Ask Your Doctor About Ulcerative Colitis: Lifestyle

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Ask Your Doctor About Ulcerative Colitis: Lifestyle

How can I cope with the physical and emotional symptoms that I am experiencing?
When you or someone you care for is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it may seem that your life has been turned upside down. You will probably feel many different emotions. There may be some relief to learn what is causing your symptoms, but you also may be upset, confused and anxious about how you will cope with this disease. Although you did nothing to cause this to happen, you may feel shame or embarrassment. Of course, everyone's emotional response to illness is different. You may ask:

  • How can I deal with physical symptoms such as urgency, diarrhea and gas when I am out in public?
  • Will the symptoms make it hard for me to work and to travel?
  • Can I continue usual activities such as sports and exercise?
  • How will my family, friends and co-workers respond to me now? How do I tell them about this disease?
  • Will this change my ability to have intimate relationships?

Because ulcerative colitis can have a significant effect on your daily life, it is understood that you may have emotional symptoms along with your physical ones. While emotional distress does not cause the disease, it can make it more difficult to cope with and may even cause an increase in flare-ups. Stress may have an effect on your digestive system that can lead to an increase in symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps and gas. Learning new coping skills takes time and requires help and support. You can begin by turning to your healthcare team for answers to your questions, information about treatment and ideas for increasing your support system.

Dealing with physical symptoms
Even if your symptoms are mild, you will probably feel a great deal of stress in your day-to-day life as you learn to manage them. You may feel that your life has become centered on always being near a bathroom. Planning ahead may help to reduce these worries. Knowing where public restrooms are located as you go about your normal life can relieve a great deal of stress. Discuss with your doctor effective medications and symptomatic therapies that you can use to manage symptoms. Exercise is an important way to reduce stress. Go slowly and allow yourself to adjust to your disease at your own pace.

Many patients feel that stress worsens their condition. Learn about stress management. As you become less anxious, your symptoms may improve or at least your ability to manage the symptoms will. Some activities that promote relaxation and inner peacefulness include:

  • Mindful activities such as yoga or meditation
  • Taking deep, relaxing breaths or practicing breathing techniques
  • Progressive relaxation or visualization exercises
  • Personal stress busters—such as listening to music, soaking in the tub, enjoying nature

Work, travel, and exercise
The goal is to live as well as you can and to continue to do all the things that make life meaningful for you. If your doctor feels you are able, you should continue to work and exercise, although during active relapses you may find that you need to stop and rest or relax more than before. Your workplace is required, by law, to make appropriate adjustments that allow you to continue to perform your job. When you travel, plan ahead and take reasonable precautions. Carry extra medications with you, bring a letter from your physician that describes the disease and your medications, and discuss with your doctor any additional details about managing a flare-up while traveling. If you are traveling somewhere that traveler's diarrhea is possible, you should discuss effective prevention methods with your doctor, since an infection can trigger relapse of ulcerative colitis when it is in remission.

Relationships, dating and intimacy
Having ulcerative colitis may have an effect on your self-image, sexuality and sexual functioning. Because the disease commonly affects young people, it may occur in adolescence, just as one's sexual identity is developing. People who are dating may not want to have to explain their situation to someone they don't yet know very well. People who are in intimate relationships may find that a previous pattern of sexual functioning will need to be altered in ways that also affect their partner.

One very important factor in developing and maintaining a healthy self-image is getting enough support. Family members and partners who understand that the symptoms are due to the illness will help provide reassurance, understanding and loving support. Parents of adolescents with ulcerative colitis need to help their teenagers develop a positive body image and normal expectations for intimacy. Above all, individuals with any chronic disease need encouragement to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Encourage your family and friends to learn about the disease. Bring them with you to an educational symposium or share links to helpful Web sites.

More information
You should learn as much as possible about this disease and what to expect as you are learning to live with it. Friends and family can show support by learning about the disease as well. It is important to learn techniques to reduce stress in your life. You may want to join a support group where you can meet and talk to other people with ulcerative colitis. If your emotions are making it very difficult to cope with your illness, you should share these feelings with your doctor and discuss them with a counselor or therapist.

Use reliable sources of information such as trusted Web sites and experienced professionals. Ask lots of questions and be assertive about gaining control of this condition. If you are knowledgeable about the disease and available therapies, you will be more successful and empowered to control the disease and maintain your health.

                  
This project is supported through an educational grant from Shire Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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