Why People Don't Tell Their Doctors About Ulcerative Colitis Changes

There are several reasons why people don't tell their doctors about changes in their ulcerative colitis condition. In fact, I have done an article with respect to seeking treatment at all and many of the reasons are the same. Although when someone understands ulcerative colitis, they are more effective at dodging their doctor.

You know, I spend most of my time writing about illnesses and the common thread I see with all illness is the apparent bane of humanity: "We think we know better than anybody and everybody; including our doctor". The sad fact is that we don't know better. We tend to fool ourselves because we don't want to suffer. Frankly, who can blame a person for feeling like that? Problem is, sometimes people escape ugly treatments only to be caught by the grave.

Certainly, however, there are specifics as to why we don't return to our doctor when we should.

Most people who have ulcerative colitis get in tune with their disease. The illness has highs and lows and typically has certain symptoms that the person with the disease can gauge. They just figure when an untoward symptom occurs that it will cease based on their last experience. The problem is few of us keep detailed records so we only have our memory to guide us and that isn't always accurate. We can get into trouble. It is imperative to let the doctor know what is happening so that, if for no other reason, they can chart your course.

Another reason people don't contact their doctor is that they are afraid as to what may occur. If they are in a certain place in their treatment, they worry that they will have to go another step and most everyone with ulcerative colitis knows that an ultimate treatment is colon removal; most people opt out of that choice of treatment and will do anything to avoid it including keeping mum about the reoccurrence of symptoms.

As I have mentioned several times, my wife and I were most fortunate to attend an ulcerative colitis seminar put on by Shire Pharmaceutical in Chicago called "On the Road Again". They presented four marvelous speakers and, further as I have said in other articles if you get a chance to go I urge you to go if they offer one near you.

Part of the information I learned at this wonderful meeting was that people don't tell their doctor what is happening because they are afraid and they are afraid of the unknown. It is not a mystery after all. Not one of us likes to have painful or drastic treatment that we feel changes us somehow as a person.

I think that it is safe to say that fear and familiarity are the two reasons most of us don't get in touch with our doctor. What is the mental "gymnastic" that might be of value?

It is important to remember that no matter how severe your condition is, you have the final say. I remember having the need to have gallbladder surgery and had heard that it was the most painful surgery one could have. All of my doctors tried to push me into the operating room (and that was the right choice). However, I put it off for five years because I was scared but more importantly I could; I had control. After a while a new procedure was discovered and it was a very tolerable procedure.

It is important to stay in touch with your doctor regarding changes. You always have the right to wait for a more tolerable procedure.

Reference:

intelihealth.com
"On the Road Again" Chicago Shire Pharmaceutical April 14, 2008