Over the last few years newer treatments combined with older treatments are helping people to better manage inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Barrett begins with an explanation of what exactly IBD is, delving into the specifics of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. He then goes on to talk about how the disease is treated, when surgery is indicated, and the various drug treatments such as steroids and biologic therapies. He also touches on how the disease varies in individuals and how controlling inflammation through diet and treatment are key.

Cancer risk is also a part of the discussion. Dr. Barrett speaks about the risk in general, and how you can lower your risk. He also provides answers to listener questions about specific drugs, their side effects and colon cleanses. Dr. Barrett closes by talking about the future of IBD treatment and why he’s hopeful. To quote Dr. Barrett “I think the opportunities out there for patients have just gone up like light years. I got out of fellowship in 1991, and from the early 90s to now it's been just really a warped speed increase in our understanding of the disease.” If you’re looking for hope about your condition, or simply to learn more about IBD, listen to this informative program.

You’ll first hear from Jamie Machala as she reports from the Bastrop State Park where day one of the three-day ride ended. As Patient Power’s on-site producer and, this year a GYGIG crewmember, she talks about the general feeling and energy surrounding the ride. Next is Jeff, a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease five years ago. He speaks to the challenges he’s faced with Crohn’s and the importance of the support he gets from his family. Then you’ll hear from Linnea, a caregiver whose husband passed away from ulcerative colitis. Linnea discusses why she rides. In her own words “In a perfect world I wish I could bring my husband back. I know I can’t, but I can be involved. I can raise money for research. I can be a good advocate.”

After Linnea, Zach talks about his journey with IBD. Zach talks about living with the disease, which was in remission for many years, and how he bought a bike while recovering from his recent surgery. Then Chris, a seasoned crewmember participating in her tenth ride, talks about why she does it and the sense of community within the rides. Dave Uri, another first-time rider, talks about his dual diagnosis of Crohn’s and colitis and why the ride is inspiring him.

Dr. Weiss speaks throughout the program commenting on the various diagnoses, and sharing his own experience of cycling this event. He talks about the treatments for IBD and the progress being made in research.

To conclude the program, Jay Pacitti, the ride director, and Jeff Krol join the program on the Monday after the ride. They tell their stories of how the ride went and what they felt they were able to accomplish over those three days. Jeff sums it up with these words “Well, it’s great just to see everyone out there that has Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis to be able to achieve this accomplishment. Riding 210 miles for anyone out there is really challenging, but to see people that are in various stages of the disease and various levels of seriousness to complete this ride, it’s such an inspiration.”

Get Your Guts in Gear is an event where the organization Get Your Guts in Gear (GYGIG) seeks to raises awareness of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and related conditions through bike rides that benefit and support inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) organizations and patient advocacy groups. Jay begins by explaining the benefits of participating and the purpose of the rides.

You’ll hear from Dr. Weiss about progress being made in IBD research, and how he’s inspired by those who participate in the rides each year. Learn about the fundraising efforts and which organizations the money helps to support. If you’re interest in learning more about Get Your Guts in Gear, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, this program is a great resource.

Also joining the discussion is Judy Pacitti. Judy was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and, as an avid cyclist, founded “Get Your Guts in Gear,” a 3-day, 210-mile bicycle ride to raise awareness for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. One of Judy's goals is to empower people to overcome the limitations a chronic, incurable disease, like Crohn's. You’ll hear about Judy’s diagnosis and why she decided to do something to help.

Dr. Holderman explains exactly what inflammatory bowel disease is and goes into detail about the symptoms and diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. He discusses the treatment options available, including surgery and medications available for those living with IBD. Dr. Holderman addresses complications with surgery and trouble finding appropriate treatments, since these conditions tend to be very individualized – what may irritate one may not irritate another.

This program is an insightful and comprehensive overview of inflammatory bowel disease. If you are searching for resources and information on this all-too-common condition, you’ve come to the right place.

Dr. Kozarek offers listeners a detailed explanation of the evolution of treatments over the past decade. He explains how the bulk of these diseases, particularly those in the gut, begin. Some of the diseases are genetically predetermined. This has allowed doctors to be able to identify what genes cause the inflammation, which means there are drugs that can actually treat the underlying immunology that engenders the inflammation. Dr. Kozarek discusses when surgery may be appropriate, although it is less common than it used to be. The conversation touches on many classes of drugs, including both steroids and immunosuppressives, that may help to treat these conditions. Drugs discussed include: Remicade, Antegren, Tysabri, Cimzia and Leukine.

During the program, Dr. Kozarek answers questions from callers and offers hope to many listeners about treatment of their specific condition. The rise of these conditions has led doctors to believe that in places where there is better hygiene, people are actually more susceptible to inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Kozarek helps listeners understand why this is. More than anything, this Patient Power show offers a tremendous number of resources for listeners to find more information about these conditions and be on their way to living better.