Ulcerative Colitis & Hot Tubs: Relax, Relax, Relax!

Hot tubs ease and in my case sometimes eradicate abdominal pain.

I have an ulcerative colitis condition and my biggest "flare" problem is cramping in the abdomen which feels more like a muscle cramp although obviously it isn't.

My wife and I found a local hotel that allows us to use their pool and hot tub for only three dollars per day. The pool is more of a "walking pool" but the hot tub is huge. We can make the hot tub's jets point where we want and the water is a cutting edge 102 degrees.

As I said, the hot tub has an amazing impact on me whether I am cramping or if I am just there to exercise. Allowing the jets to hit my back muscles relaxes them which in turn eases the tension on my abdomen. Further, it relieves stress and helps me relax; important for reducing flares of any magnitude.

My wife and I are lucky in that few people use the pool and hot tub when we do so it is almost like having a private pool. An additional benefit of this situation is that my wife and I have an opportunity to talk and relax together.

My doctor and I have never discussed "why" hot tubs specifically aid my abdominal cramping, but her general comments have always favored muscle relaxation and relief of stress as the reason; I agree with her; sometimes I get so relaxed I feel like I'm going to go to sleep. When I am hurting from abdominal cramping and I get in the hot tub, it doesn't take rocket science to understand that my abdominal muscles are relaxing.

I have noticed that while in the hot tub movement helps relax me. Further, I have leg exercises that I employ by "clinching" my muscles and then relaxing them. I have done this with most muscle groups at one time or another and certainly when I have abdominal cramping.

As a person with an ulcerative colitis condition, I have found that it is better to keep a solid schedule. I do this during my hot tub sessions by going from head to toe clinching then releasing muscles and I start with the abdomen when I have abdominal cramping.

I have found that I need to be aware of sweating. Lack of fluids can compound one's condition and it is hard to know how much fluid you are losing when you're wet. I have exited the hot tub feeling a little dizzy until I got a drink of water.

It is certain that some hotel or other facility with a hot tub is available for your use. I highly recommend it because it does work for abdominal cramping and so much more.