How to navigate ulcerative colitis treatment in Australia

Physical health

Ulcerative colitis significantly impacts physical health. Symptoms such as often having stomach pain, cramps, and continuous diarrhoea can be tiring and debilitating. Bleeding from the rectum or feeling a constant need to use the bathroom can be highly distressing for patients. Long-lasting inflammation and high frequency of bowel movements are common triggers for insufficient absorption of nutrients, which can result in vitamin and mineral deficits, and may result in medical conditions like anaemia and a considerable drop in body weight. Furthermore, constant inflammation combined with the body’s immune system response can cause significant fatigue, which makes it difficult to carry out daily activities and lowers overall energy levels.

Mental and emotional health

Ulcerative colitis is unpredictable. People with ulcerative colitis often worry about whether there are enough bathrooms and they might have an accident that could make them feel embarrassed, causing extra anxiety in public or social occasions. Living with a long-lasting sickness can also make someone feel alone, sad and downcast. This is especially true when there have been significant changes to their lifestyle and social activities. Useful methods for handling the emotional effects of ulcerative colitis include developing good coping skills and having a solid support network. Therapy, groups that give support, and other resources can assist patients with the mental and emotional problems that come up when living with ulcerative colitis.

Social and professional life

Ulcerative colitis hinders and causes problems in work and school pursuits. People with ulcerative colitis might have symptoms that can disrupt attendance and performance, necessitating time off for medical appointments, treatments, and severe flare-ups if and when they occur. Additionally, socialising and participating in activities could be restricted by the requirement to stay near a bathroom as well as the fear of unexpected symptoms appearing. This might cause public isolation anxiety impacting their personal connections and social involvement. For ulcerative colitis patients, making plans for trips and journeys could be extra stressful because they have to think about toilet access and how travel might exacerbate their symptoms.

Quality of life

Ulcerative colitis patients undergo a significant change in their quality of life, which can disturb daily routines and may necessitate important modifications to lifestyle, like strict timing for medications, limits on what they eat or regular visits with gastrointestinal specialists. There are also health complications that happen for a long time with ulcerative colitis, like a higher possibility of colon cancer and weak bones, also known as osteoporosis or liver disease. Regular monitoring and preventive care are essential to manage these risks effectively. Dealing with a long-term and chronic condition like ulcerative colitis can be a financial burden because of the constant need for medication, treatments, and visits to the doctor.

Colectomy

Colectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion or the entirety of the colon. There are two primary types of colectomy: total colectomy and partial colectomy.

Proctocolectomy

Proctocolectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of both the colon and the rectum. The two main types of proctocolectomy are total proctocolectomy and subtotal proctocolectomy.

Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis (IPAA or J-Pouch)

This is a complex surgical procedure that creates a reservoir within the body for stool storage and elimination in individuals who have undergone removal of the colon and rectum.

Ileostomy

A surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the abdominal wall through which a portion of the small intestine is brought to the surface when the colon and rectum are removed.