Managing Chronic Diarrhea When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

I would rather suffer from just about any other malady than chronic diarrhea, but when you have ulcerative colitis, you don't get much choice. The gods of inflammatory bowel disease won't barter for less-debilitating symptoms---you know, I'll give you two headaches a week and three days of fatigue for your chronic diarrhea. Instead, you have to suffer through and come up with unique ways of managing chronic diarrhea so that it doesn't completely disrupt your life.

No Set Schedule

The first thing I learned about managing chronic diarrhea is that you can't predict when it might become an issue. If you have ulcerative colitis, you know that diarrhea can strike without any notice at all, and that you have limited time to make accommodations for yourself. Whether you're driving to Disney World with your family or sitting in an important meeting with your boss, the body needs what it needs.

Therefore, you have to learn how to roll with the punches in managing chronic diarrhea. One of the best ways to do this is to let people know you have ulcerative colitis, and that your plans might change with little notice. This isn't something you necessarily want to write on a memo to everyone in your office, but letting your superior know that you have an uncontrollable condition can make your life easier.

Make Friends with OTC Drugs

If I've learned one thing from my life with ulcerative colitis, it's that over-the-counter medications are usually just as effective as the ones for which you need a prescription. I've had just as much success with Imodium and Pepto Bismol for chronic diarrhea as with more expensive prescriptions, and they are often easier on the stomach. If you have this problem, start stocking up on your favorite medications and keep them handy.