wearing the appliance unless it is full or ready to be emptied, which occurs a few times a day. Modern ostomy supplies are very discreet and most people will never know you wear them.

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General Disclaimer: This online community is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through this community should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider. Consult your own physician regarding the applicability of any opinions with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. If you suspect a medical emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local health care professionals immediately.

Helpful Links:

CCFA :: Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
UOAA :: United Ostomy Associations of America
About.com :: decriptions, treatments and very informative FAQ's
J-Pouch Group :: support group for the popular procedure
Jewish Genetic Disease resources :: Crohn's and Colitis
Given Imaging - Wireless Capsule Endoscopy

CCFA 'GOT GUTS' bracelets
(credit: CCFA.org)

A souvenir: Given Imaging M2A-PLUS Capsule
for detecting Crohn's and other problems
in the entire small intestine.
(credit: community moderator, I.L.)