Lorna's story
Welcome
As the name suggests the 1st Scottish IBS Support Group was the first support group to be set up in Scotland to provide information and support to sufferers of IBS and their families and friends, and also to promote understanding of the illness amongst the general public.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS is a common 'functional' disorder of the gut. (The gut includes the bowels.) A functional disorder is one where there is a problem with the function of a part of the body, but were there is no abnormality in the structure. So, in IBS, the function of the gut is upset, but all parts of the gut look normal, even when looked at under a microscope.
IBS causes abdominal pain and other symptoms. Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK develop IBS at some stage in their life. IBS can affect anyone at any age, but it commonly first develops in young adults and teenagers. Women are affected more often than men.
What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The cause is not clear. It may have something to do with overactivity of parts of the gut. The small and large bowel (also called the small and large intestine) are parts of the gut inside the abdomen. Food is passed along by regular contractions (squeezes) of the muscles in the wall of the gut. Pain and other symptoms may develop if the contractions become abnormal or overactive. The area of overactivity in the gut may determine whether constipation or diarrhoea develops. The cause of overactivity in parts of the gut is not clear.
How can I get involved in the Support Group?
The 1st Scottish IBS Support Group holds regular support meetings which IBS sufferers and their families are welcome to attend
The group also organise fundraising and informational events at various times and locations throughout the year.
