The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help and Support Group is an online IBS resource that stands alone in terms of the enormous number of individuals it has served. Founded as a localized support group for IBS sufferers, it has grown into an international entity that boasts of a whopping 30,000 registered members. The goals of the group include efforts to educate, support, and provide patient advocacy for IBS sufferers, family members and medical professionals.
What It Offers:
- Discussion forums that cover every aspect of IBS and related disorders.
- Live chatroom with scheduled discussion times.
- Local meetups with opportunities to find or form groups in your own area.
- IBS articles offering information from a variety of IBS professionals.
- IBS Blogs – the opportunity to post your own thoughts about IBS.
- IBS Penpals – a service that encourages IBS sufferers to become personally acquainted with one another.
- List of ongoing research studies with information about participation and recruitment.
Who Is Behind All of This?:
The driving force behind the IBS Self Help and Support Group is Jeffrey D. Roberts, Ms.Ed.., an IBS sufferer. In addition to running the group, Mr. Roberts works as a patient advocate, working to ensure that the rights and needs of IBS sufferers are met. These efforts include working with government agencies (most notably the Food and Drug Administration), the media and pharmaceutical companies.
My Bottom Line :
Social support is important when dealing with any type of health condition. The unique nature of IBS is such that it often results in social isolation and shame. The IBS Self Help and Support Group is a great antidote. Check out the site, you will quickly learn that not only are you are not alone in your IBS struggles, but that there are many things that you can do to help yourself to feel better. Just don’t forget to come back to the About.com IBS discussion forum!
Disclaimer: Please note that Jeffrey D. Roberts and I co-authored a book published in 2007.
