Life with Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a medical condition that is known to begin in the rectum, and then spread throughout the colon. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and include gas, cramping, and either diarrhea or constipation. Life with ulcerative colitis often tragically prevents the individual from performing even the most mundane tasks. For example, retaining employment, going grocery shopping, riding in a car, taking the dog for a walk, or even attempting to fall asleep at bedtime are often painful and uncomfortable situations. Day-to-day living is often based on how the person feels at any given moment. Fortunately, once the person has a bowel movement symptoms subside, but only temporarily.

Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a medication that is used to treat acne.  Accutane has many reported side effects.   It has been linked to bowel problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis , and Crohn’s disease.  In June 2009, the manufacturer of Accutane announced that it notified the FDA of its intent to discontinue the manufacture and distribution of Accutane in the United States.

Life with ulcerative colitis is different in many ways from those of healthy people. Usually when bacteria invade the colon, the immune system is able to fight it off quite well. However, when the individual has a lowered immune system due to this chronic disease, the bacteria multiply, causing gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, unwanted weight loss, and joint pain. These attacks can be severe and lead to hospitalization. The goal for doctors is to prevent these attacks from happening in the first place. Cortisteroids are the first line of defense. A nutritional makeover is also advised, such as eating small meals throughout the day, being sure to consume plenty of fluids, and reducing caffeine, fatty, and high fiber foods. Milk may need to be given up as well, especially if the individual has lactose intolerance, which in turn causes gas and cramping.

Life with ulcerative colitis can be made easier with medications such as sulfazine, medicated rectal suppositories, and remicade. The goal is to retain as much independence and normalcy as possible. In some situations if the disease is severe or is precancerous, surgery may be recommended. This entails removing the colon completely. Surgery may also be necessary if there is a rupture and if the condition does not respond to medication treatment. Fortunately, most individuals with this disease respond positively to medication, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. The best advice for these individuals is to listen to the doctor, and undergo colon cancer screening on a regular basis.  Support groups are also available for those with ulcerative colitis.  See our article on ulcerative colitis support groups for further details. There is no cure, but there is treatment making life with this disease managable.

Do you believe you or a loved one has been injured by Accutane®? Goldberg & Osborne can help.

The law firm of Goldberg & Osborne is dedicated to helping injured people nationwide and is currently accepting cases for Accutane® victims. For a FREE case evaluation, please call us toll-free at (800) 935-2770 or submit a short and simple online case form here.