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Yes ulcerative colitis is a life time illness
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∙ 11y ago
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Can insurers deny life insurance coverage due to ulcerative colitis?
Life insurance companies can definitely deny coverage due to ulcerative colitis.Ulcerative Colitis falls into the "impaired risk life insurance" category. It is critical that anyone with ulcerative colitis considering life insurance, work with an impaired risk life insurance expert.Every life insurance company has its own set of underwriting guidelines. Some life insurance companies want nothing to do with you if you have ulcerative colitis, while there are a few companies available that understand ulcerative colitis and how to underwrite it and offer you life insurance.What Do Underwriters Look For:Date and Age at time of diagnosis?How many flare-ups or episodes have you had in the past 6 months, 2 years, and 5 years?Have you been hospitalized for UC?Do you take medications for UC? If yes, what do you take and how much?If you have taken steroids, when did you last take steroids, dosage, and for how long?Have you had surgery for UC? Dates, details needed.Colonoscopy - Dates and results.The right life insurance company will look at your UC and want to know if it is Mild, Moderate or Severe UC, and will make an underwriting determination based on your specific UC history.
Can milk cause Ulcerative Colitis?
The lactose in milk can irritate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, but generally lactose is not believed to be a central CAUSE of ulcerative colitis. However, "fermented milk" - yogurt - may be beneficial because it contains the bacteria that digest lactose for us. These bacteria should be present in our colon, but as we age they often die out, often by the time we are 15 or 20 yrs. old. Eating yogurt [or other fermented foods] will replenish our gut with these beneficial bacteria and they have already digested most of the lactose in the yogurt.
What surgery did Amy brenneman recent have?
Amy Brenneman recently had surgery done due to her battle with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) called Ulcerative Colitis which is basically ulcers of the large intestine. All over google i have seen that her bowels are now "fixed" and "cured". This is not so. Ulcerative Colitis is an uncurable disease. It is unknown what causes it but it can be down to many factors. Genes,Environment,Diet,Stress. So she could not have had her intestines "fixed" the only surgery that can be done for Ulcerative colitis is the removal of the large intestine or to get a pouch attached to your small colon and let your waste into that for a year and let your large bowel heal over time then reattach it back to small intestine. But there is still a risk of it returning. So to me I believe Amy Brenneman now has a colostomy bag. If this is not the case and she had a surgury which "fixed" her bowels well I want the number because I also suffer from Ulcerative Colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis Recognition, Diagnosis and Treatment?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects many men and women. The disease can cause excessive discomfort and pain. UC can make it difficult to lead a normal life without treatment. Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the lower digestive tract. If you have unusually uncomfortable feelings in your lower abdomen, it is a good idea to learn more about ulcerative colitis.RecognitionIf you have ulcerative colitis, you will probably begin to have symptoms for awhile before you realize it is a serious disorder. UC most often makes itself known with diarrhea, often containing pus or blood. At the same time, you may feel abdominal cramping or pain. You might also feel nausea. It is common to feel fatigue after an attack of ulcerative colitis, and some people eventually become anemic. People may lose their appetite, lose weight, and lose nutrients with the body fluids that leave their bodies so quickly. In serious cases, fever and rectal bleeding can become problems.DiagnosisThe first step your doctor will take in diagnosing your disorder will be to ask you if you are having any of the above problems. This will give him a better idea of whether more testing is warranted. If so, he may send you to a gastroenterologist. This doctor specializes in digestive diseases, and will review your answers to the questions as well. Furthermore, she will do a physical exam and possibly order tests. Possible tests include blood tests, stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema x-ray and computerized tomography (CT scan). Putting all the evidence together, the gastroenterologist will determine if you have ulcerative colitis.TreatmentTreatment for ulcerative colitis can take many forms. For people with light to moderate symptoms, sometimes a modified diet may help. Eating less fiber, in this case, can be helpful. Eating bland foods, avoiding carbonated beverages and eating smaller meals can improve the symptoms. There are some medications that can improve UC symptoms, but none that will cure it. If the problems are severe, there are surgeries that can also improve the situation. Ulcerative colitis may be difficult to live with, but with the proper diagnosis and treatment it is possible to live a better life.
