Ulcerative colitis functions very much like the tide; it ebbs and flows in remissions and relapses, though without the predictability of the ocean’s waves. Obviously, an ulcerative colitis relapse is far more difficult to endure than the periods of remission, and many patients slip into bouts of depression or even anxiety when UC returns. However, learning to manage an ulcerative colitis relapse will help you get through to the other side.
Keep a Calendar
I mentioned above that your next ulcerative colitis relapse is not necessarily predictable, but some patients do have fairly regular remissions. When UC returns, mark the date on a calendar you set aside for just this purpose, then mark the day again when the flare-up diminishes. After several months of this, you might start to see patterns related to the time of the month, your stress levels or other indices that might help you predict when a flare-up will come.
Just because you’re prepared for an ulcerative colitis relapse doesn’t mean that it will be easy to endure, but you’ll be able to make arrangements to better suit your lifestyle. For example, you might ask your boss if you can telecommute during those days, or you might want to cancel travel in preparation for your UC flare-up.
Tell Someone
Suffering through an ulcerative colitis relapse alone isn’t necessary. This might not be the kind of news that you want to shout from the rooftops, but your close friends and family aren’t going to make fun or judge. Telling your spouse, parents, best friend or siblings when UC returns can help you get through the flare-up, especially if you might need to seek medical care.
Furthermore, you might be irritable or depressed during an ulcerative colitis relapse, and telling those who love you what’s going on can make it easier on them as well. They’ll understand when you leave in the middle of a conversation to use the restroom, or when you snap at them with no provocation.
Although most studies indicate that diet has little to do with ulcerative colitis relapses, changing your diet at the start of one can alter its length and severity. Reduce your intake of meat, stop drinking alcoholic beverages, and try not to eat spicy or acidic foods. When UC returns, you’ll also want to increase the amount of water you drink on a daily basis to avoid dehydration, and you might want to talk to your physician about other dietary modifications.
Take Breaks
Stress is a serious factor in all inflammatory bowel diseases, so when you know that you’re on the verge of an ulcerative colitis relapse, take frequent breaks to de-stress. Take long walks (but stay close to home, in case you need to use the restroom), meditate, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. If you find that work is stressing you out, take a book to the office so you can break for 15 minutes every once in a while to focus on something else.
Keep a Journal
Although an ulcerative colitis relapse might not exactly be a “Dear Diary” moment, a journal can help you and your doctor understand why UC returns and how best to treat the disease in the future. The treatment options for UC vary widely, and every case is different, so writing down your symptoms and experiences can make future treatment more efficient. Share your journal entries with your doctor, and bring up any significant changes from one flare-up to the next.
