Chandler and Gilbert, Ariz. – nearly 20 percent of U.S. adults have symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), making it one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed by doctors. April is IBS awareness month and Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, Dignity Health members, have gastroenterologists who specialize in the field of digestive and liver disorders.

IBS affects the large intestine causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. “Although symptoms may be uncomfortable, they do not cause permanent damage to the colon and can be controlled over time,” says Dr. Nelson H. Lim M.D., a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with privileges at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), IBS is not a disease but a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder.  This means that IBS symptoms are caused by changes in how the GI tract works.

“The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but food, emotional stress and hormones are just a few factors that can affect IBS symptoms,” adds Dr. Lim. he adds that a person with IBS may have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual. “Sensitivity causes spasms after stimulation by things such as certain foods or medications. Milk, chocolate and alcohol might cause constipation or diarrhea, while carbonated beverages and some fruits and vegetables may lead to bloating and discomfort. Stressful events can worsen or aggravate symptoms, but it does not cause them.”

IBS usually begins before the age of 35 and is typically seen before the age of 50.  Women and those with a family history of IBS are the most at risk for developing the syndrome.  Since women are more likely to have IBS, many of them find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual cycle.

Managing a healthy diet, lifestyle and stress can help control IBS symptoms. Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers’ doctors work with each patient to determine the best course of treatment, which may include performing a medical screening, or a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.  Because other disease processes may manifest with similar warning signs, it’s important to discuss symptoms with a primary doctor or gastroenterologist.   

Medical exams such as a stool test or a colonoscopy are used to diagnose IBS. Doctors at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center use the Third Eye® Retroscope® during colonoscopy procedures. The Third Eye® Retroscope® is a new imaging device that provides a way to visualize hidden areas by acting as a “rear view mirror” to visualize blind spots, allowing doctors see more of the colon than ever before. Chandler Regional Medical Center will soon add the Third Eye® Retroscope® technology to their suite of diagnostic tools as well.   

To find a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal disorders, please call ResourceLink at 480.728.5414 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. you need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

Chandler Regional Medical Center is located at 1955 W. Frye rd. (corner of Dobson and Frye Roads) in Chandler.  Chandler Regional is a 243-bed, acute-care, not-for-profit provider of emergency care, family birth services, comprehensive stroke services, gastroenterology, cardiovascular services, wound healing and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cancer treatment, neurosciences, orthopedics, general surgery and diagnostic services.     

For more information, please visit ChandlerRegional.org or call (480) 728-3000. Chandler Regional is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). for information on doctor referrals, community classes or support groups, please contact ResourceLink toll-free at (480) 728-5414.   

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is located at the intersection of Val Vista Drive and Loop 202 (south of Pecos Road and east of Val Vista Drive). Mercy Gilbert is a 212-bed, acute-care, not-for-profit provider of emergency care, family birth services, diabetes management, comprehensive stroke services, gastroenterology, sleep studies, neurosciences, orthopedics, general surgery and diagnostic services. for more information, please visit MercyGilbert.org or call (480) 728-8000. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). for information on physician referrals or community classes and support groups, please contact ResourceLink toll-free at (480) 728-5414.   

Dignity Health, headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., provides integrated, patient and family centered care. It is the fifth largest health system in the country with 10,000 physicians and 55,000 employees across Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Through its network of more than 150 ancillary care sites and 40 acute care hospitals, Dignity Health is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor and underserved. In 2011, Dignity Health provided $1.4 billion in charity care, community benefit and unreimbursed patient care. for more information, please visit our website at DignityHealth.org.

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REDLANDS — The hope is that Ke’ala Thomas makes a full recovery.

The 6-year-old’s mother Candace and step-father Josh are optimistic that the worst is over.

But the ordeal of Ke’ala’s liver transplant surgery may linger for the Redlands family.

The exact cause of Ke’ala’s liver failure is not clear yet. Her condition resembled a bad cold in early December when she was diagnosed with mononucleosis.

Ke’ala then began to experience symptoms of jaundice.

Ke’ala was sick for Christmas, and, after more labwork was completed, doctors discovered Ke’ala had a high sugar count and needed to return to the hospital.

Later that day, Dec. 30, Ke’ala was diagnosed with liver failure.

“I pretty much collapsed into tears,” said Candace Thomas, 25. “It was overwhelming. It all happened so fast. there was no time to think. I thought I could lose my daughter. will she die in my arms?”

Then doctors determined that Ke’ala needed to be transported to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Candace and Ke’ala were put in a helicopter and flew there.

Three days later Ke’ala underwent a 10-hour liver transplant surgery.

“It started at 4 p.m., and we didn’t get to see her again until about midnight,” Candace said. “I couldn’t handle it. you have to be prepared for the worst.”

Candace and Josh did their best to explain it to Ke’ala.

“I don’t know if she ever fully wrapped her mind around how bad it was,” Josh said. “It’s tough to explain to a 6-year-old.”

Ke’ala remains at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. She had a rough time the day after surgery but she is recovering.

“She is very responsive,” Candace said. “She has her spunky attitude, if not more.”

On Monday Candace went to Smiley Elementary School where Ke’ala attends first grade, to arrange homework assignments.

“Her teacher was devastated,” Candace said. “We don’t want her to fall behind in school. If she is feeling good enough to do artwork, we feel she can do homework too.”

The surgery itself cost in excess of $230,000 and the family will need to meet costs that have come with the experience, including missed work and gasoline from commuting to Los Angeles.

The Thomases have been using the accommodations of the Ronald McDonald House.

Fund-raising efforts have begun and the family has started a blog starsforkeala.wordpress.com and Facebook page called starsforkeala.

“The cost was something I couldn’t even think of,” Josh said. “It was like it wasn’t real. It was like I was running from it.”

Reach Ed via email, or call him at 909-793-3221