You were in the hospital because you have ulcerative colitis, swelling of the inner lining of your colon and rectum. It damages the lining in spots (leaving ulcers) and causes it to bleed or ooze cloudy mucus or pus.
You probably received fluids through an intravenous (IV) tube in your vein. You may have received a blood transfusion, nutrition through a feeding tube or IV, and drugs to help stop diarrhea. Your doctor may have prescribed drugs to reduce swelling, prevent or fight infection, or help your immune system.
Surgery may have been needed (rarely). If so you, you may have had either ileostomy or small bowel resection repair surgery
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Most people will have long breaks between flare-ups of their ulcerative colitis.
When you first go home, your doctor may ask you to drink only liquids or eat different foods from what you normally eat. Ask your doctor when you can start your regular diet.
You should eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. It is important that you get enough calories, protein, and essential nutrients from a variety of food groups.
Certain foods and drinks can make your symptoms worse. These foods may cause problems for you all the time or only during a flare-up. Try to avoid foods that make your signs and symptoms worse.
If your body does not digest dairy foods well, limit dairy products. Try low-lactose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, and an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose. If you must stop eating dairy products, talk with a dietitian about getting enough calcium.
Eat low-fat foods. Avoid high-fat foods, such as butter, nuts, peanut butter, mayonnaise, ice cream, fried foods, chocolate, and red meat.
Too much fiber may make your symptoms worse. Try baking or stewing fruits and vegetables if eating them raw bothers you.
Avoid foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans, spicy food, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, raw fruit juices, and fruits -- especially citrus fruits. Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine. They may make your diarrhea worse.
Eat smaller meals, and eat more often. Drink plenty of liquids.
Ask your doctor about extra vitamins and minerals you may need:
Talk with a dietitian, especially if you lose weight or your diet becomes very limited.
You may feel worried about having a bowel accident, embarrassed, or even feel sad or depressed. Other stressful events in your life, such as moving, job loss, or the loss of a loved one, can cause problems with your digestion.
Ask your doctor or nurse about these tips to help you manage your ulcerative colitis:
Your doctor may give you some drugs to help relieve your symptoms. Based on how severe your ulcerative colitis is and how you respond to treatment, your doctor may recommend one or more of these drugs:
There are many types of drugs your doctor may use to prevent or treat attacks of your ulcerative colitis.
Your ongoing care will be based on your unique needs. The doctor will tell you when to return for an exam where the inside of your rectum and colon is checked through a flexible tube (colonoscopy).
Call your doctor or nurse if you have:
Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis - discharge; Ulcerative proctitis - discharge; Colitis - discharge