The Best Resources I've Found on Ulcerative Colitis

When you have a disease like ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to find ways to cope with your illness. Most people don't like to talk about their most recent bowel movements, and they are even less likely to talk about subjects like colon and rectal irritation. This is why it helps if you have a few solid resources, both online and in your community.

Some of us, for example, don't like the idea of an in-person support group for ulcerative colitis because it forces you to talk about very intimate subjects in front of strangers. It helps, in many cases, to find online resources that provide a little bit of blessed anonymity, while still connecting with others who share the same struggles.

DailyStrength.org is one of the best online resources I've found for sufferers of ulcerative colitis. They have online support groups for many different diseases and disorders, but they do have one specifically for ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease. Not only can you discuss treatment options, daily struggles and other issues in the forums, but there are also dozens of helpful articles that can lead to new ideas and inspiration.

You might also want to visit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), which has more than 40 chapters nationwide and is dedicated to finding support groups in every area of the country for those with ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease. They also post up-to-date information about medications and other treatment options that are currently being explored by medical researchers. One of the best ways to battle UC is to be knowledgeable about progress.

If you aren't interested in joining support groups, but still want accurate resources for ulcerative colitis, there are plenty of ways to find information, both on the Internet and in print. The National Institute of Health, for example, has dedicated a portion of their web site to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, which provides quite a bit of information on the causes, symptoms, treatment and maintenance of ulcerative colitis.

You should also check out LivingWithUC.com. This web site provides tons of resources and information on ulcerative colitis, from travel tips to how to eat smart when you're living with the disease. They also have a question-and-answer section that is written by physicians and other health professionals.

If you are more interested in tangible resources for ulcerative colitis, there are plenty of print publications that would make outstanding additions to your home library. For example, The First Year: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Jill Sklar is an excellent resource if you've just found out that you have the disease. It provides practical information about your diet and medications, but also lifestyle advice as you become familiar with the dos and don'ts.

I also recommend Coping Successfully with Ulcerative Colitis by Peter Cartwright, which is an excellent resource for anyone dealing with ulcerative colitis. It goes into detail about common problems that UC sufferers face, and how to overcome them using various tools at your disposal. It even has tips for living with a pouch or an ileostomy.