Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms often mimic those seen in many other conditions, including parasitic or bacterial infections. These symptoms vary from person to person, may come on suddenly or gradually, and can change seasonally. Many individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis experience symptoms that become worse in winter and lessen during the summer; others find symptoms seem to come on over night while others say they build over months. For this reason, a complete medical history, along with thorough lab work, is needed to make sure a correct diagnosis is made.

Ulcerative colitis tends to bring out three classic symptoms in sufferers that only come on during flare-ups of the disease. Even when the following symptoms aren’t active, lab work and radiological tests will still show the signs of the disease.

The first symptom of ulcerative colitis is recurring diarrhea, which may likely have blood or mucus. At least three watery stools each day is considered diarrhea. Thick blood, mucus, and pus are also very common to pass with the stool. Diarrhea is not always present with everyone, although blood or mucus usually is.

Virtually everyone with ulcerative colitis will also experience abdominal pain that seems to be worse right before a bowel movement. Because the rectum connects to the colon on the left side of the abdomen, this is where the pain will be focused. The pain typically feels like tight cramps.

The third sign of ulcerative colitis is fever. Because it is an inflammatory disease of the digestive system, fever is a very common symptom. The fever may be very high, particularly during a flare-up of the illness. Some people, on the other hand, run a constant, low-grade fever. In addition, the fever may also be accompanied by fatigue and irritability, affecting sleep and causing night sweats. The occurrence of all three of these symptoms is the best way to recognize ulcerative colitis.  If you think you may have ulcerative colitis you should consult with your physician immediately.

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 Chrohn’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.

Over $10 Million Awarded to 24-year old Woman Who Had Colon Removed

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.

Kamie Kendall took Accutane for about 12 months total over a period of six years starting in 1997. Kendall started taking Accutane at age 12 for a severe case of nodular acne that did not respond to normal treatment methods like topical creams or oral antibiotics. During her treatment with the medication, Kendall experienced severe, uncomfortable, and debilitating gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea and rectal bleeding. At age 14, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Her symptoms were so severe that she had to have several surgeries on her intestines over the years, including having her colon removed in 2006 at only 22 years old. Over the years, her disease caused her to incur nearly $80,000 in medical bills.

Kendall was 24 years old when the case was finally settled in a New Jersey court in 2008. Though Kendall lived in Utah, the case was tried in New Jersey where Hoffmann-La Roche operates. Kendall testified in court that Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. did not do enough to warn her about the possible side effects of Accutane. It was the third case that went to trial alleging that Accutane caused significant bowel disruption and damage. The jury in the Kendall vs. Hoffman-La Roche Inc. case awarded Kendall $10,578,500 in damages.

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.