Toowoomba Gastroenterology Clinic in Toowoomba, Queensland | Medical and health

Toowoomba Gastroenterology Clinic

Locality: Toowoomba, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4639 4124

Address: Suite 105 Medici Medical Centre, 15 Scott Street 4350 Toowoomba, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.tgclinic.com.au

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25.01.2022 On 16th September 2019 Dr Peter Longden, Dr Robyn Nagel, Mrs Kathy Howell and Dr Alan Howell summitted Mt Kilimanjaro. What an incredible experience and what an amazing view!

24.01.2022 | SURGERY FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS | For people with severe disease that is not responding adequately to medication or in those with long-standing disease (>10 years duration) who are at higher risk of colorectal cancer, surgical removal (resection) of the colon may be the most appropriate long-term solution. Surgical resection eliminates the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and the need for ongoing use of medications to control inflammation. This can greatly enhance quality of l...ife. Surgery for ulcerative colitis generally involves removing the large intestine and creating a pouch from the end of the small intestine which is then joined directly to the anus. Alternatively, the end of the small intestine can be redirected to empty into a bag attached to an opening (stoma) on the outside of the abdomen.

23.01.2022 Dr Nagel swapped her scrubs for a superhero's cape last week and had her COVID-19 vaccination .

23.01.2022 | COVID-19 UPDATE | As per Mr Scott Morrisons instructions we are cancelling all non-urgent elective procedures for patients who have booked through both the public and private systems (both at St Vincents Hospital and Toowoomba Surgicentre). This is in an attempt to not only free up much needed hospital space, but also to preserve masks and other protective equipment as Australia prepares for the coronavirus outbreak. If you have a procedure booked that Dr Nagel deems to ...be non-urgent, you will receive a phone call from our rooms to postpone. Until further instructions are given, at present we are still consulting in our rooms, with existing patients appointments being undertaken via teleconference. All new patients are still required to attend our rooms for an initial consult, but we can assure you that regular disinfection measures are being carried out, together with social distancing requirements by all who attend. All books and toys have also been removed for public safety. Thank you for your understanding during these very difficult times. Take care everyone. See more

23.01.2022 The 2019 Live Fearless Challenge is happening this September. If you like to keep fit why not register and raise vital funds for people living with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. Walk, run, cycle or swim...the choice is yours! Register NOW! www.livefearlesschallenge.com.au

22.01.2022 | MAY IS CROHNS AND COLITIS AWARENESS MONTH | Collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are emerging global diseases, with Australia having one of the highest prevalence in the world. These are life-long gastrointestinal disorders that commonly present themselves in children, adolescents and adults. The conditions are becoming more widespread, more severe and more complex and are being diagnosed more in very young patien...ts. With more than 5 million people worldwide and more than 80,000 Australians living with these conditions, these numbers are expected to increase to more than 100,000 Australians by 2022. Staggering figures arent they? Not only does IBD affect each patients physical well-being, but it also can affect their emotional and social well-being. Patients may develop complications that are potentially life threatening, with links between IBD and increased risks of colorectal cancer as well as the adverse side-effects of treatment.

21.01.2022 | WHAT IS CROHNS DISEASE? | Crohns disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus but most commonly affects the small intestine and/or the colon. There may be areas of healthy intestine between areas of diseased intestine. Within a diseased section, Crohns disease can affect all layers of the intestinal wall (i.e. not just the lining). This can lead to the development of complications that are specific to this condition: - strictures ...(intestinal obstruction or narrowing of the intestinal wall) - abscesses (boils) and skin tags (swollen lumps or flaps of thickened skin occurring just outside the anus) - fistulae (abnormal channels connecting different loops of intestine to itself or to other body organs) - fissures (ulcerated tears or cracks in the lining of the anal canal) malabsorption and malnutrition In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the complications of Crohns disease or to remove diseased portions of the gastrointestinal tract (resection). Surgical resection is an important decision that needs to be taken in full consult with your specialist as it is not a cure. Even if diseased parts of the intestines are removed, inflammation can re-appear in other areas.

