Suzelle Façon, president of APSSII and the volunteers of the association: “Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects about 5% of the population, we want to give them a place to find support and dialogue.”
Meeting with Suzelle Façon, President of APSSII and volunteers
On the occasion of the 2016 JFHOD (Journées Francophones d’Hepato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive), we had the pleasure of meeting Suzelle Façon, President of the Association of Patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (APSSII) as well as other volunteer members of the association.
Can you tell us about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also called functional colopathy?
S.F. : Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a relatively common disorder affecting about 5% of the French population. It is a chronic disease that associates abdominal pain, bloating and transit disorders and which even today is still late to be diagnosed. IBS is not a serious disease in itself but it can significantly alter the quality of life of the patients. IBS represents a significant cost to society, in particular for health care costs and missed days at work.
Hence the idea of creating an association dedicated to this disease?
S.F. : Indeed, we felt it was urgent to create a bridge to avoid the isolation of the patients, to bring answers to their distress and to make the disease known to the general public. The Association was created in 2010 under the aegis of Pr Jean-Marc Sabaté, Pr Thierry Piche and Dr Pauline Jouet and other members of the scientific committee of APSSII and the Hepato-Gastro- Enterology Department of the Louis-Mourier Hospital of Colombes.
What is the purpose of the association?
S.F. : To develop research activities, mutual support and information network in France and in Europe and to be the spokesperson of people suffering from this syndrome in front of the public authorities, the press media and national organizations.
We decided to fight because we cannot accept that these people give up on their daily life, both from an emotional and professional standpoint.
We must underline here the lack of consideration that these patients face with their doctors and their relatives, which leaves them powerless, sometimes in denial, while they suffer daily and must adapt their lifestyle.
The other commitment of our association is to build patient support groups to share their experience and discuss on how to improve their quality of life.
What research activities does your association participate in?
S.F. : Our association was created recently but we do aim to support research projects to the best of our ability. The APSSII itself is currently conducting some research investigating the problems faced by IBS patients.
How can someone join the association?
S.F. : We are 600 with regional affiliates close to people, and anyone who feels can benefit from the association can join us to access the services we offer, or if they wish to join the team of active volunteers. Simply contact our office, staffed by the volunteers themselves, by e-mail, mail or telephone.
More information on the association, and to join: APSSII website
APSSII – Secretariat of Pr Sabaté
Hepato-Gastroenterology Service
Louis-MOURIER Hospital
178 rue des Renouillers
92700 Colombes
Secretariat@apssii.org
07.83.25.82.60
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