Kids, Sports & Ulcerative Colitis

Kids with ulcerative colitis often have trouble leading normal lives because their needs are far more serious than those of other children. They need constant access to a restroom, time to rest when pain flares up, and support from all of the adults in their lives. Sports present yet another problem, because even kids with ulcerative colitis enjoy leading active lives.

When I was younger and didn't know that my problems were related to ulcerative colitis, I played baseball and basketball, and I rode horses in the evenings. I think you can probably figure out which sport made me the most uncomfortable, but sports are always difficult for kids with ulcerative colitis. As a parent, you can help your child cope with this disease and pursue the sports that interest them most.

Types of Sports

Generally speaking, sports which involve as little constant motion as possible are the best for kids with ulcerative colitis. For example, golf would probably be a better choice than football. Of course, kids can play whatever sports they feel comfortable playing as long as they realize the inherent risks. The most important thing is choosing an activity that gives the child frequent access to public restrooms.

Basketball was usually better than baseball because it was played indoors. Whenever I felt the urge to go to the bathroom, I could leave the gym and find the school facilities rather than having to walk across a field to a Port-A-Potty. If you have a child with ulcerative colitis, you can assist by helping him or her locate restrooms in advance - for example, if you're traveling to an 'away' game.

For some people I've talked to, constant movement increases the frequency of ulcerative colitis flare-ups. I'm the opposite, and periods of inactivity are the most detrimental. Horseback riding was uncomfortable not because I had to use the restroom, but because kids with ulcerative colitis frequently suffer from sore backsides. Talk to your kid and find out when he or she is the most uncomfortable, then find a sport that doesn't cause such discomfort.

Disclosing Private Information

As a parent, your first instinct might be to communicate your child's problem to the coach, explaining about ulcerative colitis and the major symptoms. This would reasonably make your child's life easier, but it can also complicate matters. If your child is extremely private, it might simply cause further embarrassment.

Talk to your child about ulcerative colitis and who he or she wants to know about it. Coaches can be very discrete, and telling a coach doesn't mean that the rest of his or her teammates are going to find out. However, anxiety can increase the symptoms of this disease, so try not to do anything that's going to make it worse.

Family Activities

Some kids who have ulcerative colitis are simply not comfortable participating in sports, which is perfectly all right. You can help your child to have an active lifestyle by promoting family activities, such as walks in the park or Saturday games of flag football. Just because your child has a disease doesn't mean that he or she needs to spend every afternoon in front of the television.

Family activities also help create a safe and supportive environment for kids. They don't have to worry about missing practice when they just don't feel very well, and they don't have to live with constant paranoia about their friends finding out. You can support your child in whatever he or she decides to do, but try not to force anything that will make him or her uncomfortable.