21.01.2022 | HAEMOCHROMATOSIS | https://www.health.qld.gov.au//hereditary-haemochromatosis

20.01.2022 || TODAY IS WORLD TOILET DAY || Did you know:- - 4.5 billion people live without a safe toilet - 892 million people practise open defecation... - 1.8 billion people use a drinking water source that could be contaminated with faeces - 62.5% of people around the world dont have access to safe sanitation. World Toilet Day is about taking action to ensure that everyone has a safe toilet by 2030. Toowoomba Gastroenterology Clinic is doing its part to raise funds for WaterAid. You can purchase rolls of toilet paper for only $1/roll with 100% of sales being donated to WaterAid. Together we can make a difference! #worldtoiletday #wateraid #whogivesacrap

20.01.2022 ~ PUBLIC HOLIDAY CLOSURE ~ Toowoomba Gastroenterology Clinic will be closed on Tuesday the 26th of January for the Australia Day Public Holiday. We will re-open to normal trading hours on Wednesday the 27th of January.

20.01.2022 | COVID-19 AND BOWEL CANCER | If you or someone you know has bowel cancer, your concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to extend beyond toilet paper shortages and low pasta supplies. What can you do? 5 practical tips to protect yourself and those you love:-... If you have recently completed or are currently undergoing treatment, let family and friends know that you are at increased risk of infection and ask them to refrain from visiting if they are unwell or sick or have been exposed to the virus. Ensure you have adequate groceries, medications and other essential supplies if youre planning to stay home to reduce risk of exposure. If you have a carer, make plans for a backup in case they get sick. Discuss the option of teleconferencing with your treatment team. On 11 March 2020 the Australian Government announced funding for bulk-billed video-conference consultation services, which can be provided by GPs, specialists, consultant physicians, consultant psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and allied mental health workers for vulnerable people including those aged over 70, people isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner, people with chronic health conditions or who are immunocompromised. Our rooms are offering this service to our existing patients, so if you need to make an appointment please be aware that this is offered. If you must attend appointments in our clinic, please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible to reduce waiting room congestion and practice self-distancing whilst attending our rooms.

19.01.2022 Too much chocolate over Easter? Heres an idea Hope everyone has enjoyed their Easter long weekend.

19.01.2022 We are back from holidays! From the team at Toowoomba Gastroenterology Clinic we hope that all our patients and referrers have had a wonderful Christmas/New Year break. We are now back to normal trading hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm. Our phone lines are attended from: 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday but turned off during lunch from 12.30pm - 1.30pm. To make an appointment give Ellen a call on 07 4639 4124 or request an appointment via our website http://www....tgclinic.com.au/online-appointment-form/ We hope everyone has a wonderful 2020 :) See more

18.01.2022 Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium which affects the lining of the stomach and is responsible for a large percentage of stomach and duodenal ulcers and is associated with stomach cancer and MALT lymphoma. People are usually infected in childhood and the infection can persist for many years. Helicobacter pylori is thought to be spread through person to person contact and is regularly spread between family members. If you are diagnosed to be infected with this bacteria usually ...it can be eradicated easily. The HeliProbe system is a urea breath test which is a procedure used to identify Helicobacter pylori infections. You will swallow a HeliCap capsule containing crystals of urea. The urea has been exposed to extremely low levels of radiation. (The radiation is very low, it is less than the amount a person would be naturally exposed to on a normal day). If you are infected with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium will consume some of the urea in a process which leads to minute amounts of radiation being breathed out by the patient as carbon dioxide. The HeliProbe analyser is designed to detect these minute levels of radiation, the presence of which indicates a Helicobacter pylori infection. A referral from your general practitioner is required before Helicobacter testing can be performed.

18.01.2022 | WORLD IBD DAY | Today is World IBD Day, a day dedicated for raising awareness for inflammatory bowel disease across the world. Even some famous landmarks will be illuminated in purple across Australia to raise awareness about IBD. You can easily show your support today for those living with IBD by wearing something purple it could be a purple wig or simply a purple ribbon. Its all about starting the conversation about Crohns and colitis, and having fun while you do it.

