Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page! With one of the largest group of digestive disease specialists in the world, Mayo Clinic has been recognized as the nation's best Gastroenterology & GI Surgery hospital by U.S. News & World Report. Follow the page to learn about clinical trials and up-to-date research, and find resources for all your gastroenterology needs. Our goal is to connect you to others, and become informed decision makers; so post a comment, share your story, own your health.
Architect Louis Sullivan coined the phrase “form follows function.” This became the battle cry of modernists in the early 1900’s against purely ornamental features of architecture. Decorative ornaments were considered superfluous. They believed that the design of an object should fit its intended purpose. The object should be functional. In the same way, there is an intended purpose for each organ of the digestive system.
Each organ of the digestive system is formed to contribute to a person's overall function and digestive health. When one or more organ(s) appear(s) to be normal in form but is not functioning as it was intended, then acute and chronic symptoms can develop into what is known as functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). FGID can lead to continuous and/or recurring abdominal pain and other bothersome symptoms that have a negative impact on the quality of life for those who are affected. The most common FGID is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which can cause abdominal pain with either diarrhea, constipation, or both. Another FGID is nonulcer dyspepsia, or functional dyspepsia, which causes post-prandial upper gastrointestinal symptoms (mainly epigastric pain, belching, and nausea) that mimics a stomach ulcer.
The underlying cause of FGID can be multifactorial with the brain-gut interaction playing an important role. The concept of brain-gut interaction does not mean that FGID is imaginary. Symptoms of FGID are very real and have their basis in the neurological interaction of the brain and gut; however, for some there is a psychological element of FGID that can arise from past trauma and bereavement. Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, Dr. Adil Bharucha explains,
“Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients relax, provide a sense of control over symptoms, and induce more parasympathetic activity. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises can help patients reduce belching, regurgitation, and vomiting.”
At Mayo Clinic, the evaluation of FGID includes tests that can further phenotype the underlying functional disorder, thereby individualizing the treatment of FGID. General approaches to management and treatment of FGID can include adjustments in diet and other lifestyle strategies including:
The Healthy Living Program at the Mayo Clinic’s campus in Rochester, Minnesota offers patients an “immersive wellness experience” with individualized diet plans and exercise programs suitable for those with gastrointestinal disorders. This customized program is aimed at improving symptoms and the overall quality of life of those who participate in this program.
Dr. Donald Hensrud, medical director of the Healthy Living Program says,
“Many people realize their health would improve if they changed their diet plans and physical activity, but saying it and doing it are two different things. Similarly, most physicians see patients who would benefit from lifestyle changes but are not able to implement those changes on their own. In the Healthy Living Program, multidisciplinary teams of experts work one-on-one to design individualized wellness plans and provide ongoing support so participants’ success continues after they return home and are immersed in the realities of their busy lives.”
When form does not function as it was intended, patients should work with their physician to determine the treatment plan that best suits them. There are many pharmacological and lifestyle options to help them manage their condition.
Connect with other patients talking about FGID, digestive health issues, and more: Digestive Health
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
Hello @melanieshoffstall,
I would encourage you to join a conversation on Mayo Clinic Connect titled, "Ulcerative Colitis: What to do about constipation." You will read what others have tried. Here is the link to that conversation, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ulcerative-colitis-2/.
If the pain is quite severe can you talk with an RN or a Physician's Assistant at your doctor's office for some help by phone?
Liked by Colleen Young, Connect Director
@melanieshoffstall
I've had ulcerative colitis for a few years, mild, but now I have an inability to deficate despite a sense of urgency. I cannot get in to see my gastroenterologist until January. He gave me a 3 week regimen of prednisone; it helped in the short-term, but I'm back to not being able to go. What can I do while I wait to see someone? I have lymphedema in both arms after a double mastectomy and this putting a painful strain on my arms and chest.