Wondering what to do if chronic diarrhea slows you down while exercising, an accident happens while at yoga class, or you’re too tired to work out? Learn tips for managing your UC or IBD and getting in your daily workout.

Exercising With UC

Jason Schairer, M.D., a gastroenterologist, shares key facts women with UC should know about how their IBD may affect women’s health.

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It’s hard enough having UC, but being a woman with the disease can bring unique challenges. Here’s what a GI doc wants you to know.

10 Things Women With Ulcerative Colitis Need to Know

Women and Ulcerative Colitis: 10 Things You Should Know

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Wondering what to do if chronic diarrhea slows you down while exercising, an accident happens while you’re at yoga, or you’re too tired to work out? These tips can help you get in your daily workout even with UC. 

Exercising With Ulcerative Colitis? Here Are 5 Fixes for Common Problems

Jason Reich, M.D.

Medical Reviewer

Ulcerative Colitis and Exercise: Common Issues and Solutions

The Benefits of Exercise With UC

The UC Issue: You feel that urgent need to go while you’re on the treadmill

The fix: Use HIIT to your advantage

The UC Issue: You're at a yoga class and you have an accident

The Fix: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst with UC

The UC Issue: You want to go to the gym but have chronic diarrhea

The Fix: Know your best options for working out with UC

The UC Issue: You're too fatigued to exercise

The Fix: Rest when you need to

The UC Issue: You need to put weight on — not lose it

The Fix: Exercise helps you gain weight gain with UC

Here's What to Remember When Exercising With UC

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It's a tough diagnosis to be sure. But you're not alone: multitudes of people living with UC go on to navigate work, travel, sports, and college. Consider us your tipsheet. 

Learn How to Adapt and Even Thrive With UC

Ulcerative Colitis: Finding Your Way Forward

Exercising With Ulcerative Colitis? Try These 5 Fixes for Common Workout Fears

This list of common questions and answers about UC diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments can help you get what you need from your GI.

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Just diagnosed with UC or trying to learn more about your condition? Take this list of questions with you to your doctor.

10 Questions to Ask Your GI About Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Ulcerative Colitis

UC Can Make You Feel ‘Blah’

UC Won’t Make You Infertile

...But Family Planning May Seem More Complicated With UC

And Women With UC Are Indeed Having Fewer Children

UC Can Affect Your Confidence

UC Can Affect Your Sex Life

Severe UC Could Affect Your Period

Talk to Your Doctor About Birth Control and UC

Moms With UC Need to Make Time for Self-care

You Deserve a Full Life With UC

Knowledge Is Power

Learn how to manage family expectations and set boundaries when managing UC, from getting the best support and care to putting your needs first.

Get inspiring and uplifting advice from 10 people living with IBD who have made it out of bad flares, hospitalizations, and more. It gets better.

UC Words of Wisdom

When you’re in the midst of a flare or stuck in a rut with your ulcerative colitis, it can be hard to think positive. But these UC vets are here to let you know that it does get better.

10 UC Patients Share Uplifting Advice

Ulcerative Colitis Patients Share Words of Wisdom

It Gets Better: 10 People Living With Ulcerative Colitis Share Words of Wisdom

Family discussion at the breakfast table.

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Family: You can't live with 'em, you can't live without 'em. While your family can be your main support system when you have a chronic illness like ulcerative colitis, sometimes they can harm your wellness efforts. Here's how to deal.

UC and Your Family: How to Set Boundaries

Ulcerative Colitis: How Family Can Harm Healing

Is your family discouraging the best possible UC care?

Are family members making you feel like a burden?

Does your family question how bad your illness is?

Is your family making your UC all about them?

Does your family eat poorly around you?

Does your family discourage exercise?

Do your relatives impose limiting cultural expectations?

Does your family interfere with your doctor’s appointments?

Does your family question your choice of medications?

Do your family members nag you about taking care of yourself?

Healthy Communication Is Key

Ulcerative Colitis: Is Your Family Getting in the Way of Your Healing?

UC doesn't define you. Here are tips for emotional coping with the condition, including connecting with others for support, reaching out to fellow UC'ers, and knowing how to live the life you truly want.

