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$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What is "Successful Women's Ulcer"?}
$Subject{ulcer successful woman}
$Volume{I-10}
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Figure 1*0008401.scf
Figure 2*0008402.scf
Figure 3*0008403.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Successful Women's Ulcer"?


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QUESTION:  I've had flare-ups of severe abdominal cramps.  After a series of
tests and x-rays, my gastroenterologist told me I have something which he
called a "successful women's ulcer."  He put me on a high fiber diet but would
prescribe no medication.  Have you ever heard of such a thing?

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ANSWER:  Yes.  The so-called "successful women's ulcer" (SWU) is actually very
common, but it is really a misnomer, because it is not actually an ulcer.  The
condition could more correctly be called irritable bowel disease.  SWU may
occur in up to 25% of working women at some time, especially in women who are
meticulous and over-achievers.  The symptoms of SWU are a burning or stabbing
pain in the abdomen, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion.  The
symptoms are the result of intestinal spasm, caused by stress.  Irritable
bowel disease is best treated with a high fiber diet and stress management
programs.  High fiber foods, such as unprocessed cereals, breads and beans
create more bulk in the digestive tract.  The added bulk prevents the painful
intestinal spasm, because it keeps the muscles from fully contracting.  In
addition to the high fiber diet, your doctor might have suggested some stress
management techniques, such as meditation, biofeedback, and reading.  Learning
to fully relax is really the key to ridding yourself of this problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
