I AM A CAREGIVER

HOW CAN A CAREGIVER HELP A PERSON WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS?

When someone in the family has ulcerative colitis (UC), it can affect the entire family and their friends. Being a caregiver means helping someone manage both the physical symptoms of UC and the negative emotions the disease may bring. The challenges one may face over a long time may be complex and diverse.

Here's what one can do to help their loved one manage and overcome UC better.


Look for ways to avoid flare-ups

One can help prevent disease flare-ups by looking out for potential triggers. For example, help them avoid food items such as:

  • Nuts and seeds, which may affect the gastrointestinal tract
  • Milk and milk products, if they are lactose intolerant
  • Aerated drinks, as they may cause gas

Ensure that medications are taken regularly

One of the best ways somebody can manage their UC is by taking prescribed medications properly. As a caregiver, one can help them adhere to their treatment regimen by reminding them to take their medicines

Do not get upset when someone with UC cancels plans

It's never personal when a patient suffering from UC cancels a plan, caregivers must be supportive

Take them to any procedures or appointments

Being present at appointments or just being there for moral support can help ease a lot of stress for the loved one

Plan a stay in

A simple text saying, "Hey, I am there for you", may be meaningful

Listen, and be present

It's essential to listen to them so they can share their thoughts/feelings

Help them with chores

Helping is one of the best ways to support the patient. Additional worry about house-hold chores may make them feel worked up

Be understanding

Try to help them relax by understanding their situation

Ask about their food restrictions and help them

In case of going out, attending a dinner, or just cooking, think about their food restrictions and try to accommodate

Ask them what they need

Sometimes it's simply best to ask, "What can I do for you?" the answer might be as simple as "Give me a hug" or "Nothing right now"


Remember, support means the world for people with UC.


WHAT TO ASK THEIR DOCTOR?

It's possible to get confused about what to ask the doctor while going for an appointment.

Here are some questions that one may ask a doctor, especially during the first appointment.

  • What are the available treatment options?
  • What are the most common side effects of the treatment?
  • How should one deal with the pain and gastro-intestinal symptoms of a loved one?
  • How to help a patient cope with the changes brought about by UC?
  • What are the long-term complications that can occur if treatment is discontinued?
  • Are there any warning signs to look for?



COMMON TERMS ONE SHOULD KNOW

Diarrhoea

Passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day (or more frequent passage than What is normal for the individual)

Endoscopy

Visual check of the internal organs using a tube-shaped camera scope

Extra-intestinal

Located or happening outside the intestines

Fistula

Unusual channel that forms between the intestines, or between the intestine and another close structure like the bladder, vagina, skin or others

Gastrointestinal (GI, or digestive) tract

An organ system in the body which jointly refers to the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus

Immune system

The body's natural defence system that fights against foreign materials

Inflammation

Immune response to tissue injury that causes redness, swelling, and pain

Intestine

Also called the bowel, intestine is a long, tube-like organ in the belly that finishes the process of digestion. It consists of the small and large intestines

Stricture

An unfamiliar narrowing of the intestine caused by swelling or scar tissue

Rectum

The lowermost portion of the large intestine that attaches to the anus

Resection

Surgical removal of an unhealthy part of the intestine


TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Children with UC can have several unique symptoms apart from the usual symptoms related to the swelling and immune response in the body. Such symptoms may range from being mild to severe.

Anemia due to blood loss

Blood in watery stools

Unexplained weight loss

Malnutrition, due to poor absorption of nutrients

Rectal bleeding



TIPS FOR PARENTS TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN COPE WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS

There are multiple ways parents can help their children cope with UC and live healthy and happy lives. Here are a few points:



CARING FOR SELF

Caring for self is the most important and one of the often-forgotten things for a caregiver. Middle-aged caregivers may be at an increased risk of developing depression and experience a likely decline in the quality of life, as they may be simultaneously juggling other responsibilities.
Here are some problems caregivers may experience:

Poor eating habits

Lack of exercise

Sleep deprivation

Inadequate rest

Failure to make medical appointments or postponing them



Some self-care tips are mentioned below: