#MyGPandMe is a campaign run by Dimensions to help make GP surgeries more accessible for people with learning disabilities and autism. Tom's story shows how lifestyle changes can reduce the need for medication. www.dimensions-uk.org/mygpandme

1. Understanding
constipation
Reducing medication
and improving quality
of life

2. An introduction
It is estimated that half of people with a
learning disability suffer from long-term
constipation.

3. An introduction
Long-term constipation is symptomatic of
poor health.

4. An introduction
It can cause ongoing reductions in quality
of life through discomfort and pain.

5. An introduction
At the time of writing, 97% of people
Dimensions supports with constipation
are prescribed laxatives.

6. An introduction
But this is tackling the symptom – not the
cause.

7. An introduction
We want to keep changing this.

8. An introduction
This is Tom’s story, which shows how this
is possible.

9. The challenge
Tom has Down Syndrome and severe
learning disabilities.

10. The challenge
When Dimensions started supporting him,
he suffered from severe constipation.

11. The challenge
He would sleep through the day and was
on a cocktail of medication.

12. The solution
His support team started making sure his
evening meal was fresh and healthy.

13. The solution
They made sure his medication was given
on time and at regular intervals.

14. The outcome
Tom started getting up at 8am and eating
a healthy breakfast.

15. The outcome
His sleeping pattern improved, bowel
movements were more regular and his
aggression was virtually gone.

16. The outcome
After six months 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 and healthy options changed
Tom’s life.