Emotionally Coping With UC

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10 stay-strong strategies for coping with the (often overlooked) emotional toll of having ulcerative colitis.

Sad? Stressed? How to Deal with the Emotional Toll of UC

- __Mediterranean Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases:__ *Acta Biomedica*. (2018). “The role of diet in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.” [mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/7952](https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/7952)
- __Psychiatric Illness and Ulcerative Colitis:__ University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic Foundation. (2019). “Epidemiology of Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder in Ulcerative Colitis in the United States Between 2014 and 2019: A Population-Based National Study.” [eventscribe.com/2019/acg/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=591935&sponsor=1](https://eventscribe.com/2019/acg/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=591935&sponsor=1)


Ulcerative Colitis: Tips for Emotional Coping

Understanding the UC/Stress Link

Confide in Your Support Team

Manage Your Meds

Reconsider Your Diet

Keep a Log of Your Symptoms

Get Moving

Talk It Out

Rally Your People

Hop on Social

Remember Your Strength

Do Your Thing

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and other inflammatory bowel diseases can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. That’s why many people with ulcerative colitis may need supplements to maintain their health and meet nutritional needs. Here’s everything you need to know, including why supplements might be necessary for you and which ones to consider taking.

Supplements for UC

Everything you need to know about Ulcerative Colitis signs, diagnosis, medications, diets, and more.

More info on UC!

Ulcerative Colitis

We went to some of the nation’s top RA experts to bring you the most scientific and up-to-date information possible.

We’ve got the doctor-approved details on the causes, symptoms, treatments, and a jillion other facts and tips that can make life with UC easier.

Let's Talk About Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms, Treatments, Causes and More

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Ulcerative colitis can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, but is popping multiple pills really necessary? Here’s how to find out.

Supplements for Ulcerative Colitis: What Should You Take?

- __UC and Vitamin D:__ *Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis*. (2018). “The Effect of Vitamin D on Intestinal Inflammation and Faecal Microbiota in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.” [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29726893](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29726893)
- 
- __UC and Sulfasalazine:__ *The New England Journal of Medicine*. (1981). “Sulfasalazine Inhibits the Absorption of Folates in Ulcerative Colitis.” [nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198112173052506](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198112173052506)

- __UC and Methotrexate:__ *Inflammatory Bowel Diseases*. (2016). “Use of Methotrexate in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.” [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4679484/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4679484/)

- __UC and B12:__ National Institutes of Health. (n.d.) What Is Vitamin B12 and What Does it Do?  [ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/)


Nutrition Suffers During Flares

Diet Doesn’t Always Cover Your Needs

A Multivitamin Might Help

Blood Tests Provide the Bottom Line

Why You Might Want an Iron Supplement

The Tricky Thing About Iron Supplements

Supplements for Vitamin D and Calcium?

When to Consider a Folic Acid Supplement

Should You Take a Vitamin B12 Supplement?

Do Your Homework

Here are meaningful things you can do to cheer up your loved one with UC, a form of IBD, including nights in, driving to appointments, and more.

Did you know ulcerative colitis can also lead to inflammation in the eyes, including conditions like uveitis, iritis, episcleritis, and dry eye? Learn how to recognize these conditions and how to prevent them.

UC & Your Eyes

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Your ulcerative colitis can actually cause eye inflammation that can lead to vision loss. Learn the signs of eye inflammation and how you can prevent it.

Do You Know What IBD Can Do to Your Eyes?

Ulcerative Colitis and Eye Health: What You Should Know

What You Need to Know About Ulcerative Colitis and Eye Health

two people talking holding hands-man-and-woman-sitting-together-in-front-of-table-951290

Have a loved one with ulcerative colitis? Mandy, who has UC, shares what acts of kindness can really make a difference.

10 Ways to Show Support for Someone With UC

Constance Pietrzak, M.D.

Health Professional

Ulcerative Colitis: 10 Ways to Show Support

Don't Get Upset Every Time That They Cancel Plans

Offer to Help Take Them to Any Procedures or Appointments

Plan a Night In

Send Them Notes of Encouragement When They Least Expect It

Listen and Be Present

Help Them With Any Chores or Errands

Be Understanding When You Can

Remind Them That They're Not a Burden

Ask About Their Dietary Restrictions and Help Accommodate Them

Ask Them What Kind of Support They Need 

10 Ways You Can Support Your Loved One With Ulcerative Colitis

According to the [National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health/index.shtml), people with chronic illness — which [includes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/10-questions-to-ask-your-doctor-about-ibd)— are at an increased risk for depression. While it is common to have temporary bouts of sadness, it is important to take a closer look if sadness or other depression symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks.