18.01.2022 | WHAT IS IBS | IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a condition that affects the digestive system. The disease generally causes bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and constipation and can be ongoing for weeks, months or longer. The exact cause for this condition is unknown but research is ongoing. A general guideline can be followed to ensure that symptoms are controlled:... DO - Make sure the majority of food eaten is homemade or fresh. - Keep a diary of everything you eat in order to understand what triggers symptoms. - Take in probiotics to help with the overall health of your digestive system. DONT - Eat unhealthy processed foods. - Drink alcohol or carbonated drinks - Eat too quickly or have too much delay between meals Please seek medical help for further management and advice for IBS.

17.01.2022 One woman in 5 over 40 years of age has constipation. She has a slow, difficult bowel habit or strains at stool. One person in 10 over 40 years of age has incontinence of faeces and or wind. Both of these bowel difficulties may relate to pelvic floor muscle weakness. Understanding how the gastrointestinal tract works and how our pelvic floor muscles contribute to good bowel (& bladder) function is the first step to tackling these two common problems.... "The Good Bowel Habit" co-written by Dr Robyn Nagel is an informative book and is essential reading for everyone, especially those who see the advantage in managing their body responsibly. Purchase your copy here >>www.thegoodbowelhabit.com or pop into our rooms to grab your copy.

17.01.2022 ~ EASTER CLOSURE ~ Our rooms will be closed for the Easter long weekend from 5pm Thursday 1st April and will re-open at 8am Tuesday 6th April 2021. We hope you all have a happy and safe Easter long weekend.

15.01.2022 | EASTER CLOSURE | Our rooms will be closed for the Easter long weekend from 5.00pm on Thursday 9th April 2020 and will re-open at 8.00am on Tuesday 14th April 2020 (with phone lines switched over from 9.00am). Any urgent cases should present either to St Vincents Private Hospital Emergency Department or to Toowoomba Base Hospital Emergency Department. We hope that everyone has a lovely Easter long weekend. Happy Easter everybunny :D

15.01.2022 | EASTER TRADING HOURS | Our rooms will be closed for the Easter break from 5.00pm Thursday 18th April 2019 and will re-open on Tuesday 23rd April 2019 at 8.00am (with phone lines switched over from 9.00am). ~*~ Wishing you all a very happy Easter and an enjoyable long weekend ~*

14.01.2022 All you need to know about upper endoscopies (or gastroscopies). For further information please do not hesitate to contact our rooms. http://www.tgclinic.com.au/procedural-information/

14.01.2022 Do you ever get confused about gluten in a low FODMAP diet? Here are some quick facts for you! - Gluten is a protein, not a FODMAP (which is a carbohydrate) ... Fructans are a type of FODMAP that cause gastrointestinal symptoms for some and are found in wheat-based foods (which also contain gluten) An example of a low FODMAP, gluten containing food is spelt sourdough A strict gluten-free diet is only necessary for individuals with coeliac disease Gluten-free does not necessarily mean healthier See more

14.01.2022 | COVID-19 UPDATE | As per Mr Scott Morrison's instructions we are cancelling all non-urgent elective procedures for patients who have booked through both the public and private systems (both at St Vincent's Hospital and Toowoomba Surgicentre). This is in an attempt to not only free up much needed hospital space, but also to preserve masks and other protective equipment as Australia prepares for the coronavirus outbreak. If you have a procedure booked that Dr Nagel deems to ...be non-urgent, you will receive a phone call from our rooms to postpone. Until further instructions are given, at present we are still consulting in our rooms, with existing patients' appointments being undertaken via teleconference. All new patients are still required to attend our rooms for an initial consult, but we can assure you that regular disinfection measures are being carried out, together with social distancing requirements by all who attend. All books and toys have also been removed for public safety. Thank you for your understanding during these very difficult times. Take care everyone. See more

14.01.2022 Dr Nagels book "The Good Bowel Habit" is available from our rooms for $19.95, or via our website at www.thegoodbowelhabit.com. Worldwide postage is available.

