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Medical Professionals The Holiday Survival Guide For Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) eating, take one or two Imodium prior to eating. This will help to avoid any stress or embarrassing accidents that could potentially occur. BE AWARE: This should not be done on a routine basis As we enter into the Holiday season, those patients who suffer from Irritable unless specifically discussed with your physician. For patients with IBS-C, pack stool softeners. For those patients who may Bowel Syndrome (IBS), whether it suffer from severe constipation, pack a gentle laxative as well. For be diarrhea predominant (IBS-D) or an added feeling of security, pack an extra pair of undergarments constipation predominant (IBS-C), and/or pants in a travel bag or purse. This will alleviate an may be experiencing a sense of anxiety. This is embarrassing situation or stress related to having a potential a time of social gatherings and eating out. Daily incontinent episode. routines and schedules tend to be altered. For Dr. Paonessa is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon patients with IBS, changes in diets and eating who specializes in treating all diseases of the colon and rectum, schedules can wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal including Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If you suffer from IBS and system. This, in turn, causes stress and anxiety and need guidance, call Paonessa Colon and Rectal Surgery today to may lessen the enjoyment that may otherwise be make an appointment with Dr. Paonessa. She will get you on the had by those suffering from IBS. The following are some helpful tips for patients with IBS to help manage road to feeling well and managing your symptoms. and control their symptoms so they can enjoy the holiday season and minimize any undue stress. All of us at Paonessa Colon and Rectal Surgery First and foremost, recognize and avoid food triggers. Most wish you and your families a happy, healthy patients with IBS are familiar with certain foods that aggravate or “trigger” symptoms of abdominal cramps, diarrhea and/or and safe Holiday Season. constipation. These are known as “food triggers.” Common food triggers are dairy, spicy foods, tomato, caffeine, leafy green vegetables and/or other fruits and vegetables high in fiber (i.e., spaghetti squash, cabbage, brussels sprouts, oranges, pineapple, etc.). Second, keep hydrated. Be sure to drink water. Avoid an excess of caffeinated, alcoholic or sugary drinks. This includes coffee, tea, soda, and mixed drinks containing fruit juices or other sugarcontaining mixes such as margaritas, daiquiris, punches, etc. BE AWARE: Apple cider may be a food trigger because of the sugar content and eggnog may be a food trigger due to the dairy components. Third, keep your routine as best as you can. This includes taking a fiber supplement daily. Even when traveling, this is Colon and Rectal Surgery possible because most fiber supplements are available in travel Board Certified in General Surgery and Proctology packets. Pack your probiotics as well. Most probiotics may be left • laparoscopic surgery • pelvic floor disorders unrefrigerated for a certain amount of time. This is convenient • abdominal/pelvic surgery • office proctology when traveling. • fecal incontinence • anorectal manometry/ Fourth, be prepared. Always carry an IN CASE OF • endoanal/rectal ultrasound physiology EMERGENCY (ICE) kit. For patients with IBS-D, pack an • anorectal surgery “ICE” dose of Imodium tablets. If you’re a patient who suffers from unpredictable, sudden bouts of diarrhea, especially after 603 Higgins Avenue 1364 Route 72, Suite 5 Nina J. Paonessa, D.O., F.A.C.O.S.
Brielle, NJ 08730
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Phone: (732) 282-1500 • Fax: (732) Office Hours: M-F 9AM to 5PM
292-9600
www.paonessacrs.com
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
November/December 2019