Does colitis disappear with time?
Yes sometimes it can disappear in time, and is called burnt out colitis
I know your very busy but I am at a lost I hope you have a few moments to read this and have some advice for me I have had microscopic colitis for about 7 years and been on every medicationI?
Colitis is a life time illness. Microscopic colitis usually is controlled with medication on a long term basis, and very rarely flares up to require surgery
Can Ulcerative Colitis cause muscle pain?
No. That would not be a symptom. Joint pain can be a symptom, but not muscle pain. In opposition to the previous answer, I can tell you from experience that UC can cause widespread, multi-muscle pain. The previous answer said that joint pain can be a symptom, and yes, that is correct, however muscle pain is a distinct and very real side effect. I have had UC for 6 years and with it, multiple lingering pains that no medicine has yet been able to treat. I have deep muscle pain in my back, legs and arms, not to mention the abdominal pain which is so very common with the disease. Only recently have my doctors begun to consider the possibility that the UC has triggered a kind of fibromyalgia (not necessarily the "popular" version of this, but the literal meaning--muscle pain) that is very restricting. I have also been unable to sleep well for a long time, and I have headaches most of the time. My doctor says that new studies have noted that these symptoms are common in people with active ulcerative colitis. If you are concerned about the connection between the muscle pain and ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about it.
Is profuse sweating a side effect of taking prednisone?
Yes! hot flashes, sweating, and clamminess are a VERY common side effect of prednisone. I have ulcerative colitis and have been on and off it many years myself and this happens all the time. The lower the dosage you go, however, this should start to alleviate.
Do people gain weight back after they lose it from ulcerative colitis?
I have that condition but I never actually lost weight. I did gain weight from a steroid my doctors put me on, which I eventually lost most of. But most any time someone loses any significant amount of weight over a short period of time your body is likely to gain it back along with a few additional pounds.
How does crohns disease affect the body?
Colitis can refer to either ulcerative colitis or crohn's colitis. The word colitis means inflammation of the colon which can be present in both diseases. Ulcerative colitis usually starts in the rectum and progresses up the colon, however, by definition it never enters the small intestine. If the colitis affects the entire colon it is referred to as "pan colitis." Ulcerative colitis only affects the mucosal and submucosal layers of the colon and causes continuous diffuse ulceration and inflammation. Crohn's disease is most often found at the ileocecal junction, or the connection between the small and large intestine. It can affect anywhere from the mouth to the rectum and often has both large and small bowel lesions. Crohn's affects all four layers of the digestive system (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa). The lesions in Crohn's are usually deeper and have higher risk of causing perforation for fistulas. Crohn's disease usually presents with "skip lesions" or diseased areas separated by healthy tissue. Both disease can also have extraintestinal complications like arthritis, dermatologic lesions, and oral ulcers.
How long can motion sickness last?
Motion sickness can last quite a long time if you get very sick. This sickness could last many long hours.
Ulcerative colitis?
DefinitionUlcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.See also: Crohn's diseaseAlternative NamesInflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis; IBD - ulcerative colitisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 - 30 and then again at ages 50 - 70.The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large intestine. Repeated swelling (inflammation) leads to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis (severe infection) may occur with severe disease.The symptoms vary in severity and may start slowly or suddenly. Many factors can lead to attacks, including respiratory infections or physical stress.Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis, or Jewish ancestry.SymptomsAbdominal painand cramping that usually disappears after a bowel movementAbdominal sounds (a gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine)Diarrhea, from only a few episodes to very often throughout the day (blood and mucus may be present)FeverTenesmus(rectal pain)Weight lossOther symptoms that may occur with ulcerative colitis include the following:Gastrointestinal bleedingJoint painNausea and vomitingSigns and testsColonoscopy with biopsy is generally used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.Colonoscopy is also used to screen people with ulcerative colitis for colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer. If you have this condition, you should be screened with colonoscopy about 8-12 years after being diagnosed. You should have a follow-up colonoscopy every 1-2 years.Othe tests that may be done to help diagnose this condition include:Barium enemaComplete blood count (CBC)C-reactive protein (CRP)Sedimentation rate (ESR)TreatmentThe goals of treatment are to:Control the acute attacksPrevent repeated attacksHelp the colon healHospitalization is often required for severe attacks. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. You may be given nutrients through an intravenous (IV) line (through a vein).DIET AND NUTRITIONCertain types of foods may worsen diarrhea and gas symptoms, especially during times of active disease. Diet suggestions:Eat small amounts of food throughout the day.Drink lots of water (frequent consumption of small amounts throughout the day).Avoid high-fiber foods (bran, beans, nuts, seeds, and popcorn).Avoid fatty greasy or fried foods and sauces (butter, margarine, and heavy cream).Limit milk products if you are lactose intolerant,. Dairy products are a good source of protein and calcium.Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine.MEDICATIONSMedications that may be used to decrease the number of attacks include:5-aminosalicylates such as mesalamine or sulfazineImmunomodulators such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurineCorticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone) taken by mouth during a flareup or as a rectal suppository, foam, or enemaInfliximab (Remicade) to treat patients who do not respond to other medicationsSURGERYSurgery to remove the colon will cure ulcerative colitis and removes the threat of colon cancer. Surgery is usually for patients who have:Colitis that does not respond to complete medical therapyChanges in the lining of their colon that are felt to be precancerous.Serious complications such as rupture (perforation) of the colon, severe bleeding (hemorrhage), or toxic megacolonMost of the time, the entire colon, including the rectum, is removed. Afterwards, patients may need an ileoostomy (a surgical opening in the abdominal wall), or a procedure that connects the small intestine to the anus to help the patient gain more normal bowel function.See also:Total prolectomy with ileostomyTotal proctolectomy and ileal-anal pouchSupport GroupsSocial support can often help with the stress of dealing with illness, and support group members may also have useful tips for finding the best treatment and coping with the condition.For more information visit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) web site at www.ccfa.org.Expectations (prognosis)About half of patients with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. Patients with more severe ulcerative colitis tend to respond less well to medications.Permanent and complete control of symptoms with medications is unusual. Cure is only possible through complete removal of the large intestine.The risk of colon cancer increases in each decade after ulcerative colitis is diagnosed.ComplicationsAnkylosing spondylitisBlood clotsColorectal cancerColon narrowingComplications of corticosteroid therapyImpaired growth and sexual development in childrenInflammation of the joints (arthritis)Lesions in the eyeLiver diseaseMassive bleeding in the colonMouth ulcersPyoderma gangrenosum (skin ulcer)Tears or holes (perforation) in the colonCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop persistent abdominal pain, new or increased bleeding, persistent fever, or other symptoms of ulcerative colitis.Call your health care provider if you have ulcerative colitis and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.PreventionBecause the cause is unknown, prevention is also unknown.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may make symptoms worse.Due to the risk of colon cancer associated with ulcerative colitis, screening with colonoscopy is recommended.The American Cancer Society recommends having your first screening:8 years after you are diagnosed with severe disease, or when most of, or the entire, large intestine is involved12 - 15 years after diagnosis when only the left side of the large intestine is involvedHave follow-up examinations every 1 - 2 years.ReferencesGraham L. AGA reviews the use of corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and infliximab in IBD. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75:410-412.Moyer MS. Chronic ulcerative colitis in childhood. J Pediatr. 2006;148:325.Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 50.Rutgeerts P, Vermeire S, Van Assche G. Biological therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases. Gastroenterology. 2009 Apr;136(4):1182-97. Epub 2009 Feb 26.