If you are feeling sad, irritable, anxious, hopeless, empty, or worthless for an extended period, these are [all signs that you need to speak with your physician soon](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health/index.shtml). Note if you have lost pleasure in things you usually enjoy, have more fatigue than normal, or have trouble concentrating or sleeping. This is not an exhaustive list, so speak with your doctor about any symptoms that are out of the norm for you.

According to the [Mayo Clinic](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/dxc-20321472?MOTT=HQ01069), some additional risk factors for depression that may apply to healthy individuals, not just those with chronic illness, include: traumatic events, blood relatives with a history of mental illness, a history of other mental health disorders, abuse of alcohol or drugs, and certain medications. Talk to your doctor about your medications if you feel they may be contributing to depression symptoms. People who are “lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or having variations in the development of genital organs that aren't clearly male or female (intersex) in an unsupportive situation” may also be at a greater risk for depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you have a chronic illness in addition to these risk factors, and are exhibiting depression symptoms, it may be a good idea to talk with your doctor.

The good news is that [depression is treatable](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/places-to-get-help-for-depression) — even if you have another chronic illness. The first step in getting help is talking with your physician. Medications, counseling approaches, or a combination of both, can be helpful in dealing with depression.

If you are already in treatment, or haven’t yet sought treatment, there are some small ways you can help stay positive and [practice self-care](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/self-care-tips-during-crohns-disease-flares) while living with depression. Be sure to get some outdoor exercise, or any exercise, if your condition allows. Journal your thoughts, do not isolate yourself from your friends and family, and find a good support system. That support system might be here on [HealthCentral](https://www.healthcentral.com/ibd), or through a [group meeting specifically for inflammatory bowel disease](https://site.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/living-with-crohns-colitis/find-a-support-group/).

Remember, there will be good days and bad days, but you can get through this and our community is here to help!

__See more helpful articles:__

[How to Deal With Fatigue From Ulcerative Colitis
](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/dealing-with-fatigue-with-ulcerative-colitis)

[5 Tips to Help You Thrive Despite Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/surviving-to-thriving-ulcerative-colitis-tips)

[Crohn's Patients Share Self-Care Tips](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/self-care-tips-during-crohns-disease-flares)

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If you are feeling sad, irritable, anxious, hopeless, empty, or worthless for an extended period due to inflammatory bowel disease, these are all signs to seek help.

Depression is treatable. Since those with IBD are at higher risk of depression, keeping watch for signs is important.

IBD: Dealing With Depression

Jerry Kennard, Ph.D.

Dealing With Depression And Inflammatory Bowel Disease

An ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis can bring about changes you never thought you'd face. But, if you're newly diagnosed, or even if you've had your diagnosis for a while, how do you know what’s normal and what’s cause for alarm when it comes to UC?

## What UC Symptoms Are Considered 'Normal?'

The [Crohn's and Colitis Foundation describes the symptoms of UC](http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/) as:

- Loose bowel movements
- Persistent diarrhea accompanied by blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Generally bloody stool
- Crampy abdominal pain

Not the most fun list, but it leaves a lot to be interpreted by you, the patient.  For instance, how "bloody" is too bloody? How much pain is too much pain? What if you're not having bowel movements at all? 

There's a variety of symptoms that are considered either indicative of UC or "normal." Some symptoms of UC that may be a new normal, but not necessarily a flare. How can you determine what's normal and what's a sign of trouble? 

## Define Your Normal With UC

"Normal" when you have UC is completely subjective to you. That's probably not the answer you're looking for, but I'll share my experience to help you determine your normal.

