Ulcerative Colitis Information: Build an Arsenal of Knowledge to Battle This Disease

You've had some unexplained and somewhat scary symptoms; you have been through some tests that are uncomfortable and somewhat demeaning; and, then, the physician looks you right in the eye and tells you it wasn't an irritable bowel or the flu: you have ulcerative colitis.

If you are computer savvy the key site I would use (and I have gone to it frequently) is WebMD. Everything relating to different therapies and severities of ulcerative colitis, as well as progress being made, is at the site.

Looking for ulcerative colitis resources for me, however, has always been more than trying to look up things online. I have tried to find "live" and "touchable" help and support.

Ulcerative colitis is a very lonely and ever-changing illness. It is chronic and learning to live with ulcerative colitis is an ongoing process.

I have been able to find several local ulcerative colitis support groups with help from my gastroenterologist, and, of course, the physician is the place to start for support resources for learning about ulcerative colitis.

These ulcerative colitis support groups are great for sharing ideas about how to prevent flares, and how to maintain a good quality of life. Often hospitals sponsor them or gastroenterology group practice.

A trick I learned is to visit hospital lobbies. In virtually every hospital there are about 100 brochures on varying topics. You will find information not only on ulcerative colitis but related illnesses that one may be subject to from having ulcerative colitis.

Medication instructions are very valuable and, in fact, I invested $9.95 in a Pharmaceutical Reference Guide that allows me to be fully informed about the meds I take for ulcerative colitis as well as the side effects they cause.

The library is an excellent source for information about ulcerative colitis. We are lucky in Peoria in that we have a medical school and, believe it or not, we get reciprocal lending privileges if we belong to the public library. Magazine articles, DVDs and books are easy to come by on the topic of ulcerative colitis at both libraries.

Probably no greater source of information about ulcerative colitis has been as valuable to me as the hospital dietician that I was referred to by my doctor. The dietician can "dovetail" your medical care needs with those foods that are most helpful to your health, especially when it has been compromised by ulcerative colitis.

I have always made it a point to share with friends and family that I am always interested in ulcerative colitis suggestions. I have got some just by creating this additional ulcerative colitis "support group." Unless you tell people it is OK to talk to you about your medical problem, some will feel they shouldn't bring it up.

Lastly, two wonderful resources have been organic foods and my pharmacist. I have learned that organic food is easier on my bowel and easier to digest. Additionally it is better, I believe, for immune system defense.

My pharmacist has been available to me for questions regarding side effects of ulcerative colitis medications and the interaction of over-the-counter ulcerative colitis medications with prescription ulcerative colitis medications, as well as helping me differentiate between side effects that are mild and those that I should watch closely. It is important to remember that even a simple over-the-counter cold remedy can have severe consequences if combined with the wrong prescription medication.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and complex illness. The old adage "To be forewarned is to be forearmed" definitely applies. The ulcerative colitis sufferer immediately needs to begin to build an arsenal of knowledge to battle this severe illness.