American Idol's Casey Abrams: Living Well With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

American Idol contestant Casey Abrams was a freshman at a large college who was slowly adjusting from a small high school when he developed worrisome and painful symptoms in his stomach. He was losing weight, running to the bathroom up to a dozen times a day, and was generally feeling unwell.

"When I would walk across the campus with my bass, it was even hard to breathe," recalls Abrams, who's known for his impressive jazz vocals and expertise on the bass. "I had blood in the stool. But it was embarrassing to talk about, so I didn't tell anyone at first."

About a year and a half ago, Casey's symptoms got worse. Abrams finally went to the doctor, where he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), a condition that causes swelling of the large intestine and the rectum.

Ulcerative Colitis is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that typically affects the lining of the large intestine, including the colon and the rectum. Crohn's disease is another form of IBD that affects another portion of the digestive tract and can cause deeper inflammation.

Although IBD doesn't have a medical cure, the treatments are aimed to improve symptoms and to control inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first medication prescribed for an IBD sufferer. Immune system modifiers that reduce inflammation can be effective too—in addition to antibiotics and symptomatic treatments. Dietary adjustments can help symptoms, but these changes, unfortunately, don't improve overall disease control.

"I learned that I could not eat spicy foods," Abrams said. "And I found that I couldn't eat nuts or cheese."

Once Abrams began anti-inflammatory treatment, he started to feel better, although he did have flare-ups while performing. Despite his health problems, Abrams still managed to come in sixth on Season 10 of American Idol and was able to score a spot on the 2011 summer tour.

Some 1.5 million Americans suffer from IBD, says David Rubin, MD, co-director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the University of Chicago.

"Both of these are considered chronic, like asthma," Rubin says. "Once you have it, it lives with you. But it is treatable."

About 25 percent of ulcerative colitis sufferers may need surgery because their disease does not respond to medication, Rubin says.

In hopes of getting the message out to others that it's okay to talk about IBD, Abrams has joined up with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) to host the IBD Icons. Through this program, individuals with IBD get the chance to share their stories and be in the running to win the title of IBD Icon. Those who win get to see Casey Abrams perform at the "Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon," which will benefit the CCFA.

The nine finalists have been chosen, and now the public has  the chance to vote for their favorite finalist. One individual with Crohn's and one with ulcerative colitis will be the 2011 IBD Icons. Janssen Biotech, Inc. has agreed to donate one dollar per vote casted to the CCFA for research and education about IBD.

"The message I have for people is to see a doctor if you have symptoms of IBD," Abrams says. "There are people living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's who have way more inspirational stories than I do. I want people to know that if you have this, it will be okay. It's manageable."

Casey and a panel of judges from the CCFA have selected the finalists based on the originality of their story, how they live beyond having IBD, and their passion to encourage others to reach their personal goals. Now, it's up to you to decide who should be named the 2011 IBD Icon. The finalists are:

Ally, Vernon Hills, IL (Crohn's)Antonio, Lithonia, GA (Crohn's)Doug, Glendale, CA (Crohn's)Elaine, McLean, VA (Crohn's)KerriAnn, Canton, MA (Crohn's)Alicia, Ladera Ranch, CA (UC)Danielle, Parachute, CO (UC)Katie, Kansas City, MO (UC)Todd, Ocean Township, NJ (UC)

Voting is open to all U.S. citizens now through November 1st 11:59 p.m. EST. Visit www.IBDIcons.com to learn more about the finalists, view the full voting rules and regulations, and cast your vote.

On Sunday, December 4th, Casey will perform at the Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). His mom will be running the half marathon in his honor.

Two winners, one with UC and one with Crohn's, have been chosen by the public and will be announced on December 1st.  Every vote that was cast, Janssen Biotech, Inc. donated $1 to the CCFA for IBD research and education.

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Living with Dumping Syndrome

If you've had surgery to remove part of your stomach or had gastric bypass surgery to help you lose weight, you may be susceptible to a condition called dumping syndrome. The problem occurs when the undigested contents of the stomach get "dumped" into the small intestine too quickly, causing excess fluid to build in the small intestine. Also called rapid gastric emptying, the problem can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, sweating, faintness, bloating, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Most people with the condition will experience symptoms soon after eating; for others symptoms may not appear for as long as three hours after eating. Although dumping syndrome often improves on its own or after making some dietary adjustments, more severe cases may require medication or surgery.

Know Your Risk Factors

There are several types of stomach surgeries as well as certain medical conditions that may increase your risk of developing dumping syndrome:

Gastrectomy: A portion or all of your stomach is removed, including the pylorus, the opening between your stomach and the duodenum and the first portion of the small intestine.Gastroenterostomy or gastrojejunostomy: The stomach is surgically connected to the small intestine bypassing the pylorus. This type of surgery is sometimes used on people who have stomach cancer.Vagotomy: The nerves to the stomach are cut to lower the acid levels produced by the stomach.Fundoplication: This operation is sometimes performed on people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Rarely, certain nerves in the stomach are unintentionally damaged during the surgery, resulting in dumping syndrome.Gastric bypass surgery: This procedure treats morbid obesity by surgically creating a stomach pouch that's smaller than the entire stomach, limiting the intake of food.

Some medical conditions include:

DiabetesCyclic vomiting syndromeZollinger-Ellison syndrome

Treatments

Usually, the symptoms associated with dumping syndrome improve as people adjust their eating habits. Medications are also available to slow the passage of food out of the stomach. If you are experiencing the symptoms of dumping syndrome, talk to your doctor about which treatment would be most effective for you.

