Finding Ulcerative Colitis Support in Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas, is the fourth largest city in the entire United States and boasts a population of more than two million people. It stands to reason that there are hundreds of people in the Houston area who suffer from ulcerative colitis, especially since the disease isn't all that rare to begin with. But how do you find support for ulcerative colitis in Houston, Texas?

Ulcerative Colitis Support Groups

The best resource I've found for ulcerative colitis is the Houston, Texas, chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). They have three Houston-area support groups composed of several hundred members, some of whom are active in the organization, and some of whom just show up to meetings when they need some extra support.

The main Houston location meets the second Tuesday of every month from 7:30-8:45 in the evening. Discussions range from dealing with pain to finding the best over-the-counter and alternative remedies, to the best doctors for dealing with ulcerative colitis. They meet at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, which is located at 717 Sage Road, near the Woodway intersection.

Hospitals & Treatment Centers

The Methodist Hospital System, which has nine offices and four separate hospital facilities, is the best in my opinion for ulcerative colitis support in Houston, Texas. They have more than 100 gastroenterology physicians between all of their locations, and they accept a wide range of insurance plans. I've always found the support, guidance and care to be above average at both their downtown hospital (medical center) and their San Jacinto location.

Although this has never been something I've been interested in, some of the people I've met at the CCFA support group have spoken highly of the Acupuncture Houston Clinic, which is located at 3400 Bissonnet St. Suite 201. They serve patients with both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, using acupuncture to relieve pain, stress and discomfort. If you are interested in alternative therapies for your case of ulcerative colitis, you can call them with any questions at 713.807.9592.

Ulcerative Colitis-Friendly Restaurants

One of the main problems that ulcerative colitis sufferers deal with on a daily basis is diet. If your friends or family members want to go out to eat, you have to comb the menu for something that won't set off a painful flare-up. There are a few restaurants in Houston, Texas, however, that I've found to be mild on the gastrointestinal system, reducing or eliminating the possibility of negative consequences.

The Olive Garden, for example, has several locations in Houston, and is easy on the stomach while still providing tasty and nutritious meals. Their salmon dish is one of the best I've ever tried, and can provide you with essential nutrients that are frequently lost while ulcerative colitis is active. They also have mild pasta dishes that don't come with the spicy ingredients that can agitate the stomach.

It is also difficult to find Mexican restaurants that won't result in flare-ups or discomfort. The Red Onion is the perfect choice for ulcerative colitis sufferers in Houston, Texas. It is composed mostly of Latin dishes central to Honduras, and won't be as hard on your system as more "Tex-Mex" type restaurants. They have a location on Eldridge at Enclave Parkway, and two others on the Northwest Freeway.

Medical Supply

Many sufferers of ulcerative colitis need access to top-quality medical supply stores in which they can purchase things to help deal with the symptoms of flare-ups. Doughnut pillows, for example, can help ease the pain of sitting down after a flare-up. Other supplies, including ostomy cleaning solutions, catheters, stoma appliances and sitz baths, can make a big difference in your quality of life. There are several medical supply stores in the Houston area.

Jansen Medical Supply is one such store, and is located at 6125 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Ste. 201. They have a wide range of ostomy products available as well as products for comfort, such as the aforementioned doughnut pillows. I would also check out Fidelity Home Medical, which is located at 2121 Brittmoore Road.