If you live with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), sometimes known as Short Gut, it can be difficult to find others who understand what you're going through and to know what to discuss at medical appointments.
We listen to Short Bowel Syndrome patients, community organization leaders, and medical professionals to develop resources that can help patients benefit from their shared experience.
Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
SBS occurs when a large part of the small intestine has been removed or isn’t working.
If your remaining intestines cannot absorb enough vital nutrients and minerals from eating and drinking, you may receive nutrition support delivered through a vein or via a feeding tube.
‘Let’s Talk SBS’
A Guide to Discussing Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) With Your Health Care Provider
‘Hablemos del SIC’
Guía sobre cómo hablar del síndrome de intestino corto (SIC) con los profesionales que te atienden
The ‘Let’s Talk SBS’ Conversation guide has been designed to help you get the most out of conversations with your healthcare provider, prepare for appointments, and gather information to help you make choices and decisions that are best for you.
The guide includes:
- ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ to increase your SBS knowledge and get answers to common questions
- Checklists to help you prioritize what you’d like to discuss at appointments.
You can download or print to complete. For new copies, click here. - Notes sections to capture and reflect on conversations with your care provider
Attending an appointment prepared with questions and feedback on how we are managing day-to-day with SBS is important. It gives our healthcare provider the information they need to help us manage our symptoms, live comfortably with SBS, and maintain our quality of life
- Lori Plung, SBS and IBD Patient Expert
‘Short Bowel Syndrome: Where to find support, information, and community’
A guide to finding patient groups’ services and connections with those who understand and share your experiences
Speaking to someone who experiences all the same things and walks in the same shoes is powerful. It helps me not feel alone or isolated in my experience living with SBS.
- Bethany Johnson, SBS patient expert, Intestinal Rehab & Transplant Unwrapped
Hear from SBS patients and medical professionals on their tips for discussing Short Bowel Syndrome and finding expert care.
Interviewees have helped co-author content and are compensated advisory members of an SBS educational taskforce, convened and funded by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.