$Unique_ID{BRK00880}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is "Successful Women's Ulcer"?}
$Subject{successful woman ulcer Digestive intestine intestines SWU irritable
bowel disease syndrome burning stabbing abdominal pain abdomen nausea diarrhea
constipation indigestion intestinal spasm high fiber diet stress management
meditation biofeedback reading meticulous overachievers gastroenterologist ibs
ibd}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome*0008401.scf
Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome*0008402.scf
Controlling Irritable Bowel Syndrome*0008403.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Successful Women's Ulcer"?


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QUESTION:  I've had flare-ups of severe abdominal cramps.  After a series of
tests and x-rays, my gastroenterologist told me I have something which he
called a "successful women's ulcer."  He put me on a high fiber diet but would
prescribe no medication.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?

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ANSWER:  Yes.  The so-called "successful women's ulcer" (SWU) is actually very
common, but it is really a misnomer, because it is not actually an ulcer.  The
condition could more correctly be called irritable bowel disease.  SWU may
occur in up to 25% of working women at some time, especially in women who are
meticulous and overachievers.  The symptoms of SWU are a burning or stabbing
pain in the abdomen, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion.  The
symptoms are the result of intestinal spasm caused by stress.  Irritable bowel
disease is best treated with a high fiber diet and stress management programs.
High fiber foods, such as unprocessed cereals, breads and beans create more
bulk in the digestive tract.  The added bulk prevents the painful intestinal
spasm, because it keeps the muscles from fully contracting.  In addition to
the high fiber diet, your doctor might have suggested some stress management
techniques, such as meditation, biofeedback, and reading.  Learning to fully
relax is really the key to ridding yourself of this problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.