Southwest Gastroenterology

10/30/2025

Providers, patients, and local leaders: let’s chart a path forward.

👉 Register: patientlednm.org/events

10/28/2025

Patient care in New Mexico impacts us all. Learn more, hear from others, and get involved through Patient-Led NM. Click their link below to participate in the ABQ summit.

Don’t let NM’s largest metro go unheard.

👉 Sign up today: patientlednm.org/events

10/23/2025

Happy Medical Assistance Recognition Week!
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional care to every patient, but that wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful Medical Assistants.

Their skill, compassion, and dedication make all the difference each day. They work side by side with our providers to ensure every patient receives the attention and care they deserve.
To our MAs: thank you for being the heart of our team and for everything you do to help us live our mission every day. 💕

10/17/2025

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Dr. Beth Begay Breast Cancer Survivor: "Surviving cancer taught me this- joy is not the absence of pain, but the presence of purpose. Go Pink!"

We honor those currently fighting, we remember those we’ve lost, and we celebrate the survivors. To everyone touched by breast cancer, you are not alone. Your strength and stories matter, and they remind us why awareness is so important. 💕

Let’s continue to raise awareness, support one another, and encourage regular screenings because together, we can make a difference.
🎗️ Wear pink. Get screened. Share hope.
https://www.bcrf.org/

10/03/2025

October 2nd was National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day, and while we may be a day late, the gratitude is always right on time.

We want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible custodial staff. Their hard work, attention to detail, and dedication keep our facilities clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. Often their efforts happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt by everyone who walks through our doors—patients, visitors, and staff alike.

To our custodial team: thank you for all that you do. Your work is essential, and we truly appreciate you! 🙏💙

09/24/2025

Celiac Disease
🌾 Gluten isn’t just a trend—it’s a real trigger for some. Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten.

What you should know:
It damages the small intestine and blocks nutrient absorption.
Symptoms can be GI-related (bloating, diarrhea) or non-GI (fatigue, anemia, joint pain).
Blood tests and endoscopy are used for diagnosis.
The only treatment? A 100% gluten-free diet for life.
It’s not the same as gluten sensitivity—this is an immune disorder.

Important: Never go gluten-free before testing!

📄 Patient Resource:
Celiac Disease – NIH Patient Guide
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease

09/22/2025

🍂
Fall & Constipation: Drink Up to Stay Moving
As the air gets cooler, it’s more common to unintentionally reduce how much water we drink. Less hydration can lead to harder, drier stools and constipation. The colon pulls extra water from stool when your fluid intake is low, making it more difficult to pass.
Here are some useful tips to stay regular this fall:

Aim for 8+ glasses of water per day, more if you’re active or outside.
Include warm broths, herbal teas, and hydrating fruits (like watermelon, oranges) to help.
Increase fiber gradually by adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber without enough water can actually worsen constipation.
Make time for light daily movement. Even walking or stretching helps stimulate bowel function.
Pay attention to your body: go when you feel the urge (don’t delay).
Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable- it can affect mood, energy, and even lead to deeper health issues if ongoing. Staying hydrated + fiber-rich = smoother digestion.

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/dietary-fiber-the-natural-solution-for-constipation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253

09/22/2025

At New Mexico’s three Air Force bases — Kirtland in Albuquerque, Cannon near Clovis and Holloman outside of Alamogordo — the lack of specialty medical care is a major deterrent

09/16/2025

💻 Happy IT Professionals Day! 💻
Today, we celebrate the amazing people who keep us operating! A huge thank-you to our amazing IT department for keeping patient records secure, ensuring our systems stay up and running, and supporting all users. Your expertise keeps us caring for patients without interruption.

09/11/2025

In 2024, there were 512 suicides in the state, 42 more than in 2023, NMDOH officials said.

09/10/2025

Gallbladder Disease (Gallstones / Cholecystitis)

💥 Sharp pain in the right upper belly, especially after fatty meals? Your gallbladder might be the culprit.

What You Should Know:
Gallstones form when bile components (like cholesterol) harden in the gallbladder. Some people have them and never know it—but others experience intense symptoms. When a stone blocks the bile duct, it causes a “gallbladder attack”—typically sudden pain in the upper right abdomen or under the ribs, sometimes radiating to the back or shoulder.

Other symptoms may include:
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating and indigestion
Pain after eating, especially greasy or fatty meals
Fever or chills (in cases of infection)

Who's at risk?
Women (especially those who are pregnant or postpartum)
Adults over 40
People who have experienced rapid weight loss or weight cycling
Those with a family history of gallstones

Don’t ignore repeated attacks—untreated gallbladder disease can lead to inflammation (cholecystitis), infection, or even pancreatitis.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22976-gallbladder-disease

09/05/2025

IBD (Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis)
⚠️ IBD is not the same as IBS. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that can damage your gut.

What you should know:
Crohn’s can affect any part of the GI tract. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon.

Common symptoms: diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, weight loss.

It’s diagnosed with imaging, scopes, and labs.

Treatment can include medications, biologics, or surgery.

Bottom line: Early diagnosis and a GI specialist are key.

📄 Patient Resource:
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – Living with IBD
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

Common symptoms: diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss.isease