Tom's story #MyGPandMe

Tom's story #MyGPandMe

• 1.
  Understanding constipation Reducing medication and improvingquality of life
• 2.
  An introduction It isestimated that half of people with a learning disability suffer from long-term constipation.
• 3.
  An introduction Long-term constipationis symptomatic of poor health.
• 4.
  An introduction It cancause ongoing reductions in quality of life through discomfort and pain.
• 5.
  An introduction At thetime of writing, 97% of people Dimensions supports with constipation are prescribed laxatives.
• 6.
  An introduction But thisis tackling the symptom – not the cause.
• 7.
  An introduction We wantto keep changing this.
• 8.
  An introduction This isTom’s story, which shows how this is possible.
• 9.
  The challenge Tom hasDown Syndrome and severe learning disabilities.
• 10.
  The challenge When Dimensionsstarted supporting him, he suffered from severe constipation.
• 11.
  The challenge He wouldsleep through the day and was on a cocktail of medication.
• 12.
  The solution His supportteam started making sure his evening meal was fresh and healthy.
• 13.
  The solution They madesure his medication was given on time and at regular intervals.
• 14.
  The outcome Tom startedgetting up at 8am and eating a healthy breakfast.
• 15.
  The outcome His sleepingpattern improved, bowel movements were more regular and his aggression was virtually gone.
• 16.
  The outcome After sixmonths the medication he took for his aggression was discontinued.
• 17.
  The outcome His psychologist– who had known him for 24 years – said Tom had never looked so good.
• 18.
  The outcome Routine andhealthy options changed Tom’s life.