Imagine experiencing agonizing and debilitating pain that lasts for hours, months and even a year without a doctor being able to diagnose the cause.
Imagine the impact on your work, the depression and anxiety that can result during an active flare of inflammatory bowel disease.
These are just a few of the painful revelations revealed in a recent survey of Canadians living with IBD, carried out by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
The survey, which polled more than 500 IBD sufferers during the fall of 2011, found that early diagnosis is key to ensuring less suffering and better long-term health for the estimated 200,000 Canadians living with Crohn’s or colitis.
In addition, lack of awareness about IBD among both the public and medical profession, has resulted in lengthy diagnosis waiting times.
“November is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month and we want to help more individuals and medical practitioners identify Crohn’s and colitis symptoms earlier,” said Dr. Kevin Glasgow, the foundation’s chief executive officer.
Throughout the month, the foundation celebrates the courage of Canadians living with these debilitating diseases through a number of announcements and programs
Details for all Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month activities are online at www.getgutsymonth.ca