IN THIS ISSUE

• American College of Gastroenterology finds that nearly half of normal people get gas from fructose
• Condition-specific deactivation of brain regions by Alosetron (Lotronex)
• Inflammatory Mediators in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• American College of Gastroenterology Gives Zelnorm 'Grade A' Recommendation
• IBS and Quality of Life
• Patient groups applaud the availability of new therapy for women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• BBC Radio "Check Up" on IBS (audio program)

INDUSTRY NEWS

• Novartis: Zelnorm for women suffering from constipation predominant IBS is now available in United States
• GlaxoSmithKline: Lotronex® tablets to be re-introduced for women with severe IBS-D in November 2002
• DOR BioPharma Options Intellectual Property for the Use of Oral Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Alizyme is developing Renzapride for the treatment of irritable Bowel Syndrome

ONGOING

• IBS Buddy - Are you looking for someone to talk to?
• IBS Group involved in Toronto Women's Health Matters Forum and Exhibition January 17-18, 2003

During the month of June and July several hundred IBS sufferers participated in a unique IBS IN CANADA SURVEY.  The survey showed that more than 85 per cent of IBS sufferers report that their symptoms are extreme or very bothersome, having a negative impact on work, traveling and socializing.  When asked about their quality of life, 45 per cent of those polled indicated that their IBS has had a severe impact on their overall quality of life. Previous studies have shown that quality of life for people with IBS is comparable to people with clinical depression, and is worse than in people with type 2 diabetes or those who have had heart attacks.  IBS also strongly impacts personal relationships and working practices. The IBS IN CANADA SURVEY showed that eighty-five per cent of respondents described their IBS symptoms as having a serious or moderate impact in terms of interfering with daily life, such as work or activities with friends or family. Missing work or school due to IBS symptoms was reported by almost four- in-ten survey respondents. In the past three months, the average number of days missed at work or school due to IBS was six days, while those polled also missed an average of 9.3 days of personal leisure activities due to their symptoms. Twelve per cent of respondents indicated that they have been or are currently on disability as a result of their IBS.  The IBS IN CANADA SURVEY provided a snapshot of IBS sufferers everywhere in every land.  This survey helps to raise awareness and validate what many of us face each and every day.
 

In September I was invited to participate in the taping of a Discovery Health television show about Irritable Bowel Syndrome for the "Health On The Line" series.  Together with Dr. Lawrence Cohen a gastroenterologist from Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre in Toronto and Suzanne Glazer, an IBS constipation sufferer, we spent the good part of the hour long show discussing our personal experiences with this illness.  Little was held back as we told it like it is.  We hope to be able to provide a multimedia presentation of the show on our website as it provides a good overview about IBS.  In Canada, the show will likely air in January 2003 on the Life Network.  Please watch out for it.

As I was preparing this newsletter I happen to notice that our on-line registered membership has reached a new milestone.  15,000 members are now registered on the IBS Self Help and Support Group bulletin board.  However, this number is extremely misleading.  Our monthly reports indicate that almost 40,000 unique visitors come to the website each month.  On an average day 4,000 visitors view the website each spending about 20 minutes reading the bulletin board.  I continue to be amazed at our achievements. Our message about support, for this terribly frustrating and isolating illness, continues to flourish.  I have to repeat this from our last newsletter:  With your membership support, I know that we will continue to raise awareness for this illness and I have to believe that a cause for this illness will soon be found.  With a cause, a long lasting treatment is sure to be discovered.

Many friendships have begun from members postings on the IBS Group Bulletin Board.  A new IBS Buddy forum will be launched early in 2003 that will help to better connect members to each other in order to provide more direct support for like symptoms.  It is always nice to wake up and receive an email message or postal letter from someone who is looking out for you.  At the IBS Self Help and Support Group you don't have to cope alone.

For those in and around Toronto, Canada, the IBS Self Help and Support Group will be involved in the Women's Health Matters Forum and Exhibition developed by Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre.  The forum will be at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the South Building on January 17-18, 2003.  We will be in the panel discussion about IBS on Saturday morning as well as have a booth in the exhibit hall.  The forum has been operating annually for several years and offers a unique setting for Women's health issues.  Volunteers are needed to held greet visitors in the booth.  If you are interested please contact us at 416-932-3311 or via email at ibs@ibsgroup.org.

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Visit http://www.ibsgroup.org/main/donate.html to make a donation.

NEWSLETTERS

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