August 5, 2010
UW digestive disease doctor to bike with ‘Get Your Guts in Gear’
This coming weekend, bicyclists will cover 210 scenic miles in Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties during the local “Get Your Guts in Gear” riding and camping adventure. Across the nation, similar events are building awareness of a common condition that receives little public attention: inflammatory bowel diseases.
One of UW Medicine’s leading experts on digestive problems will be among the riders on the Puget Sound route. Dr. Timothy L. Zisman is nationally noted for improving the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). He is also pioneering the latest prognostic modalities and chemoprevention to slow their progression.
Too many of those affected risk serious health consequences because of embarrassment or awkwardness in talking about their symptoms with their medical providers.
“Additionally, there are many misconceptions about IBD that discourage patients from seeking and receiving safe and effective therapies to control their symptoms,” Zisman said. He became interested in treating and researching IBD because it runs in his family. Zisman is an UW assistant professor of medicine, Division of Gastroenterology.
“I’ve experienced first-hand the impact that IBD can have on patients and their loved ones,” Zisman said, “I’ve also witnessed the dramatic benefits that medication can offer in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life.”
This will be the second time participating in “Get Your Guts in Gear” for Zisman, who moved to the UW a few years ago from Chicago. The loop begins in Edmonds, then heads to Mulkiteo where the riders board the ferry for Whidbey Island, head to Deception Pass, traverse the Skagit Valley farmlands and wind though the back rounds of Snohomish County. The riders camp along the way during the three-day journey.
“The ride not only raises awareness about Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and ostomy surgery, but more importantly, it empowers the very individuals affected by these diseases,” said Helen Orloff, executive director of Get Your Guts in Gear. “The Ride is an experience that provides individuals the opportunity to overcome physical and mental challenges within a supportive environment while making life-long friendships.” Riders have ranged in age from 16 to 67. They include patients, friends, family members, and caregivers. A volunteer crew assists the riders along the way. The volunteer publicity director is UW staff member Lois Fink, an administrative assistant in Speech and Hearing Sciences. The event generates funds for research, patient support, advocacy and other efforts against IBD.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammation of the lower gut, usually affecting the small or large intestine. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores in the colon. Sometimes these disorders predispose patients to abnormal growths, including cancer. Occasionally the diseased portion of the intestine is surgically removed and the remainder is attached to an opening in the abdomen, a procedure called an ostomy. A small pouch collects waste for removal.
Conservative estimates are that about 1.4 million Americans have IBD.
The Get Your Guts in Gear ride is physically demanding and requires a fair amount of training, Zisman says. For the past few months he has been logging hours on his bike after work and on weekends.
Zisman is looking forward to this year’s ride because last year the participants made the long miles enjoyable.
“The best part of the experience is meeting extraordinary people and coming together as a team to support one another,” he said. “Each day we all gather to cheer on the final rider as he or she makes the final push into camp. Although we each struggle as individuals to test our endurance, our sense of achievement and a sense of accomplishment are shared.”
“There’s a real feeling of community among the riders and the crew,” he observed, “with each of us contributing to toward our common goal of improving the lives of people with IBD.”
He explained that people with IBD can sometimes experience debilitating symptoms that interfere with their professional responsibilities, educational performance, social interactions and recreational activities. These symptoms can be a challenge for patients and for their love ones, he said.
For riders who are struggling personally with IBD, Zisman added, the ride represents a celebration of their strength and determination to overcome the limitations of their condition.
For IBD patients, there’s good reason for hope.
“This is an exciting time for IBD research,” Zisman said. “There are currently over 70 new therapies for IBD at some phase of development. Several of these appear promising. Additionally, we are continuing to learn more about how to customize drug selection and dosing to the individual patient to optimize efficacy and minimize side effects.”
To learn more about Get Your Guts in Gear, call 718-875-2123 or visit the national website.
