Kansas City, Kan- Key points from today’s guests:

Janet King

• Janet King is a nurse who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) in 2018.
• Her diagnosis was initially delayed by COVID-19 and then misdiagnosed.
• She eventually met Dr. Shadi Hamda, a specialist at The University of Kansas Health System.
• His treatment plan led to a significant improvement in her condition, going from severe disease to a completely normal colonoscopy.
• She highlighted the multidisciplinary approach, including nutrition and mental health support, and encouraged others to seek prompt medical attention.

Dr. Shadi Hamdeh, gastroenterologist, inflammatory bowel disease specialist, The University of Kansas Health System

• Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum.
• Symptoms include rectal bleeding, urgency, and potential complications like iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiencies.
• It is extremely important to secure an early diagnosis and treatment to prevent disease progression and complications.
• Colonoscopy is helpful in confirming the diagnosis as well as the use of advanced therapies for severe disease.
• Many patients can be undertreated for ulcerative colitis. The main reason is misdiagnosis.
• This is often seen in younger people as those people tend to ignore their symptoms.
• Our IBD Center is fully equipped with physicians who specialize IBD treatment and we have a multidisciplinary team.