GASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATES
630 South Raymond Avenue Suite 240
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-449-9920
Patient Education
Have a question?
Search through our library of gastro topics...coming soon; your suggestions welcome too!.
RESOURCES: PATIENT EDUCATION
Welcome to our Patient Education page!
We strive to improve your health by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your digestive system. Please use the search field below to browse our website. You'll find a wide array of information about our office, your digestive health and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
Our Patient Education (list on left side of page!) links you within our site to many valuable brochures and other information from the American Society for GI Endoscopy (ASGE); you can stay within our website to browse and download what you need...
Our "Links" include several GI Specialty Society brochures, videos and many useful health information resources and links to valuable reliable health information sources...please explore these for more information! Links will take you OUTSIDE our website though....
For more information
Medline Plus
http://www.medlineplus.gov
search on topic of interest, for example GERD, IBS, chronic hepatitis, celiac disease....
Surgery videos on medline at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/surgeryvideos.html
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) Has A-Z list of topics, links to many other resources and patient groups, Spanish language resources, information on clinical research
http://www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
www.asge.org patient information; from dropdown menu select patient information for various brochures including "10 questions to ask your GI endoscopist"; patient videos; Spanish language information; and on many digestive conditions
Excellent videos available on Colonoscopy (What to Expect) and UGI Endoscopy (What to Expect)
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
http://www.acg.gi.org
click on Patient Common GI problems...you can download pdf brochures on a variety of topics and see videos, find links and brochures. Colonoscopy: what to expect video is at
http://www.acg.gi.org/media/colonoscopy.asp
and can be downloaded
IBD Inflammatory bowel disease resources at
http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/patientinfo/ibdresources.asp
American Gastroenterology Association (AGA)
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center click on Digestive Conditions search on topic of interest, for example GERD, IBS, colonoscopy...
Detailed Colonoscopy brochure at
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/procedures/colonoscopy
Among other conditions with information available are:
- Celiac Disease
- Cirrhosis of the Liver
- Colorectal Cancer
- Constipation
- Gallstones
- Gas in the Digestive Tract
- Heartburn/GERD
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
AGA book by Dr Kane on IBD Self-Management (published 2010) information at
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/IBDSelfManagement_infosheet.pdf
In AGA store you can find Master Your IBS, an 8-week Plan, published 2010
https://netforum.gastro.org/eweb/photos/ibs-cover_90x90.jpg
(PriMed, Harvard) http://www.patientedu.org/default.aspx List on the left of page includes resources on GERD, constipation and many general health conditions
Link from here to special publication from Harvard Health you can purchase on the Sensitive Gut:
Special Health Report covers the major sources of gastrointestinal distress: irritable bowel syndrome, gastric reflux, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and excess gas. It includes a special Bonus Section describing how emotional stress and anxiety can cause gastrointestinal distress.
<This can currently be found for .01cent + shipping at Amazon>
Site also has information on Harvard Health publication on Better Bladder & Bowel Control (2009)
Approx $18 from their site or check Amazon etc.
Celiac disease resources
- Websites with general information, recipes, blogs, etc.:
www.celiac-disease.com
- Publications:
Gluten-Free Pocket Guides
Available from www.clanthompson.com
The Essential Gluten-free Restaurant Guide
Available from www.triumphdining.com or by calling 800-558-2906
- Organizations:
American Celiac Disease Alliance: www.americanceliac.org
National Institute of Health: www.celiac.nih.gov
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: www.celiaccentral.org
Celiac Disease Foundation: www.celiac.org
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America: www.gluten.net
- Information about support groups:
www.celiacgroups.com
- Websites with information about gluten contained in medications; and more:
www.glutenfreedrugs.com
www.celiacsite.com
iPhone users: ... Is that gluten free? i Phone app
Gluten Free Registry™ is to put people and gluten-free friendly restaurants, bakeries, caterers, grocers and more together. Free, searchable, moderated database of over 15,800+ gluten-free friendly business locations to find one near you or your travel destination. glutenfreeregistry.com
Grocery items. Find out more... zeer.com
Along with a restaurant and dining out guide you can sign up for gluten free newsletter which reviews products, offers recipes and special offers. Also offers hard copy guides for purchase for locating gluten-free products and restaurants featuring gluten-free fare. triumph.com
Religious Issues
Ordering low gluten communion wafers - benedictinesisters.org
Ordering gluten-free oat matzos - glutenfreematzos.com
quitting smoking:
1800quitnow.cancer.gov
This information was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). For more information about ASGE, visit www.asge.org.
This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.
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Capsule endoscopy takes approximately eight hours. Normal daily activities are largely unaffected by capsule endoscopy, unlike many endoscopic procedures that require sedation. When you return to the doctor's office, the data recorder, worn on your belt during the procedure, is removed so that images of your small bowel can be put on a computer screen for physician review.What is capsule endoscopy?
Capsule Endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum). Your doctor will give you a pill-sized video camera for you to swallow. This camera has its own light source and takes pictures of your small intestine as it passes through. These pictures are sent to a small recording device you wear on your body. Your doctor will be able to view these pictures at a later time and might be able to provide you with useful information regarding your small intestine.
Why is capsule endoscopy done?
Capsule endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate the small intestine. This part of the bowel cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease), ulcers and tumors of the small intestine. As is the case with most new diagnostic procedures, not all insurance companies are currently reimbursing for this procedure. You may need to check with your own insurance company to ensure that this is a covered benefit.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
An empty stomach allows for the best and safest examination, so you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately twelve hours before the examination. Your doctor will tell you when to start fasting. Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take including iron, aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate products and other over-the-counter medications. You might need to adjust your usual dose prior to the examination. Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, such as swallowing disorders and heart or lung disease. Tell your doctor of the presence of a pacemaker or defibrillator, previous abdominal surgery, or previous history of bowel obstructions, inflammatory bowel disease or adhesions. Your doctor may ask you to do a bowel prep/cleansing prior to the examination.
The small intestine can be the site of several gastrointestinal disorders, including bleeding, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and tumors. Capsule endoscopy allows for examination of the small intestine, which cannot be easily reached by traditional methods of endoscopy.
What can I expect during capsule endoscopy?
Your doctor will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor device to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves (similar to tape). The pill-sized capsule endoscope is swallowed and passes naturally through your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder worn on your belt for approximately eight hours. At the end of the procedure you will return to the office and the data recorder is removed so that images of your small bowel can be put on a computer screen for physician review.
Most patients consider the test comfortable. The capsule endoscope is about the size of a large pill. After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you should not be near an MRI device or schedule an MRI examination.
What happens after capsule endoscopy?
You will be able to drink clear liquids after two hours and eat a light meal after four hours following the capsule ingestion, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. You will have to avoid vigorous physical activity such as running or jumping during the study.
Your doctor generally can tell you the test results within the week following the procedure; however, the results of some tests might take longer.
What are the possible complications of capsule endoscopy?
Although complications can occur, they are generally rare when doctors who are specially trained and experienced in this procedure perform the test. There is a potential for the capsule to be stuck at a narrowed spot in the digestive tract resulting in bowel obstruction. This usually relates to a stricture (narrowing) of the digestive tract from inflammation, prior surgery or tumor. It is important to recognize obstruction early. Signs of obstruction include unusual bloating, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. You should call your doctor immediately for any such concerns. Also, if you develop a fever after the test, have trouble swallowing or experience chest pain, tell your doctor immediately. Be careful not to prematurely disconnect the system as this may result in loss of pictures being sent to your recording device.
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Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 11,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.
This patient education brochure was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org