True Guts - Crohns Documentary

Jen's Crohns Story

CCFA TEAM CHALLENGE

Team Challenge
Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s endurance training and fundraising program. Through Team Challenge, you can run or walk 13.1 miles or train for a cycling event while helping to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases that impact 1.4 million Americans.

Team Challenge: Your ticket to a sold-out destination race!
Team Challenge is taking you to world-class destination races in 2011! You'll walk or run through the hillside vineyards of California Wine Country (July 17), the historic estates and beautiful horse farms of Virginia (June 4), or the scenic beaches of Kona, Hawaii (June 26) when you join our team.

The Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon and the Napa Wine Country Half Marathon are now sold-out races -- the ONLY way to race in these events in 2011.

Half Marathon Training Program
Don't see your area listed in the links below? Join the National Team.



The following areas are participating in Team Challenge:

Boston (New England Chapter)
Carolinas (Charlotte, NC)
Chicago (Illinois Chapter)
Cincinnati (Southwest Ohio)
Cleveland (Northeast Ohio)
Denver, CO (Rocky Mountain Chapter)
Fairfield, CT
Florida - North Florida - Jacksonville
Florida - Central Florida - Orlando
Florida - South Florida & The Palm Beaches
Georgia
Las Vegas (Southwest Chapter)
Long Island, NY                      
Los Angeles/Orange County
Maryland (Baltimore)
Mid-America (St.Louis)
Minnesota                  
New Jersey
Northern California - Peninsula & South Bay  
Northern California - San Francisco & East Bay      
North Texas (Dallas)
NYC     
Philadelphia / Delaware Valley 
Pittsburgh (Western PA)    
San Diego, CA   
Seattle (Northwest Chapter)                
Phoenix (Southwest Chapter)
Texas Gulf (Houston)
Washington DC / Virginia
Westchester, NY
Wisconsin                 

Don't see your area listed? Join the National Team

CCFA TEAM CHALLENGE

Rifaximin Therapy for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Antibiotic Rifaximin Extremely Effective In Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

06 Jan 2011   

Rifaximin, a minimally absorbed antibiotic that stays in the gut has been found to provide long-lasting relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), researchers have revealed in NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine). IBS patients experienced relief long after they had stopped taking the drug.

The authors report that patients reported relief from IBS symptoms for up to 10 weeks after completing rifaximin treatment. They specifically reported considerable reductions in abdominal pain, bloating, and better stool consistency.

The authors explain that the idea that bacteria play a major role in IBS has been disputed over the last ten years. These latest findings confirm that intestinal bacteria, also known as the gut microbiome, are closely involved in IBS symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as spastic colitis, nervous colon syndrome, or IBS is a chronic (long-term) gastrointestinal disorder that causes bloating, mucous in stools, irregular bowel habits (diarrhea and constipation), and abdominal pain. In the majority of cases patients have periods during their lives when the symptoms wax and wane. Although IBS can be extremely unpleasant, it does not usually lead to serious complications. However, it can cause absenteeism (from work), serious fatigue and make the patient's life a misery. Fortunately, the majority of patients do not have severe symptoms.

Approximately 30 million Americans are known to be affected by IBS. This latest therapy was developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Lead author, Mark Pimentel, M.D., GI Motility Program director and principal investigator of the clinical trials at Cedars-Sinai, said that their findings demostrate that targeted antibiotics are both safe and effective for long-lasting IBS relief.

William D. Chey, M.D., professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, said:

"This represents a big change in the way we think about and treat IBS."


Chey added that currently available treatments, such as fiber supplements or dietary changes do not provide satisfactory relief for a significant number of patients - as soon as treatment stops, symptoms tend to come rushing back. With this new treatment, however, even when they have stopped taking the meidcation, patients continue feeling better.

The study involved 660 patients in two double-blind trials. All the IBS participants with mild to moderate diarrhea and bloating were randomly selected to receive a three times daily dose of 550milligrams of rifaximin or a placebo (dummy drug) for a period of two weeks. They were then monitored for a further ten weeks.

40% of patients on rifaximin experienced relief immediately from abdominal pain, loose/watery stools and bloating. The majority of them had symptom relief that continued for several weeks after completing their antibiotic treatment.

Because IBS causes have been unclear, doctors have tended to focus on treatments which either slow down or speed up the digestive process, depending on whether their IBS provokes more diarrhea or constipation.