13.01.2022 The Federal Government has eased elective surgery restrictions and is now allowing all Category 2 and some Category 3 surgeries to restart after the ANZAC Day weekend. This means the recommencement of endoscopies and colonoscopies. However while this announcement is great news, it does include a restriction to deliver only 25 per cent of the Category 3 surgeries, keeping 75% of theatres and resources ready to respond to COVID-19 patients if and when directed. Should you have... a referral that needs attention, please contact our receptionist Ellen on 4639 4124 for assistance. We look forward to seeing more of your smiling faces again

13.01.2022 | WORLD CANCER DAY 2021 | There are many warning signs and symptoms of many cancers and the benefits of early detection are indisputable. As busy as you may be, taking time to get that check-up and speak with your doctor can help create awareness and peace of mind. Early detection could possibly save your life! World Cancer Day empowers communities and individuals across the world to show support and raise the profile of cancer in a positive and inspiring way. Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for yourself, the people you love and the world. Conversation is the key, so get talking

12.01.2022 Cuurent update for our patients of St Vincent's Hospital.

10.01.2022 Today is World Hepatitis Day. Not everyone with hepatitis has symptoms, however those people with symptoms may experience the following: - fever - nausea - abdominal discomfort... - dark urine - lethargy (tiredness) - painful joints - oedema (swelling) - easy bruising -jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). To assess your risk of hepatitis click here >> http://www.liverwell.org.au/hepcheck/ See more

10.01.2022 ~ CHRISTMAS CLOSURE ~ Our office will be closed from Friday 18 December 2020 (inc) with phone lines only re-opening on Monday 11 January 2021 and full services resuming on 18 January 2021. Dr Nagel will be on leave from Saturday 19 December 2020 (inc) returning Monday 18 January 2021. Any urgent medical attention during this time should be directed through the Emergency Department at St Vincent's Hospital.... We would like to thank everyone for your continued support throughout 2020 and look forward to seeing you all again in 2021. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year Let's hope 2021 is a better year for us all

10.01.2022 | FRUCTOSE BREATH TESTING | If you are experiencing symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhoea it may be due to fructose malabsorption. Fructose is a sugar that is found in onions, some fruits and wheat just to name a few. It is also used as a sweetener in some drinks. A fructose breath test determines whether you have difficulty absorbing fructose. The test is a simple procedure performed over 2.5 hours in our rooms. After drinking a cup of fructose dissolved... in water we obtain breath results intermittently over the course of 2.5 hours. If there is a high presence of hydrogen, that indicates your body has difficulty absorbing the fructose. In light of the COVID restrictions easing we are happy to announce that we have now recommenced our Fructose Breath Testing . If you wish to discuss this procedure or wish to obtain any further information, please call Karen at our rooms on 4639 4124 or visit our website link for further details http://www.tgclinic.com.au/fructose-breath-test/

09.01.2022 The Live Fearless Challenge 2019 is now only one month away! We need you to help us make a difference to those living with Crohns disease and ulcerative coli...tis this September! Heres how you can get involved: 1. Register free to participate in the Live Fearless Challenge 2. Donate now 3. Share details about the challenge, and encourage friends, family or work colleagues to register a team in the Live Fearless Challenge in 2019! www.livefearlesschallenge.com.au

08.01.2022 The GESA IBD Faculty in collaboration with Crohns & Colitis Australia (CCA), has developed this guide for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.gesa.org.au//GESA_IBD_Patient_Recommendations_

07.01.2022 A big, bright and beautiful Happy Mothers Day to all our wonderful mums. We hope that you all have a fabulous day. Dr Nagel is enjoying her Mothers Day in Italy this year. Anyone else apart from me jealous? ;) ~ Karen

07.01.2022 | ROOM CLOSURE | Our rooms will be closed Thursday 25th April 2019 due to the Anzac Day Public Holiday. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.... At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." See more

06.01.2022 Lets talk about our bowels.... Are you at risk????

06.01.2022 Practise simple and effective hygiene by washing your hands with soap for a least 20 seconds or for the time it takes to sing happy birthday twice.

