Ulcerative Colitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Ulcerative colitis (koh-LEYE-tis) is a long-term disease of the colon (large intestine). The colon is a 5 to 6 feet long tube inside your abdomen (belly) where stool is formed. The colon connects your small intestine to your anus (opening through which stool passes). Ulcerative colitis usually involves the rectum and the lower part of the colon, but may also involve the whole colon.
  
  
• It is not exactly known what causes ulcerative colitis. Problems with the immune system and the way the colon handles infection are thought to cause this disease. With ulcerative colitis, there is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Tiny open sores or ulcers form on the lining, where they bleed and make pus and mucus. This causes a crampy abdominal (stomach) pain and bloody diarrhea (loose bowel movements with blood in them). You may have times with few or no symptoms which is called a remission (quiet). At other times, you may have more signs or symptoms which is called a relapse (active). Ulcerative colitis is treated with medicines and surgery.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

• Record in a diary the number of bowel movements (BMs) you have each day and describe the color and form (liquid, soft, or hard). Write in your diary if you saw blood in your BM. Bring the diary with you when see your caregiver.
  
  

Wellness hints:

• Eat a healthy diet. Keep a record of what food or drinks make your symptoms worse. Drink 8 to 10 (eight ounce) cups of liquid each day. Follow your caregiver's advice if you must limit the amount of liquid you drink. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may be found in beer, wine, vodka and other adult drinks.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver about developing an exercise program with you. Exercise helps your colon work more regularly. It also helps make the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy.
  
  
• Stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

For support and more information: Having ulcerative colitis is a life-changing illness for you and your family. Accepting that you have ulcerative colitis may be hard. You and those around you may feel scared, confused, and anxious. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregiver, family or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group with other people who have ulcerative colitis. Call or write the following organizations for more information:

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
  2 Information Way
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
  Phone: 1-800-8915389
  Web Address: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
  

• Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.
  386 Park Avenue S, 17th Floor
  New York, NY 10016-8004
  Phone: 1-800-932-2423
  Web Address: http://www.ccfa.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• The pain in your abdomen (belly) does not go away or gets worse after taking your medicine.
  
  
• Your abdomen is swollen or is getting larger.
  
  
• You are losing weight without trying.
  
  
• You see blood in your BM.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about ulcerative colitis, your treatment, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• You have a fast heart rate, fast breathing, or are too dizzy to stand up.
  
  
• You have severe pain in your stomach.
  
  
• You have vomited blood or your vomit looks like coffee grounds.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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