A Patient's Guide to Finding the Best Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease

Ulcerative Colitis, like many internal diseases is hard to diagnose without tests during a flare up. Successful management of your health when you suffer from ulcerative colitis is important. A family physician, referrals for specialists, patience during testing, collecting history, and second opinions are all valuable techniques to help you get proper ulcerative colitis treatment.

Although I've never had a diagnosis for ulcerative colitis, I've been through many of the tests and traumas ulcerative colitis patients face because of intestinal difficulties that occurred with endometriosis, polyps and an ulcer.

Start by having a Family Physician You Trust

A helpful, knowledgeable family physician is your gateway to obtaining ulcerative colitis treatment. One way to find a family physician you trust is to ask for referrals from friends and family. By having an annual exam, you will build up a relationship together. This will help when you run into difficulties with your ulcerative colitis treatment. A good family physician has contacts with trusted reliable specialists. If you find your specialists don't meet your needs, tell your family physician.

Ask for Referrals

If ulcerative colitis symptoms become so bad that you require tests, your family physician should refer you to specialists that handle tests and surgery. Understand the procedure before you visit the specialist, that way you have some idea of the right questions to ask.

Ask Your Partner, Family Member or Friend to Help You

Sometimes, your emotional state will be such that you find yourself unable to communicate your symptoms. Plan ahead for the questions you will need to answer by listing your family history, symptoms, medications, and durations down on paper. Go over your symptoms with your partner, family member, or friend before your appointment to ensure they understand what you are dealing with enough to talk in your stead. Between your list, your memory, and your helper, you may actually communicate your difficulties to your doctor in an understandable fashion.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms occur in Many Diseases-Be Patient

Because many of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis are also symptoms in other diseases, expect to take a full set of tests before your doctor is able to diagnose your problems. Expect to take blood samples, and a stool sample. Expect to take an upper gastroenterology (GI) barium x-ray, lower GI barium x-ray, potentially a CAT Scan or MRI, potentially a sigmoid scope exam, and potentially a colonoscopy before the doctor understand your difficulties. Expect to try several medications before one works. These tests may take several weeks to set up and take.

Compare Notes with Others

If your ulcerative colitis treatment doesn't seem to be resolving your problem, try one of the ulcerative colitis support groups. If you are willing to join a discussion group, you may find that sharing information about what tests are needed, which drugs worked, and how your treatment is managed can teach the right questions to ask. You may find a great source of referrals. You may find more information about side effects.

If Needed, Get a Second Opinion

If you try a physician and don't get the response or treatment you need, try a second, or a third physician, however many is needed. Some of the worst problems of ulcerative colitis such as a burst colon can cause death if ignored. Don't let your treatment slip because your doctor hasn't helped.