06.01.2022 Bowel cancer is Australias second deadliest cancer and 1 in 11 Aussie men will develop the disease in their lifetime. ~ DECEMBER IS THE MONTH OF DECEMBEARD ~ Now in its seventh year, Decembeard Australia is a hair-raising fundraiser that encourages men to grow a beard, raise funds and help beat bowel cancer.... If you would like to participate sign up here >> https://decembeard2019.everydayhero.com/au/get-started

05.01.2022 The GESA IBD Faculty in collaboration with Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA), has developed this guide for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.gesa.org.au//GESA_IBD_Patient_Recommendations_

04.01.2022 | WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IBD? | Symptoms of IBD may range from mild to severe but tend to include the following: - abdominal cramps and pain... - frequent, watery diarrhoea (may be bloody) - severe urgency to have a bowel movement - constipation - fever during active stages of disease - loss of appetite and weight loss - vomiting - tiredness and fatigue - anaemia (due to blood loss) - bowel inflammation A small percentage of people with IBD may also experience problems outside the gastrointestinal tract including joint pain, skin conditions, eye inflammation, liver disorders and thinning of the bones (osteoporosis). IBD is a very individual disease with symptoms dependent on where the disease is located in the gastrointestinal tract and how severe the inflammation is within the affected area. Although IBD is a chronic (ongoing) condition, symptoms may come and go depending on the presence and degree of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. When inflammation is severe, the disease is considered to be in an active stage. When inflammation is less (or absent), symptoms may disappear altogether and the disease is considered to be in remission. For most people with IBD, the usual course of disease involves periods of remission interspersed with occasional flare-ups.

04.01.2022 | WHAT IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS? | Inflammation occurs on the lining (mucosa) of the large intestine or colon in ulcerative colitis. The inflammation is usually located in the rectum and lower colon, but may involve other parts of the colon and sometimes even the entire colon. Tiny open sores or ulcers form on the surface of the lining and these may bleed. The inflamed lining also produces a larger than normal amount of intestinal lubricant or mucus which sometimes contain pus.... Inflammation in the colon reduces its ability to reabsorb fluid from the faeces which causes diarrhoea. Inflammation in the rectum can lead to a sense of urgency to have a bowel movement. Most people with ulcerative colitis (80-90%) respond well to treatment and never develop any complications. In more severe cases where inflammation has penetrated deeper into the walls of the colon, serious complications may arise. These include: - profuse bleeding from deep ulcers - perforation (rupture) of the colon - fulminant colitis/toxic megacolon (partial or full shutdown of normal intestinal contractions). These complications can occur over a short period of time and usually require immediate medical attention.

04.01.2022 | ROOM CLOSURE | Our rooms will be closed on Thursday 26th March 2020 due to the Toowoomba Royal Show Public Holiday and will re-open on Friday 27th March 2020 at 8.00 am (with phone lines switched over from 9.00 am).

03.01.2022 | LABOUR DAY CLOSURE | Our rooms will be closed on Monday 4th May 2020 for the Queensland Labour Day Holiday. We will re-open on Tuesday 5th May at 8.00am with phone lines switched over from 9.00am. We hope that everyone enjoys their long weekend :D

03.01.2022 ~ CHRISTMAS CLOSURE ~ Our office will be closed from midday Friday 20 December 2019 (inc) and will re-open on Monday 20 January 2020. Dr Nagel will be on leave from Saturday 21 December 2019 (inc) returning Monday 20 January 2020. Any urgent medical attention during this time should be directed through the Emergency Department at St Vincents Hospital.... We would like to thank everyone for their support throughout 2019 and look forward to seeing you all again in 2020. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and happy and prosperous New Year.

02.01.2022 | HOW IS IBD TREATED? | Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis can be extremely difficult to treat and unfortunately cant be prevented. Patients quite often have to go through a period of trial and error until the right treatment for them is found. Medications can include: - antibiotics - aminosalicylates... - corticosteroids - immunomodulators - biologic therapies - chemotherapy-type drugs. Just because IBD is treatable doesnt mean living with the disease is easy and that symptoms are managed. Some patients go through active flares for years without relief.