The DDNC works to educate government on the need for more funding for digestive disease research, prevention, outreach, and education programs. Many people with IBS suffer in silence, unable to speak about the disease even to their family members. The medical community has been slow in recognizing IBS as a legitimate disease and the burden of illness associated with it.
Patients often see several doctors before they are given an accurate diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis of IBS is made, medical management is limited because the medical community still does not understand the physiologic mechanism of the disease. Living with IBS is a challenge. Trying to learn how to manage the symptoms is not easy. There is a loss of spontaneity when symptoms may intrude at any time. Plans made often need to be changed.