Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

BRIDGEPORT — “Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD),” a free informational program for patients and the general public, will be presented on Wednesday, May 16, from 7 to 9 pm, in the Hawley Conference Center, located on the main level of St Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main Street.

The program is sponsored by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and St Vincent’s Medical Center.

Specialists on active staff at St Vincent’s Medical Center who treat Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, will speak on the latest in technology, research and treatment options for those coping with the disease.

According to event coordinator Edward Grossman, MD, a gastroenterologist at St Vincent’s who will serve as moderator for the evening, “The program will bring together specialists who treat every aspect of inflammatory bowel disease. Participants can get information to help them better cope with this disease which can sometimes present significant challenges to living a normal lifestyle.”

Featured speakers will be gastroenterologist Edwin Levine, MD, on “Drug Therapy in IBD”; gastroenterologist Julie Spivak, MD, on “IBD and Pregnancy”; and colorectal surgeon Marcella Bradway, MD, on “Surgical Aspects of IBD.”

A question and answer session will follow the talk. Light refreshments will also be provided.

Nearly one million Americans are afflicted with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which together are also known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. The realities of these diseases are devastating for adults and thousands of affected infants and children. The cause is still unknown, and the cure has not been found.

The only resources available to those afflicted and their families are developments in technology, advances in research and therapy, and support through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

No registration is necessary for the program. For more information on the May 16 program or to speak with a nurse about coping with inflammatory bowel disease, call St Vincent’s Care Line at 877-255-SVHS (7847).