IBS — Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common health condition that affects the large intestine and causes symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. While it is a chronic condition, for most people, symptoms are not severe and are manageable with diet and lifestyle changes. Unlike some other digestive health conditions, irritable bowel syndrome does not change the bowel tissues or increase the risk of colon cancer.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

While the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, there are some factors that seem to play a role. For example, nervous system abnormalities, muscle contractions in the intestine, severe infection, changes in the bacteria found in the gut, and early life stressors may contribute. Some people may find that foods like citrus fruits, dairy products, wheat, beans, cabbage, and carbonated drinks make symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome worse. Stress can also trigger symptoms.

What are the complications of irritable bowel syndrome?

The ongoing constipation and diarrhea that come with irritable bowel syndrome can sometimes cause hemorrhoids. Another potential complication is poor quality of life; for example, people with irritable bowel syndrome may miss a significant amount of work due to their symptoms. People who struggle with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

Lifestyle changes can typically control mild symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These may include getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, consuming adequate amounts of fiber and liquids, and avoiding foods that seem to trigger symptoms. A doctor may recommend a special diet or medications that help to manage symptoms, such as fiber supplements, laxatives, or anti-diarrheal medications. Some people may take antidepressants or pain medications to cope with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. There are also medications that are used specifically for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, such as Viberzi, which reduces muscle contractions in the intestine and can alleviate diarrhea, or Lotronex, which relaxes the colon. These medications can have serious side effects, and some may only be approved for use with women.

Common Symptoms

  • “I have significant stomach pain and cramping every time I have a bowel movement.”
  • “I often feel gassy and bloated, and sometimes I have mucus in my stool.”
  • “I suffer from bouts of diarrhea, especially when I eat certain foods, like dairy products.”

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016

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What They Are Saying

Julie P.
Everyone is so kind and polite. They treat you so well I couldn’t say much more than that. It’s a great place!
Andrea M.
From before the procedure to the day after they were great! They answered all of my questions immediately. They contacted me letting me know what to do and when to do it. Dr. Willie is awesome!! Great bedside manner and very caring! Highly recommend going there for all of your colonoscopy needs!
Lauren S.
Dr Wille is one of the best doctors I’ve ever had, and as someone with chronic health issues, I do not say this often. He has so much knowledge about not only gastrointestinal issues but also other health conditions and how they might affect the GI system. He offers conservative treatment options and seems to stay very up-to-date on the latest research regarding treatment for GI issues. I feel very fortunate to have him as my doctor for this speciality.
Robert H.
I've been through a number of medical procedures in my 70 years but this is my first time I can honestly say your staff is easily the most friendly and professional group I've experienced. Thank you to everyone.
Jeanette M.
Saw Dr Willie NP and she was very professional and addressed my concerns. I would recommend Dr Willie and his staff
Carol P.
The staff and Doctor were extremely kind, friendly and professional. They made a very anxious time very comfortable.
Michael S.
All but the scheduling, my colonoscopy wastimely, clean and on time. Total process from arrival to departure was 75 minutes. Thanks for your efficiency.
Paula
Everyone at the office was so helpful and pleasant. I just loved Dr. Donat and look forward to my procedure as I know I’ll be in good hands.
Zach G.
Staff are all super nice and warm welcoming. The entire experience of the procedure was quick and smooth.
Beth L.
Beth Loconsole 08/08/2021 My experience with Doctor Bakken is, and always has been outstanding! She is a “VERY” kind, caring, compassionate and a beautiful woman inside and out!!! I would recommend her highly!!!
Lynn Z.
Love working with this office, very efficient!!
Amy V.
I don't have one bad thing to say! From scheduling to making sure my order was faxed over, they didn't waste anytime. This can be a time consuming appointment and they did it efficiently and with kindness, most of all!
Cheryl S.
The entire staff was very professional and kind. This was my second experience here still a wonderful place to have the procedure done!
Shannon P.
Great experience. Was in and out of my procedure in one hour. Amazing!
Johnette Y.
From my arrival time until I left the staff was Amazing and the Dr.
Michelle R.
Everyone treated me well and was very professional.
Sharmila K.
The staff was great. They were pleasant. My procedure was swift. I even had a nurse walk me out to the car.
Ellen C.
Efficient, punctual and professional - always. Dr Wille is the best!
Matt W.
I was extremely comfortable, well taken care of and had no adverse effects from both procedures. I have no idea why I had any anxiety beforehand. Dr. Quallic (sp) and his team were nothing short of awesome. This by no means affects my review, but my appointment time was 9:40am and I was not called back until 10:40ish. Maybe I missed the “fine print” and that should have been expected, but in regards to those with some anxiety, that hour wait with your thoughts and worries is a little tough. Just my two cents. Thanks for the great care!
Sheila D.
They were very professional and I was treated awesomely by everyone there! And the best part? I was done in less than an hour!! Highly recommend!
V 4.
Dr Weber and his staff, from check in to discharge are very professional. They made me feel very comfortable, Dr. Weber went above and beyond to answer all my questions.
John O.
Great staff, great teamwork and punctual!
Mz Cee-Cee J.
The staff from the MA's to the nurses and Drs were awesome, the location was beautiful and everyone from check to discharge were great! I would definitely recommend this office for your medical needs!
Ron S.
Office is well run, and the staff is always professional.
Ricky Z.
Amazing people and very easy.
Len W.
After the preparation time was completed the actual scheduled procedure with various staff members made the experience as a whole worthwhile. Staff were truly professional. Real nurturing skills.
Anthony B.
I have complete confidence in the care provided by Dr Weber and all the staff. They are professional, practiced in their methods, friendly and sincere in their concern for their patient's wellbeing. They are top notch as a health care provider.
Janet G.
Everyone had there place and did it very well, all kind and compassionate, and Dr Bologna. Thank You Everyone
Pamathi J.
After a few virtual appointments, my mom had her first in person appointment with Dr. Nandi. He was very respectful and patiently listened to our concerns. We felt very comfortable and left knowing exactly the next steps to take. We had a good experience.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

Christina N. Brown, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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