5 steps to living well with ulcerative colitis

There is no cure for ulcerative colitis (UC), but there are treatments that can help control inflammation, ease symptoms, and address or prevent complications. Another focus of treatment is improving quality of life. UC and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—like Crohn’s disease—can prevent a person from doing many things and interfere with normal life in many ways.

If you are living with UC, the following strategies may help you take a proactive approach to managing the condition and enjoying the things you enjoy.

Learn everything you can

Educating yourself about UC can help you make more informed decisions about your treatment. A great place to start learning are your healthcare providers. Treatment for UC is typically overseen by a gastroenterologist, but it may also include other providers.

Because every case of UC is different, your healthcare team is your best source of information. If you have a question about your diagnosis, ask. You can also ask if there are any patient education materials that you can take with you, such as pamphlets or patient brochures.

Find emotional support

Coping with a chronic medical condition can be difficult. A disease like UC can impact your quality of life and your sense of self-esteem. Family members and friends can be good sources of emotional support and understanding. Many people living with a chronic illness also find it helpful to work with a counselor or therapist. Because the only people who really know what it’s like to live with UC are other people who have the disease, consider joining a support group.

Keep a journal

Keeping a record of what you eat, what you do, how you feel, and your symptoms can help you identify triggers and patterns in symptoms. Food is one of the most important things you can record—write down what you eat, at what times, and the portion sizes.

Writing down a summary of your day—where you went and what you did—can also help identify triggers. Pay attention to things like your mood, if you felt stressed, and your energy levels.

Also keep track of any information you can about symptoms—when a symptom started, the severity, and anything you did to alleviate it. While this can seem like a bit of work, this information can be very helpful to you and your healthcare providers.

Plan ahead

As mentioned above, your quality of life should be an important focus of treatment for IBD. Planning ahead can help you continue to enjoy things like exercise, hobbies, and social engagements. Being prepared can help put your mind more at ease while you are out. This may include scheduling an outing during a time of day when you’re typically feeling good or taking some time to relax before going out. While you’re out, planning ahead may involve knowing where the restrooms are and having an emergency kit ready in case symptoms occur.

Follow your treatment plan

UC tends to follow a cycle of remission and relapse—symptoms go away at times, then flare up at other times. It is important to follow your treatment plan, even during those times when you are feeling good. This means taking medications as prescribed, keeping your appointments with your healthcare providers, avoiding triggers, and trying to live an overall healthy lifestyle.