I was recently invited to attend the launch event for a new IBS program run by the drug company Novartis. Unfortunately the launch was in Madrid, and as my IBS makes it difficult for me to travel I had to say no (oh the hilarious irony).
However, they were kind enough to send me some bumph about the campaign, and it makes interesting reading. The most striking thing is the Impact Report which they commissioned, where hundreds of IBS sufferers were questioned about their IBS and the effect that it has on their lives.
For example, 68% of patients said that they had to miss an average of 11 social activities or occasions in every three month period. Eleven! No wonder we get depressed…
The report also looked at some questions which are not generally addressed, such as whether IBS affects women’s sex lives (45% said that it had a negative impact on their sex lives).
