Ulcerative Colitis Flare Up and Management

After 2 to 3 years I had my first flare up of Ulcerative Colitis in January and February 2016. I think this was a result of being run down with the flu and being depressed. 

To find out what was happening I had a few trips to the GP and an endoscopy and today a appointment with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) nurse clinic at Kettering General Hospital. This was a highly beneficial appointment as I found out a lot, that perhaps I should have been told when I was originally diagnosed in 2003. 
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I wrote myself a note to remind myself, so thought I would share that with you:

Notes from Inflammatory Bowel disease appointment with Nurse Michelle 11th April 2016

• Original diagnosis of Proctitis & Ulcerative Colitis was in 2003

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• Diagnosis shows I have Proctitis at the end of my bowl in my rectum which is referred to as Ulcerative Colitis. It is the left side of my bowel which means that I am more prone to constipation and therefore if my bowels become loose and more frequent that could be constipation therefore take Senokot

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• Because I have Proctitis it is normal for me to need to go to the toilet three or four times first thing in the morning as bowel has been dormant overnight

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• To maintain remission I should take 1g of Pentasa tablets twice a day (2g) and use the enema 1 to 2 times per week.

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• If I suffer a flare I can increase the Pentasa tablets to 4 g a day and use the Pentasa enema for 28 days. 

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• Dryness and soreness of hands is linked to Colitis

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• I need to permanently take Pentasa tablets to avoid a flare-up. Taking the tablets permanently helps reduce the risk of bowel cancer

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• Because I'm taking Pentasa I should have a blood test every six months

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• Appointment with IBD nurse in six months time okay to delay appointment by contacting appointment centre if I don’t need to attend

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This has answered or explained many things I didn't understand about my illness. I feel a lot of clarity. 
I was given a booklet called ‘Questions about Ulcerative Colitis’ sponsored by Actavis, which is very useful, but I cannot find an on-line copy for you. 
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I have also joined Crohn’s & Colitis UK as a member and they have comprehensive information about Colitis. 

Best wishes

My Anxiety