My normal with UC is:

- __Constipation__. There are days I really struggle to have a bowel movement due to [constipation](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/6-common-symptoms-constipation). I usually cycle on and off with Miralax when I need it.
- __Fatigue.__ I'm tired most days, but I'm not so fatigued that I can't perform at my job or take care of other responsibilities.
- __Hemorrhoids.__ I can't seem to shake them. My hemorrhoids are concentrated around my rectum, and I usually wind up breaking them open when I have a bowel movement. So, bright-red blood in my stool is normal.
- __Mild cramps__. After eating a [trigger food](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/foods-avoid-ulcerative-colitis), I get mild cramps that mimic the cramps you get right before diarrhea, but they subside after a few minutes or so.

This is my version of normal, and it may not be the same for you. I determined that these symptoms were "normal" for me by doing the following:

- __Asking my gastroenterologist (GI) about it.__ I asked about seeing blood in my stool, about the cramps, and about the [fatigue](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/dealing-with-fatigue-with-ulcerative-colitis). She found the hemorrhoids, which answered the blood question, but I keep an open line of communication with her in case things go haywire.
- __Looking at my stool.__ This might sound gross, but I do it every time I have a bowel movement. That way I know how much blood came out, if there's any mucous, and how formed my stools are. You can even find [apps to help you keep track of these types of symptoms](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/top-apps-to-manage-ulcerative-colitis).
- __Rating my days.__ On particularly good and bad days, I make sure to give the day a rating on my own scale (mine's a basic 1 – 10, with 10 being awesome). If I have a lot of bad days (2-3) in a row, I check in with my GI.

## What UC Symptoms Are Cause for Concern?

What's *not* normal for UC, again, depends on the person. My abnormal symptoms have included:

- __Severely painful stomach spasms.__ So painful that I cried out and spent hours wrestling with the cramps to no avail.
- __Lots of blood in my stool.__ I saw tablespoons of blood with each bowel movement — or in place of a bowel movement, only blood.
- __More than three watery bowel movements in a day.__ If I have more than three and they're starting to become loose and watery, I know that's not normal.

In these cases, I seek medical attention.

If you're experiencing not-so-normal symptoms, I recommend avoid Googling your symptoms and visiting WebMD if a symptom is worth going to a hospital over. You'll likely only see horror stories or hear about someone's near-death experience, which isn't typically indicative of what you're experiencing.

## What to Do When UC Symptoms Are Abnormal or Severe

What do you do once you’ve determined that the symptoms you're experiencing don't fit into your realm of "normal?" If your abnormal symptoms are manageable, meaning that you might feel icky, but can still somewhat function, call your GI doctor.

If your particular doctor is unavailable, call the on-call GI doctor. Let them know what you're experiencing and ask them to get back to you as your symptom isn't normal. You can always leave a message with a nurse or contact your GI through an online portal if you can't get ahold of them on the phone. 

In cases when your symptoms are severe (e.g., my severe stomach spasms), go to the emergency room. That means if you're unable to walk, move, or speak due to pain or cramping, or if you're incoherent, the emergency room is your best bet. However, in cases where you might be seeing more blood than usual, or your pain level is slightly elevated, there's not much an emergency room can do for you, and, more often than not, they may send you home. Always defer to your GI doctor, unless what you're experiencing is causing severe dehydration, bleeding, or pain. 

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation says you should [seek immediate medical attention](http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/assets/pdfs/Managing-flares.pdf) if you have:

- Heavy, persistent diarrhea
- Bleeding from the rectum and blood clots in your stool
- Constant pain
- A high fever

## The Bottom Line

Living with UC means dealing with a variety of symptoms, which can often be confusing and [induce anxiety](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/colitis-and-anxiety-how-handle-it). When in doubt, talk to your doctor if you’re worried something isn’t normal. 

__See more helpful articles:__

[10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/questions-to-ask-doctor-about-ulcerative-colitis)

[Sick and Tired: How to Deal With Fatigue When You Have Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/dealing-with-fatigue-with-ulcerative-colitis)

[When Food Attacks: How I Roll With the Gut Punches of Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/food-attacks-ulcerative-colitis-lessons-learned)

Doctor examines abdomen of man with stomach pain.

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Doctor examines man with stomach pain

Learn when to seek medical care from your gastroenterologist or from a hospital emergency room when experiencing symptoms like blood in stool or severe pain with IBD.

UC Symptoms

When you have ulcerative colitis, you’re bound to experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms. But how do you know when something is severe enough to go to the doctor or even the ER?

