n left to right: lauren kosinski, MD, registered dietitian sarah zangerle, katie schultz with Mary otterson, MD, Ms


several surgeries during their lifetimes, so a laparoscopic approach offers the advantage of minimizing incision sites.”


Nutritional support is an important element of individualized


care. “Each person is unique in what they can or cannot tolerate eating,” said registered dietitian Sarah Zangerle, who focuses on helping patients with IBD. “The goal of nutrition therapy is to help patients maintain normal body weight, prevent nutritional deficiency, treat any malnourishment — and include foods the patient enjoys eating.”


Patients can also find support for


the emotional burden of IBD. Mark Rusch, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin rehabilitation psychologist, helps patients deal with depression and anxiety.


“Many patients struggle with a


n Mark rusch, PhD


sense of isolation,” Dr. Rusch said. “We try to help patients figure out how to live as productive and satisfying a life as they can with these symptoms.”


The good news for patients with IBD, Dr. Perera said, is


that comprehensive care can make a tremendous difference. “If treated effectively, at the right time and with the right


interventions, the majority of patients respond with good control of the disease and good quality of life,” she said.


new Possibilities Katie met Dr. Perera in July 2010.


“My first appointment was amazing. She met with me


for over an hour, really listening to me,” Katie said. Dr. Perera ordered a series of tests, adjusted Katie’s medications and presented several new options. One suggestion was switching temporarily to an all-liquid diet.


“It was really hard, but I buckled down and did it,” Katie said. For two months, she had nothing but liquid supplements


high in protein, calories and vitamins. “It gave my intestines a rest and a chance to heal, and it allowed my body to absorb nutrients. I regained some of my energy level and actually gained three pounds.”


After the new year, Dr. Perera performed an endoscopic


exam. Katie’s inflammation had healed significantly, but there was severe scarring at her ileocecal (IC) valve, the sphincter that separates the small and large intestines. A follow-up CT scan revealed a nearby stricture.


Katie had surgery in February with Mary Otterson, MD,


MS, Medical College of Wisconsin surgeon. During a several- hour procedure, Dr. Otterson removed Katie’s IC valve and about one foot of small intestine.


Katie was in the hospital for about a week following her


surgery. She recovered quickly, and is looking forward to getting back to her life.


Her advice to others with IBD? Be proactive. “Don’t take a back seat, because if you don’t take IBD


seriously it can easily get out of hand. I will always have Crohn’s, but the key now is to keep it under control,” Katie said. “I am doing a world better than I was.” n


Patients can be referred to the Froedtert & The Medical College IBD Program by their physicians. For more information, call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666 or visit froedtert.com.


nationally recognizeD


On the national Best Hospitals list, Froedtert Hospital ranks among the nation’s top 50 hospitals for its expertise in gastroenterology. US News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” metropolitan area guide recognized gastroenterology as one of 11 medical specialties at Froedtert to score in the top 25 percent among its peers.


froedtert.com Froedtert Today May 2011 13


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