LIFE WITH UC - What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Hey, so it's about 10:30am and I already had about three bowel movements since I woke up. I don't know what's going on, but I guess it's expected that I'm gonna flare up. It's just a little disheartening since the last week has been so good. So today, I'm going to teach you about ulcerative colitis. I'm gonna try to sound super smart but not too smart, like it's not enough that you'll learn something but chill enough that you'll stay with me to the end of the video.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I had no understanding of the digestive system before my diagnosis. I thought the colon and large intestine were separate things with unknown functions. However, after learning about it, I find the digestive system fascinating and believe everyone should be aware of it. I hope you stay with me until the end.

I shall presume that you share a similar experience to mine. You have recently received a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, and prior to this, you were unfamiliar with the medical terminology and the functions of your colon. In essence, I intend to impart to you all the knowledge that I wish I had received when I was diagnosed with this condition. Rather than being handed a pamphlet containing an excessive amount of information about the ailment and the medications to be taken, I shall provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the matter.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are classified as inflammatory bowel diseases, which are characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. As a chronic condition, IBD persists throughout an individual's lifetime. The primary distinction between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is the site of inflammation. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon, whereas Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the oral cavity to the anus.

In order to comprehend the functioning of ulcerative colitis, it is imperative to first gain an understanding of the workings of the digestive system. The gastrointestinal tract serves two primary purposes, namely safeguarding and nutrient assimilation. The system plays a crucial role in shielding the body from harmful bacteria or viruses. The process of nutrient absorption is essentially carried out by the digestive system.

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder. When you have an autoimmune disorder, something causes your immune system to malfunction. In ulcerative colitis, it starts to attack healthy tissues within our digestive system, like your mucosa. Your mucosa is your inner lining of your colon, which is needed for fluid and nutrient absorption. So when your immune system attacks your mucosa, it creates ulcers, basically an open sore on your colon.

There exist various classifications of ulcerative colitis based on the extent and severity of inflammation. It is noteworthy that the inflammation always originates in the rectum, thereby causing inflammation during a flare-up. The initial type of ulcerative colitis is proctitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the rectum. Another type is proctosigmoiditis, which involves inflammation of both the rectum and sigmoid colon. Left-sided colitis is characterized by inflammation that extends through the descending colon, while pancolitis involves inflammation of the entire colon, which was the type I experienced.

During a flare-up, inflammation of the rectum significantly diminishes its capacity to retain stool, resulting in an increased frequency of bowel movements. Inflammation of certain segments of the colon also leads to a marked reduction in the absorption of fluid from waste, thereby causing diarrhea. This often results in an inability to control bowel movements, leading to potentially embarrassing accidents that many individuals may have experienced.

In my opinion, this particular symptom can prove to be one of the most challenging to manage. The apprehension of being unable to access a restroom can significantly restrict an individual's routine activities. In my personal experience, during my initial bout with the condition, I was afflicted with as many as 25 bowel movements per day, rendering me unable to venture outside my residence. However, even during a moderate flare-up, one may still be required to visit the restroom with considerable frequency.

Despite the absence of nerve endings within the intestines, the occurrence of sharp stomach pains is attributed to the contraction of the intestines, which facilitates the movement of food, gas, and waste. Ulcers are responsible for blood loss, which can transpire even in the absence of bowel movements. On numerous occasions, I experienced the urge to defecate, only to discover the presence of blood. This led to a decline in my hemoglobin levels and consequent development of anemia.

The term "anemic" denotes a state of low iron levels, which are essential for the production of red blood cells. Fatigue is primarily attributed to inflammation, although anemia may also contribute to this condition. In cases of anemia, the blood's ability to transport oxygen to the body's tissues is compromised, leading to increased susceptibility to exhaustion and breathlessness even during minimal exertion.

It can be comprehended that this situation may pose a predicament when one is experiencing a flare-up and has to frequently visit the bathroom at night, exceeding ten times. On numerous occasions, I have nearly fainted, despite the short distance of only five meters to the bathroom, thus presenting a considerable risk. These factors can culminate in a loss of appetite and a shift in metabolism. In my initial flare-up, I experienced a weight loss of 25 pounds within a span of two months.

I experienced a significant loss of muscle mass, which was partly attributed to my sedentary state. Following a week of hospitalization, my initial attempt to walk beyond the bathroom was emotionally overwhelming, and I was unable to complete the distance to the end of the ward. The loss of muscle mass is a daunting experience, and I recommend that individuals experiencing a flare-up should avoid prolonged bed rest. Instead, it is advisable to engage in regular physical activity, including bed exercises and walking every hour to reduce the risk of blood clots, which can exacerbate the condition.

The etiology of ulcerative colitis remains unclear, which can be frustrating for some individuals. Despite this, it is commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 30, and again between the ages of 50 and 70, with a higher incidence in white and Jewish populations. A family history of the disease increases the likelihood of developing it, and environmental factors such as toxins and chemicals in food may also play a role. While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, it can be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle changes, including stress reduction, increased sleep, and a healthier overall lifestyle.

Individuals with ulcerative colitis may need to identify foods that trigger symptoms and learn how stress and sleep affect their condition. Treatment aims to bring individuals into remission, which can last for months or years without symptoms. Finding the right medication and making lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency of flare-ups. The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation offers an app called GI Bodyguard, which helps individuals track their symptoms, medications, and other relevant information. This app can generate a report that can be shared with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Flare-ups can be embarrassing and may cause individuals to miss work or cancel plans. However, being open and honest about the condition can lead to greater support and understanding from others. It is essential to remember that life will return to normal, albeit a new normal. The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation's website is an excellent resource for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or anyone interested in learning more about digestive disorders.

In conclusion, I hope this information has provided a better understanding of ulcerative colitis. It is commendable that you have persevered through this discussion, and I encourage you to subscribe for future updates. Thank you for your attention, and I bid you farewell.