dssfaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa IFFGD- International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders | For My Tummy
« False and True Conceptions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment
Glossary of Fiber Terms Used in Writing about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) »

IFFGD- International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Published by tummyblogger August 21st, 2007 in general, IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS-C, IBS-D

The AboutIBS Organization
As their URI indicates, the IFFGD is aboutibs.org, an organization and web site devoted to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (and, perhaps, other functional GI disorders). I’ve just added a link to their web site in the sidebar.

Patient Advocates for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The IFFGD organization is, I think, the closest to a “patient-advocacy” group as people with IBS are likely to find. As noted in my post about IBS in England and Wales, we as people with IBS need to be aware of opportunities to impact public policy on our own behalf. That can be, as in last Friday’s post (08-17-07), either through direct input, or as part of a stakeholder organization which is regularly consulted.

Medical Needs Survey
Right now, the IFFGD is conducting an online survey “designed to measure the impact of IBS and the needs of those affected,” their unmet medical needs. There is a signup blurb on their home page along the left-hand side. The survey is very detailed and asks about your experience of IBS, your history with IBS, how it currently affects your life, and the kinds of treatment you have received, and to some extent the kinds of treatment you want.

The IFFGD survey is completely anonymous–I will disclose that I’ve just taken it, with full confidence that someone from the organization reading this could not pick out my survey from others taken today. It takes between 20 to 40 minutes, and is one way to be involved in patient advocacy without

  • disrupting your routine
  • moving out of your comfort zone
  • being identified as a person with ibs

Appreciation
Of course, you don’t get hugs that way, but, well, it’s still a good thing to do. And I’ll give you a virtual hug {x} and a TIA - Thanks in Advance, for completing the survey.

Call for Comments
Comments from those who take the survey are welcome.