Some dietary changes your doctor may recommend include:

 Eating smaller mealsAvoiding fluids with mealsDrinking liquids only between mealsChanging your diet to one that includes foods that are low in carbohydrates and protein. (Meeting with a registered dietitian may help)Increasing fiber intakeAvoiding alcohol

Source:

http://mayoclinic.com/health/dumping-syndrome/DS00715

View the original article here

Living with Dumping Syndrome

If you've had surgery to remove part of your stomach or had gastric bypass surgery to help you lose weight, you may be susceptible to a condition called dumping syndrome. The problem occurs when the undigested contents of the stomach get "dumped" into the small intestine too quickly, causing excess fluid to build in the small intestine. Also called rapid gastric emptying, the problem can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, sweating, faintness, bloating, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Most people with the condition will experience symptoms soon after eating; for others symptoms may not appear for as long as three hours after eating. Although dumping syndrome often improves on its own or after making some dietary adjustments, more severe cases may require medication or surgery.

Know Your Risk Factors

There are several types of stomach surgeries as well as certain medical conditions that may increase your risk of developing dumping syndrome:

Gastrectomy: A portion or all of your stomach is removed, including the pylorus, the opening between your stomach and the duodenum and the first portion of the small intestine.Gastroenterostomy or gastrojejunostomy: The stomach is surgically connected to the small intestine bypassing the pylorus. This type of surgery is sometimes used on people who have stomach cancer.Vagotomy: The nerves to the stomach are cut to lower the acid levels produced by the stomach.Fundoplication: This operation is sometimes performed on people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Rarely, certain nerves in the stomach are unintentionally damaged during the surgery, resulting in dumping syndrome.Gastric bypass surgery: This procedure treats morbid obesity by surgically creating a stomach pouch that's smaller than the entire stomach, limiting the intake of food.

Some medical conditions include:

DiabetesCyclic vomiting syndromeZollinger-Ellison syndrome

Treatments

Usually, the symptoms associated with dumping syndrome improve as people adjust their eating habits. Medications are also available to slow the passage of food out of the stomach. If you are experiencing the symptoms of dumping syndrome, talk to your doctor about which treatment would be most effective for you.

Some dietary changes your doctor may recommend include:

 Eating smaller mealsAvoiding fluids with mealsDrinking liquids only between mealsChanging your diet to one that includes foods that are low in carbohydrates and protein. (Meeting with a registered dietitian may help)Increasing fiber intakeAvoiding alcohol

Source:

http://mayoclinic.com/health/dumping-syndrome/DS00715

View the original article here

Living With Parkinson's Disease

Accepting that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is a process. Learn more about the steps most people go through, and what adjustments to expect at home and at work.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious after learning that you've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Most people with Parkinson's go through a similar acceptance process following their diagnosis.

It begins with denial and is often followed by helplessness, then anger, and then withdrawing from family and friends, before finally reaching acceptance. Going from being a well individual to someone with a chronic, progressive disease is a major transition, says the National Parkinson Foundation.

Some Parkinson's patients may avoid going to the doctor for follow-up appointments or refuse to take their medication, almost as if they are hoping the diagnosis was wrong.

It may help to seek a second opinion. If you decide to do so, look for a physician who specializes in neurological diseases, such as a neurologist or a movement disorders specialist, who focuses on treating diseases like Parkinson's.

Parkinson's not only afflicts people with the disease, but their spouses, children, and friends, all of whom, must make adjustments in their lives, too. The future is cloudy to the entire family. Spouses may worry about finances and their increased care-giving role.

Experts strongly suggest that patients involve their spouses and other family members so they can understand the disease and its progression and when they may need to take on roles the patients once performed.

You and your family may need to get help with housekeeping, shopping, and yard work. Don't be afraid to have a close friend or family member come with you to doctor's appointments; it will help them better understand the disease, too.

Know that you're not alone. Parkinson's affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, and one of the best things you and your loved ones can do is find a support group. You and your family may find comfort by meeting people facing similar issues and challenges.

Look for a group that best meets your needs: Do they meet close to your home? Is it a large or small group? Do they bring in experts to talk about coping with Parkinson's? Do you enjoy being around the people? Internet support groups can be helpful, too.

Other people in your support group may be able to offer suggestions for choosing a doctor or other health specialist (such as an occupational therapist to help continue to do daily activities), what to expect when using devices like canes and wheelchairs, and possible side effects of common medications.

People with Parkinson's are often concerned with how the disease will interfere with their work and subsequent ability to earn a living.

At first, you may not need to make significant changes at your job, but as the disease progresses, you should take stock of what you can do and make adjustments. Eventually, you'll have to face whether you can continue in the job at the same level or in a diminished role, if your employer is willing to make adjustments. Your ability to do your job will depend on the progression of the disease and the type of work you do.

At more advanced stages, Parkinson's disease is considered a disability, and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act entitles all qualified individuals the right to a job, regardless of disability. It also requires reasonable accommodations for a disabled worker, which could include adjusting work schedules or assignments, or workplace modifications for equipment and devices.

If you seek a new job after you're diagnosed, the law prohibits employers from asking about your health until after you've been offered the job and only if it affects specific performance.

You and your family may also want to decide if applying for government disability programs is right for you. Disability benefits are available for people who recently held a job but are no longer capable of working.

View the original article here