A previous study had found an association between bloating and bacterial fermentation in the intestine related to small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Other studies have suggested that the bacteria which exist within the small and large intestines of individuals with IBS are not the same as those within the intestines of other people.

Rifaximin, which is marketed by Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc., is currently approved by the FDA to treat hepatic encephalopathy and traveler's diarrhea.

"Rifaximin Therapy for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome without Constipation"
Mark Pimentel, M.D., Anthony Lembo, M.D., William D. Chey, M.D., Salam Zakko, M.D., Yehuda Ringel, M.D., Jing Yu, Ph.D., Shadreck M. Mareya, Ph.D., Audrey L. Shaw, Ph.D., Enoch Bortey, Ph.D., and William P. Forbes, Pharm.D. for the TARGET Study Group
N Engl J Med 2011; 364:22-32January 6, 2011

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/212981.php

Main News Category: Irritable-Bowel Syndrome

Also Appears In:  GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology,  

Crohns Scholarship

UCB Announces the Sixth Year of Their Crohn's Scholarship Program
UCB is proud to once again offer 30 one-time scholarships of up to $10,000 each in 2011. This opportunity extends to participants diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) who are seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree, or who are enrolled in a trade school educational program.

This is the sixth year UCB has had the opportunity to support those living with CD with the Crohn's Scholarship Program. The program aims to help these students continue their education and live beyond the boundaries of their disease.

UCB, Inc., is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative treatments for inflammatory diseases such as CD. UCB is dedicated to creating unique programs and tools to help people with Crohn’s fulfill their educational ambitions.

We are proud to sponsor a scholarship program that recognizes and rewards your ability to take control of Crohn's—and not allow it to control you.

Do You Qualify?
This program is designed for applicants of any age. An applicant must be:

A legal resident of the United States
Diagnosed with Crohn's disease by a physician
Seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree, or enrolled in a trade school educational program
An individual who demonstrates academic ambition and embraces a way of life that overcomes the boundaries of living with Crohn's disease
Enrolled in or awaiting acceptance from a United States-based institution of higher education for the fall semester of 2011
Employees of UCB, their immediate family members, and previous Crohn's Scholarship winners are not eligible for this scholarship.

Medical Marijuana and Crohns

Read Story about Crohns/ Medical Marijuana

CCFA Team Challenge Training/ Virginia

Team Challenge Takes You to Historic Virginia!

Experience Northern Virginia and the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon on June 4th with Team Challenge, CCFA's endurance training and fundraising program. When you join us, you'll run or walk this great destination race on the winding country roads of Northern Virginia through hillside vineyards, expansive horse farms, and historic estates.

Our 16-week professional training program is designed to meet your unique walk or run fitness needs. We'll get you ready for the finish! While you're training, we'll also help you to raise critical dollars to fund research and programs for the 1.4 million people suffering from Crohn's and colitis, two chronic digestive diseases.

Our Team Challenge information meetings are taking place in January. When you attend an information meeting, you'll meet a coach, talk with a CCFA staff person, and learn more about how Team Challenge can help you and help others! The Virginia Half Marathon is sold out to everyone BUT Team Challenge participants. Find a meeting near you today and join us in Virginia Wine Country!



Information Resource Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872)
Web site: http://www.ccfa.org/
E-mail: info@ccfa.org
Phone: 800-932-2423

CCFA's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive disease

Let's Talk About MAP

MAP in the Environment
Overview The Paratuberculosis Problem MAP in Water
MAP in Food
Overview MAP in Dairy Products MAP in Beef Products Marshfield Clinic Study Photo Gallery
MAP IN FOOD:
Overview
Introduction
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), which causes Johne's Disease in many species of ruminants, is endemic in the food animal herds of almost every developed country. According to a study conducted by the USDA in 1996, in the United States, between 20% and 40% of dairy cattle herds are infected with MAP, resulting in economic losses of at least US$1.5 billion each and every year.  (Results of a new USDA survey will be published in 2003 based on data collected in 2002.  With Johne's disease increasing at an alarming rate, undoubtedly the new figures will be higher, perhaps significantly higher, than those in 1996.) 

