The IBD Support Group ("SG") was formed in the year 2001 based on the belief that the ill cope better with strong support structures I in their environment. Such support structures usually comprise family members and friends who care, as well as organized support groups made up of patients suffering from similar ailments and their caregivers. With these structures providing a sense of security, patients usually derive the strength, determination and motivation to deal with their emotions and physical conditions, as well as share amongst themselves tried and tested techniques, with the guidance of professional caregivers, enabling them to manage their ailments well.

Against the backdrop of achieving this objective, the IBD SG was initiated for patients with Ulcerative Colitis (“UC”) or Crohn’s Disease (“CD”). In the year 2001, a small group of patients met at the Singapore General Hospital (“SGH”) to share experiences, encourage one another and find fellowship over a simple meal. This core group of members has continued to meet informally on their own to identify key issues for discussion at SG meetings and strengthen the chain of support. Issues discussed include new medical treatments, dietary concerns, and psychiatric care for IBD patients.

Five years ago, meeting another patient with either UC or CD was a rarity as the number of patients was small and the Support Group was in its fledgling stages. As the number of IBD patients in Singapore increases, the role of the SG has become increasingly important; a development apparent from the addition of new members at almost every meeting.

A major function of the Group is to help new patients come to terms and understand better their diagnoses. For many patients, the initial moments following the diagnosis can be frightening and traumatic. Uncertainty, fear and anxiety can overwhelm patients and their families. The encouragement and assurance of another patient learning to cope with IBD at this point would probably be greatly appreciated. In many cases, the SG members who have shared their experiences discover that giving support to other patients creates a deeper understanding of their own physical conditions.