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Chronic Illness

Pain

Fatigue

Poor Sleep

Cognition/Trouble Thinking

Walking, Movement Problems

Psychological Symptoms

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

     
 

Chronic Illness Symptoms – Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea may be a cause, consequence, or side effect of chronic illnesses and treatments. Some chronic illnesses, notably Crohn's disease, colitis, and celiac disease, directly cause GI symptoms. Other symptoms of chronic illness, such as pain and fatigue, and certain pharmaceutical treatments, including pain medications, can produce GI symptoms. GI symptoms can also provoke anxiety and depression, such as when a person is concerned about experiencing embarrassing symptoms like flatulence or diarrhea in public situations.

Severe GI symptoms should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule out primary GI diseases, cancers or other treatable and/or potentially fatal diseases. Otherwise, treatment for GI symptoms is often based on alleviating individual symptoms and may include both dietary changes and medical therapies.

Patricia Fennell's Four-Phase Treatment (FFPT) model looks at an individual's complete spectrum of symptoms and functional capacities and offers a whole-person, individualized approach to illness management. FFPT examines a person's symptoms, what phase of illness he or she is in, and his or her symptoms and capacities, then designs a treatment plan that incorporates every aspect of the person's life. For more information about the capacities of chronic illnesses (pain, fatigue, poor sleep, cognition and thinking, walking and other movement, mood, and gastrointestinal symptoms), please see the categories at left.

Ultimately, the Fennell Four Phase Model and the Albany Health Management Associates approach to health management seeks to help people identify the most effective treatments; comply with medical, alternative, and psychological therapies; and learn to better self-manage their lives and their chronic illnesses.

If you would like more information about the Albany Health Management Associates approach to treating chronic illness, please contact us.

 


 
     
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