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How full your life is should be up to you, not your gut.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) impacts more than just your colon. Its impact can span beyond the physical to the mental, emotional, and social aspects of life. This Is Living with UC was created in support of caring for your whole self, with information and resources available whenever you may need them.
I want to learn more about how UC may impact my…
Learn strategies to discover what foods may or may not work for you.
Learn more about how your mental health can impact your overall health and steps you can take to support your well-being.
Learn more about how pain is associated with UC and some of the options available to help.
Learn more about different ways to address fatigue and develop a healthy sleep hygiene.
Live Fully with Sunny Anderson
Veteran. Cooking show host. Person with UC. Sunny Anderson has teamed up with Pfizer to bring you resources and exclusive recipes designed to help you live fully. Learn more about her journey with UC and our partnership.
Find Your Circle
of Support
There are a number of organizations and support groups dedicated to the UC community. Find the ones that work for you.
Shared
Decision-Making
Shared decision-making (SDM) is a collaboration between you and your doctor. By working together, you can develop a plan tailored to meet your needs. Find out how you can begin this process with your doctor.
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Types of UC
Doctors sometimes classify UC based on where inflammation is happening in the colon, but disease severity may still vary between them. Symptoms may also overlap between types.
Proctitis
Inflammation is confined to the area closest to the anus (rectum). Bleeding may be the only sign of the disease.
Proctosigmoiditis
Inflammation occurs in the lower end of the colon (the rectum or sigmoid colon). Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and an inability to move the bowels.
Left-sided (Distal)
Inflammation extends from the rectum up through the descending portion of the colon. Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps (with pain on the left side), and bowel urgency.
What is UC?
UC is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. It is a chronic, or ongoing, condition where symptoms usually develop over time and can affect each person differently.
What Causes UC?
While nobody knows what causes UC, it is believed to be related to an abnormal immune response, where the body attacks itself in the lining of the colon. This abnormal response may be influenced by our genetics, the environment, and exposure of our gut to certain foods, medicines, or other chemicals. It may also be influenced by the microbiome of the gut or exposure to infections as well.