Since MAP is not classified as a human pathogen, meat, milk and other products from animals infected with MAP may be continually entering the human food chain. There is a wealth of evidence which appears to indicate that MAP is capable of surviving the food processing methods that we employ to protect us from disease, such as cooking and pasteurization. This scientific evidence is thoroughly reviewed and discussed in the MAP in Dairy Products,  MAP in Beef Products, and Marshfield Clinic Study sections of our website.  

MAP as a Food Safety Problem in the U.S.
Concerns about MAP and the scientific studies which suggest a connection to Crohn's disease in humans raise extremely grave concerns about food safety.

What are the chances that live MAP is in our food?  It is an undisputed scientific fact that live MAP is excreted in the milk of infected cattle.  Terrifyingly enough, scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals have determined that MAP may be capable of surviving U.S. pasteurization standards. And, scientists have levied significant criticism at the one study that disagrees with the other studies, citing a misinterpretation of data by the scientists that conducted the study.   (See the MAP in Dairy Products section for detailed information.)

As a bit of history, in 1993, the first scientific study was published indicating that MAP may survive pasteurization standards used in the U.S.  This study was ignored by federal agencies responsible for food safety in the U.S.

Much later, in 1998 when University of Wisconsin researchers published their findings that MAP was able to survive current U.S. pasteurization standards, this study was again ignored by U.S. Federal Agencies cognizant of food safety. All in all, during the period 1993 through 2000 -- seven long years -- nine (9) scientific studies came in from the U.S. and around the world which suggested that MAP may survive current U.S. pasteurization standards/practices, and all of them were tossed to the side, ignored by cognizant U.S. Federal Agencies such as USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

In May of 2002, a study was published, entitled "Incidence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Bulk Raw and Commercially Pasteurized Cows' Milk from Approved Dairy Processing Establishments in the United Kingdom"  (Grant, I.R.; Ball, H J.; Rowe, M.T.  Applied and Environmental Biology, May 2002, p. 2428-2435, Vol. 68. No. 5).  Results from this study confirmed that MAP survives pasteurization standards used in the UK, pasteurization standards which equal or exceed those used in the U.S.

Regardless, despite MANY pleas from PARA since mid 1997,  the USDA and FDA have not taken measures to exert the precautionary principle in determining whether indeed the food we give our children is free from contamination with MAP.

Other Countries Have Taken the Lead in Food Safety
While U.S. Federal Agencies ignored the scientific findings, other nations have stepped to the forefront in this issue.  

In August of 1998, the Food Safety Authority in Ireland (FSAI) took dramatic measures to remove MAP from the food chain,  by adopting the following measures: 

Animals diagnosed with Johne's disease must be removed from the food chain
From the time an animal is diagnosed with Johne's disease until it is culled, milk will not be used (pasteurized or raw) for humans or calves
Additionally, in 1998  the United Kingdom  took action.  The United Kingdom's (UK's) Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAFF) undertook a nationwide study to investigate the microbiological quality of raw and pasteurized cows' milk in the UK.   The preliminary findings warranted a larger study, which was published in May 2002 (Study by Grant, Ball and Rowe cited above.)   

In early 2000 the European Commission/European Directorate General of Health and Consumer Protection (DG24) published a 76-page report requesting an "urgent research program" to deal with the connection between MAP and Crohn's disease, and to deal with the transmission of MAP to the human population through the food chain.  Stating that "There are sufficient grounds for concern to warrant increased and urgent research activity to resolve the issue," the Commission recommends a wide rage of research that should be conducted as a matter of urgency. 

In December of 2001 the UK Government adopted a comprehensive strategy to prevent human exposure to MAP.  The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF), which advises the UK Government Food Standards Agency, approved a comprehensive program of measures aimed at eliminating MAP from retail milk, as purchased by consumers.  As the ACMSF says in its strategy document, "The Agency has put to one side the question of whether or not there is a link between MAP and Crohn's disease.  The Agency believes that precautionary action to reduce human exposure to MAP should start now and should not be dependent on waiting for the link to be proven."

U.S. Will Be Forced to Act!
PARA commends these European nations on their willingness to act in the best interests of their citizens and the best interests of the public health.   Unfortunately, U.S. Food safety regulators (FDA/FSIS/USDA) have taken the opposite position of perpetuating human exposure till a conclusive link is proven, literally gambling with the lives of millions of people.   Because of actions taken by other nations, the U.S. Government and animal industry will be forced to deal with the issue, despite their obvious reluctance to do so.   

