You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
1Get the |
2Compare |
3Your |
4Your |
5Quiz |
6Your Summary |
Ulcerative colitis is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease. Parts of the digestive tract get swollen and have deep sores called ulcers.
Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and the rectum. Symptoms include:
You may also start to have symptoms in other parts of your body, such as your joints, eyes, and skin.
In many mild cases, medicines can reduce swelling and control symptoms, such as diarrhea. But sometimes medicines don't work. Surgery to remove the colon is the only cure for the disease.
Ulcerative colitis can lower your quality of life. Frequent diarrhea and belly pain may force you to limit work or social activities. Having the disease can be stressful. Some people feel alone and depressed.
Over time, colitis raises your risk of colon cancer. Most doctors advise getting tested for colon cancer if you have had ulcerative colitis for 8 years.
The risk of colon cancer is highest when ulcerative colitis affects the entire colon rather than just part of it. And the longer you have had ulcerative colitis, the greater your risk of colon cancer.footnote 1
Two surgeries are commonly done.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if:
You may choose to have surgery to improve your quality of life, cure ulcerative colitis, or prevent the possibility of colon cancer.
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I have suffered from some really bad symptoms from ulcerative colitis. The diarrhea and pain interrupt my life. I can't go anywhere without checking out where all the bathrooms are. I don't dare go on long hikes or go skiing, things I used to do all the time. It makes me depressed. I like the idea of having surgery so I don't have to deal with this illness anymore.
Toni, age 33
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be painful and embarrassing, but I only get them a few times a year. My medicines control them really well. I don't think my condition is bad enough for me to have surgery, and I don't like the thought of having to use an ostomy bag. I think I will wait and see if my condition gets worse.
Carolyn, age 40
I want to have surgery, because I'm scared of getting colon cancer. I had an uncle who had colon cancer. My risk is already higher than average because I have ulcerative colitis. Besides, I've had this disease for 7 years. In another year, I have to start having an annual colonoscopy to check for cancer. If I have surgery, I won't have to deal with symptoms or be tested every year and worry about colon cancer.
Bill, age 27
My medicines are working really well, and I feel pretty good about my ability to live the life I want. I've had this condition for 12 years. I get screened every year for colon cancer. So far, everything is okay.
Juan, age 30
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to choose surgery
Reasons to keep taking medicine
I can't control my symptoms with medicine.
Medicine controls my symptoms.
I accept the risks of surgery.
I'm worried about the risks of surgery.
I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of this disease.
I don't want to have surgery for any reason.
I want to remove any risk of getting colon cancer.
My risk of cancer is low right now, and I want to wait to have surgery.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having surgery
Taking medicine
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Author | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kenneth Bark MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery |
Ulcerative colitis is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease. Parts of the digestive tract get swollen and have deep sores called ulcers.
Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and the rectum. Symptoms include:
You may also start to have symptoms in other parts of your body, such as your joints, eyes, and skin.
In many mild cases, medicines can reduce swelling and control symptoms, such as diarrhea. But sometimes medicines don't work. Surgery to remove the colon is the only cure for the disease.
Ulcerative colitis can lower your quality of life. Frequent diarrhea and belly pain may force you to limit work or social activities. Having the disease can be stressful. Some people feel alone and depressed.
Over time, colitis raises your risk of colon cancer. Most doctors advise getting tested for colon cancer if you have had ulcerative colitis for 8 years.
The risk of colon cancer is highest when ulcerative colitis affects the entire colon rather than just part of it. And the longer you have had ulcerative colitis, the greater your risk of colon cancer.1
Two surgeries are commonly done.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if:
You may choose to have surgery to improve your quality of life, cure ulcerative colitis, or prevent the possibility of colon cancer.
Have surgery to remove your colon | Keep taking medicine | |
---|---|---|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I have suffered from some really bad symptoms from ulcerative colitis. The diarrhea and pain interrupt my life. I can't go anywhere without checking out where all the bathrooms are. I don't dare go on long hikes or go skiing, things I used to do all the time. It makes me depressed. I like the idea of having surgery so I don't have to deal with this illness anymore."
— Toni, age 33
"The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be painful and embarrassing, but I only get them a few times a year. My medicines control them really well. I don't think my condition is bad enough for me to have surgery, and I don't like the thought of having to use an ostomy bag. I think I will wait and see if my condition gets worse."
— Carolyn, age 40
"I want to have surgery, because I'm scared of getting colon cancer. I had an uncle who had colon cancer. My risk is already higher than average because I have ulcerative colitis. Besides, I've had this disease for 7 years. In another year, I have to start having an annual colonoscopy to check for cancer. If I have surgery, I won't have to deal with symptoms or be tested every year and worry about colon cancer."
— Bill, age 27
"My medicines are working really well, and I feel pretty good about my ability to live the life I want. I've had this condition for 12 years. I get screened every year for colon cancer. So far, everything is okay."
— Juan, age 30
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to choose surgery
Reasons to keep taking medicine
I can't control my symptoms with medicine.
Medicine controls my symptoms.
I accept the risks of surgery.
I'm worried about the risks of surgery.
I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of this disease.
I don't want to have surgery for any reason.
I want to remove any risk of getting colon cancer.
My risk of cancer is low right now, and I want to wait to have surgery.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having surgery
Taking medicine
1. Can mild forms of ulcerative colitis be controlled with medicine?
2. Is there a cure for ulcerative colitis?
3. Does surgery remove the risk of colon cancer?
4. Does everyone who has surgery need to wear an ostomy bag?
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
By | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kenneth Bark MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery |
Current as of: September 8, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kenneth Bark MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery
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