Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

This is very last minute, but I received this message late yesterday from Jeff Roberts, MSEd,B.Sc., founder of the BS Self Help and Support Group (www.ibsgroup.org):

"I am writing to you today to ask... members to send an immediate email to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to let them know, in your own words, what it means to suffer from IBS.

Within the next week the FDA will be making a critical decision as to whether a medication, which is seeking approval to be marketed for IBS, will be approved. This decision has the potential to affect all future drug therapies for IBS and that it is why it is essential that the FDA hear directly from patients. We believe that the FDA may make decisions about medications for IBS based on the incorrect assumption that IBS is a benign illness, which can be controlled by simple lifestyle changes. We are asking our members to inform the FDA what it is really like to suffer from IBS. It is imperative that the emails be sent by March 2, 2011.

Example email: I have no control on the timing of my illness. I have crippling abdominal pain and diarrhea that strikes me at anytime. I cannot carry on every day activities such as working or shopping or attending my daughter's soccer games. It is no simple matter to control the symptoms. I rely on researchers to develop treatments and medications which can allow me to live a more normal life. I am willing to accept virtually any risk associated with new medications.

Send your emails to the following individuals by clicking on each email address. Please include the city and state where you are located.

Janet Woodcock, M.D., Office of the Center Director CDER, janet.woodcock@fda.hhs.gov
John Jenkins, M.D., Office of New Drugs Director CDER, john.jenkins@fda.hhs.gov

We trust that the FDA will reflect on these stories when making decisions that affect all of us for this and all future IBS medications.

Thank you so much for your continued support!
Jeffrey"

I have already sent mty email. Sorry for the late notice.
love you all, Lyne

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