Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements and that can start at almost any age. It is diagnosed by your gastroenterologist with a colonoscopy and biopsies. If you have been given a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis then THIS CHECKLIST IS FOR YOU!

We designed this checklist to help you make sure you are getting all the care you need to control your disease and remain as healthy as possible!

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANSWERS TO THESE,  THAT'S OKAY! Use the information to help you ask questions at your next doctor's appointment or make a new appointment to discuss them further.

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* 1. Have you been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis by a colonoscopy with biopsies?

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* 2. Ulcerative Colitis may involve the rectum alone (proctitis), the left side of the colon (left sided), or the entire colon (pan-colitis). This is important for you to know. 

What type of Ulcerative Colitis do you have?

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* 3. Patients with UC are at increased risk of colon cancer. Even if you are feeling well and the disease is well controlled, colonoscopy is recommended for prevention of cancer.

- If you have procititis or left-sided colitis we recommend colonoscopy every three years for the first 15 years, and then annually after 15 years.

- If you have pan-colitis, we recommend you have colonoscopy every 2 to 3 years for the first 8 years, and then annually after 8 years. 

Other than the first colonoscopy when your UC was diagnosed, when was your last colonoscopy?

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* 4. How severe is your Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis can be rated as quiescent (remission), mild, moderate, or severe. If you have moderate or severe symptoms, then you should make an appointment with your doctor soon.

Below is a list of the symptoms or criteria we use to rate how severe your Ulcerative Colitis is. If you have TWO OR MORE of these, then you may have moderate or severe Ulcerative Colititis and should see your doctor:

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* 5. Have you had the routine laboratory testing you need?

Patients with UC should have regular laboratory blood testing. Below are the laboratory tests that should be done at least once per year. You doctor may wish to measure these more often that that.

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* 6. Osteoporosis Screening

Many UC patients are at increased risk for bone loss (osteoporosis). If you have UC and ANY of the following criteria, then you should ask your doctor about screening you for osteoporosis:

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* 7. Have you had all your vaccinations?

Patients with UC are at increased risk of infection and several of the medications given for UC can increase the risk of infection. It is important that you discuss vaccinations with your doctor. 

Have you had the following vaccinations?

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* 8. Have you been screening for other cancers?

Patients with UC or are on medication for UC may need to be screened for other cancers. 

Have you been screened for the following cancers?

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* 9. Are you taking your medications?

It is very important that patients with UC take all their prescription medications as prescribed.

Which of these sentences applies to you?

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* 10. Are you getting the nutrition you need? 

Patients who require medication for UC have special nutritional requirements. Please check all of the ones below that apply to you:

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* 11. This checklist is designed to help you keep track of your care and to help you ask questions at your doctors appointments.

You can find additional information on our website at the link provided. The Wichita Falls Gastroenterology website is located at  http://www.wfgastro.com/

Please tell us how helpful this checklist was for you:

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