WELCOME
I am pleased to welcome you to the AGA Institute Ulcerative Colitis Weblog. The blog offers a unique opportunity for us to have an informal discussion of topics related to ulcerative colitis. While there are certain topics which I plan to cover, much of the dialogue will be directed by your comments and questions, so I look forward to hearing from you. Both Dr. McGreal and I will be posting weekly and we will address as many topics as possible. The goal is to advise and inform regarding this common and complex disease. We will, however, avoid making case specific recommendations regarding care, since optimal medical care can only be provided through a close relationship with a physician who has had an opportunity to review the patient’s entire case.
There are several questions we hear commonly from patients (not to mention family, friends, and absolute strangers). Here are a just a few:
1) What causes ulcerative colitis and why did I get it?
2) Is there any particular diet I should follow that could improve my symptoms?
3) How will ulcerative colitis affect my ability to have children?
4) Are all of these medications I am taking safe?
5) How long will I need to continue taking medication?
6) What is my risk of colon cancer?
These will act as a starting point for our dialogue. I look forward to your comments and questions, which will direct the route we will follow.