Basic Coping Methods for Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

In all of the years that I have suffered from ulcerative colitis, I have had to deal with many of the unpleasant symptoms that are just part of the package when you have ulcerative colitis. I have learned that there is no cure or treatment that will work for everyone.

One of the easiest symptoms of ulcerative colitis for me to deal with is the stomach cramping and abdominal pain. I say that this is one of the easiest because there are a lot of different ways to cope with these. You can take pain reliever, exercise, use a heating pad, take a warm bath or get a massage.

I cope with my stomach pains by using all of those methods plus I pray and meditate on feeling better. Mind over matter works sometimes.

Rectal irritation is another unpleasant side effect associated with ulcerative colitis. This is another one that is easy to cope with because there are products available over the counter to help with this problem.

Sometimes, all that is necessary to help cope with this symptom is using wet wipes or baby wipes instead of tissue. This is especially important during a flare up. Toilet tissue is rough and dry and can make rectal irritation worse. By using baby wipes, the friction when you wipe is reduced.

In addition, petroleum jelly or hemorrhoid cream can be applied to the rectal area to help ease the pain. A cool compress can help too. Sometimes, I use witch hazel to make the irritation feel better.

One of the most difficult symptoms to deal with is the frequent need to go to the bathroom right away during a flare up. This urgency often causes fecal incontinence or the inability to hold in a bowel movement. This can cause embarrassing accidents. There is no easy way to cope with this symptom.

In most cases, dealing with the urgent needs is more a matter of advanced planning when you are in the middle of a flare up. Staying close to the bathroom, wearing accessible clothing, using bladder incontinence pads and having a change of clothes are all ways to cope with this symptom of ulcerative colitis.