As evidenced by "PARA's Paper Trail", a compilation of nearly 70 letters that PARA has sent to and replies from various agencies of the U.S.,  the formal record clearly demonstrates that every responsible agency of the U.S. Government, leaders of animal industry and the U.S. Congress have been sufficiently apprised of this situation.

Undoubtedly, there will be accountability issues raised in the future as to why the individuals within those agencies have been remiss in their responsibility to the American public.

In the opinion of PARA, the failure of these federal agencies to take swift action to ensure the protection of U.S. citizens is nothing short of a national disgrace!

(Please visit the Governments Section of our website for detailed information about actions taking place in various countries throughout the world.)

Source: http://www.crohns.org/map_food/index.htm   Contact PARA: http://www.crohns.org/contact.htm
Paratuberculosis Awareness & Research Association, 1999-2003.

PARA - Welcome

http://www.crohns.org/

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CCFA

Every day, IBD threatens dreams for a normal life. But thanks to people like you, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) offers patients hope.

Today, I'd like to invite you to renew your support by becoming a member of CCFA.

As you probably know – and as Daniel can attest – the challenges of living with Crohn's or colitis can be fierce. That's why your membership is so vitally important – partnering with CCFA is the easiest and surest way to make a real difference to the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn's and colitis.

Since their founding, CCFA has given more than $150 million to researchers across the globe. They've played a role in every major scientific breakthrough in IBD, including the discovery of the first gene for Crohn's disease. We couldn't have had such an impact without friends like you.

But despite our progress, there's so much more work left to be done and we need your help.

When you join CCFA, you'll not only continue to fund crucial research, but you'll also support programs that improve the lives of those affected by IBD. 

From creating valuable publications for patients and health care professionals... to teleconferences that connect patients to up-to-the-minute resources... to our CCFA online community where people share their stories and find out, often for the first time, that they're not alone... your support will touch the lives of so many people.

I believe treatment breakthroughs are up ahead – but we'll reach them sooner if everyone joins the effort. Please become a member of CCFA today. Daniel and countless others who dare to dream will be grateful!

P.S. Daniel realized his dream and became firefighter. Help ensure that more people with IBD live the lives they were meant to. Become a member of CCFA today!
 
At CCFA, we're paving the way to advances in treatment – and, one day, a cure. You can help us get there.
 
Crohns  & Colitis Foundation of America | www.ccfa.org
888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694-8872)

Crohns Disease claimed the life of another.

In memory of Roger McIntire my neighbor, my friend. 
Roger was 62 when diagnosed with Crohns. The last time my husband and I saw him, he was loading up the last of his belongings. He could not work because Crohns made him so sick and forced him into retirement. 
He was so frail and lost so much weight. In talking with his wife Sharon during their move, last year she told us they lost their business, home, and were in bankruptcy. The stress alone had to have been too much without adding the horrible complications of Crohns. 
Roger was the most caring, sweet man I ever met. We loved him so much and missed him and Sharon everyday. Their house remains empty but our memories and thoughts remind us of their good nature on a constant basis. 
They gave us a nice touch lamp years ago. Yesterday it went on by itself. It never did that before. It also went off by itself. Sharon called me today to tell me Roger passed away. She said he really loved us and I know and believe he said goodbye personally. The light he gave us has now been dimmed but his light will remain in our hearts forever. 
The most devastating thoughts I have are the "way" he had to spend his last days. We all know the horrible hospital ordeal when we have our visits. You are stripped of any dignity you have unlike other illnesses. The pain, not able to eat, drink or have control is no way to leave this earth. 
Roger is in a better place free of the relentless hold of Crohns Disease. I pray for a cure and we all need to raise awareness now. 
Rest in peace my dear friend. 

Crohns Disease News and Views

Welcome to your information center for Crohns Disease.

If you are newly diagnosed, subscribe to this blog for the latest
developments in the cure and management of Crohns Disease.

Following closely to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, as well as
many Crohns Disease related site on the internet. I will do my
best to make this your one stop info center.

Please add your insite. If you are a medical professional, we would
love your feedback on latest developments. Clinical trials in your
area would also be helpful.

Research and new findings on related studies are held on this site.
There is a map spotting feature that allow you to place a marker
in your city of diagnosis. You can be discreet, first name and year
you were diagnosed or started experiencing symptoms would be fine.

Always, contribute what you know, what you hear, what you think!