Some of the most significant physical problems that
result from the malnourishment caused by SBS (or as side effects of medications
used to treat it) are fatigue, a lack of energy and a loss of physical
strength, which in turn impact every other area of life including personal
relationships, social interactions, the ability to be employed outside
the home, and the person's feeling of well-being. Depression is often
experienced as a result of these negative impacts on daily life. Anger
and fear are other common emotional responses to those impacts. The need
for preplanning and dealing with the nutritional restrictions caused by
SBS can be so taxing and time consuming that it is no longer possible
to retain a full-time job outside the home. This loss of working status
may also result in a loss of income, independence and social status. In
this regard, as in most others, the support of family and friends is extremely
important. A further potential problem that may exacerbate the condition
is a dependence on opiates and sedatives as a result of the multiple surgeries
that were necessary and that ultimately led to the diagnosis of SBS.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
