This experience was utterly devastating and heart-wrenching, leading to fears about the lifelong implications and the uncertainty of ever being able to eat normally again.
It’s also been hard to get into a routine with PS. With my Hickman catheter I get line infections, which result in hospitalizations.
The UNCERTAINTY of SBS and its management may have
a negative impact on patients’ mental health2
Patients with SBS report a range of emotions associated with their condition2:
- Shock from initial diagnosis
- Fear and uncertainty about the future
- Anxiety over physical changes or medical interventions
Treatment and dependence on PS can lead to a variety of challenges for patients3:
- Stress from rigorous infusion cycles
- Worry over life-threatening adverse events
- Concern for constant symptom monitoring
- Difficulty with body image issues
SBS can cause feelings of
loneliness DUE TO the inability
to act spontaneously2
Some patients also report2: 
Depression
Embarrassment
Patients may struggle to convey the extent of the impact of SBS on their daily lives. Start a conversation with your patient to establish an individual approach that matches their specific needs2,4
PS=parenteral support; SBS=short bowel syndrome.
