Can anyone give me an overview of Colitis??

Question:

My boyfriend (he's 37 years old) has colitis and he doesn't really say much about it. I know the basics, but sometimes he gets really sick and I don't really understand what's happening to him. Today, for instance, he ended up in the hospital for a few hours being treated, and then he just wanted to go home to sleep and be alone. He won't talk to anyone, not even me, and he insists on going to the hospital alone, not wanting anyone to accompany him.
I'm trying to be patient with all of it but it would help if I understood it better, I guess. What causes it? He says he's supposed to take pills with every meal but I have never seen him take one single pill in the year and a half we have been together. What about diet? What can I do to help? Any ideas? He does exercise a lot, working out and running. Is it possible to overdo that part though?
Sorry if none of this makes sense. I dont' want to search the Net cause there's just too much info there!! Help.

Answers:
hi, I have crohn's disease aka IBD--inflammatory bowel disease which is either crohns or ulcerative colitis.

UC affects the large colon, anus, and rectum only whereas CD will affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, rectum and anus. There is no known cause as of yet.

UC symptoms are abdominal pain, bleeding, fatigue, fever, joint pain, constipation or the big "D".

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America has a website where you can get information on meds, treatments, diet, emotions, surgery,etc. You can also locate a support chapter near you so you can meet others like yourself in the same situation. Educational meetings are held as well to help the family understand what their loved one is going through. CCFA has a new phoneline where you can call medical professionals M-F 9 am - 5 pm or even chat with them online to ask questions.

Patients w/IBD can lead a normal life when they feel well as long as they visit their doctors, take their meds faithfully, eat right when they aren't sick, don't drink, &don't smoke.

Have him call his MD for a referal to see a dietician at the hospital (or you can even do that) who is well versed in helping ppl like us. I provided a link to the american registered dieticians also where you can find a local RD near you if you don't want to drive to the hospital.

I can understand what you are going through. Don't be afraid to ask his MDs questions if you don't understand or call CCFA. That is what they are there for.

Hope this helps you.

Im 31 and have Chron's
Sounds like he has flares now and then, often set off by stress for me.
He may feel embarassed to talk about it, he may also have had a bad experience in a previous relationship because the disease can impact your social life. (talking from experience here)
When I have a flare it really takes it out of me, and you feel awful.
I do the hospital thing occasionally, normally they'll put me on a drip of cortizone, and when I get home from it I am completely stuffed and all I want to do is sleep, and conversation is not exactly on the top of the lists either when you're exhausted.

Can anyone give me an overview of Colitis??

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