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms: 'Is This Normal?'

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms: What's Normal?

How do you know when your symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor or the ER?

Learn about helpful free and paid mobile apps specifically for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other general apps that can help track your food, symptoms, fitness, sleep, and more.

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Living with UC? There’s an app for that. These mobile apps can help you track your symptoms, sleep, food, and more.

Top 9 Apps to Help You Manage Ulcerative Colitis

10 Apps for Ulcerative Colitis Management

Oshi Health: An All-in-one IBD App

My Fitness Pal: Start a UC Food Diary

Colitis Diary: Track Your UC Stats

myColitis: Record Symptoms and Other Data

Colitis Tracker: A Calendar-based UC App

Poopmaster: Track Your bowel Movements

Crohn's and Colitis Support: Connect With Others

My IBD Manager From AGA: Make Tracking a Daily Habit

Fitbit: Effortlessly Track Physical Activity and More

Get Downloading to Help Manage UC

Get helpful tips and strategies to make keeping track of bills, medical records, and other information on your IBD less stressful.

These tips can help you get more sleep with UC, which can disrupt sleep via pain, flares, stress, medications, and more.

UC & Your Sleep

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Woman relaxing bed-leighann-renee-vA_48Ej3ayw-unsplash

Sleep disturbances are common for people with UC. But these strategies can help you get the rest you need.

How to Sleep Better With Ulcerative Colitis

Sleep Better With Ulcerative Colitis

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UC can bring planned and unplanned costs and paperwork. To help keep your stress level low, here are helpful strategies to make managing paperwork and finances easier.

Ulcerative Colitis: Tips for Managing Records, Bills, and Paperwork

Ulcerative Colitis: Tips for Managing Finances and Records

Open an HSA Account

Use a Payment Plan

Expect the Unexpected With an Emergency Fund

Check Out Prescription Assistance Programs

Consider New Insurance

Create a Physical UC Folder

Participate in a PPO If You Make a Lot of Visits

Use a Budgeting App

Manage Your Medical Records Online Through a Patient Portal

Choose Tools That Work for You

Ulcerative Colitis: Tips for Managing Records, Finances, and Paperwork

When I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I was told that surgery was a possibility, but that it could only happen after you were done having children. Fast forward to four years later, when I found myself listening to the [surgeon](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/dear-colorectal-surgeon-letter-from-ulcerative-colitis-patient) say, “We will be removing your colon and replacing it with an ileostomy first, and then a J-pouch. It’s a three-step process…”

I was in shock. I wasn’t finished [having children](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/how-ulcerative-colitis-impacts-pregnancy-fertility). My only son (whose nickname is Hippo) was 2 1/2, at the time. Well, clearly the information I was given was wrong. And here I was in a hospital bed feeling like the walls were closing in on me. They were giving me a choice, but not really giving me a choice. And I was trying to reconcile with the misinformation I had been living with for so long. And then there was the stoma and surgery … and what was a J-pouch, anyway?

### Is my child capable of understanding all this?

I was incredibly overwhelmed and confused, as I looked at the pictures of this thing that was going to save my life. I learned that a [J-pouch](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/managing-your-period-with-a-j-pouch) is used to allow the contents of your bowel to leave your body when you have to have your colon and rectum surgically removed, according to the [Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation](http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/resources/j-pouch-surgery.html).

Suddenly, I thought of my little Hippo at home. A smart boy, sweet and kind. But Mommy coming home after several weeks away with an appliance on her tummy only to have to eventually go back two more times to get new stuff in her body was going to be hard to explain to him.

This surgery was also coming on the heels of our family splitting into two homes. And then there was the tendency Hippo had toward literal interpretations — for instance, when we took holy communion at church, he believed I was actually eating a piece of Jesus’ body and drinking his blood because I was a vampire who really loved Jesus. Yeah … explaining the J-pouch was going to be quite the task.

After agreeing to the three-step surgery, I sat with my nurse. He had two young kids and had just adopted his third, a toddler around Hippo’s age. I asked him what I should do.

He looked me in the eye and said, “Tell him the truth. Don’t act like he won’t understand. Normalize it by continuing to talk about it. I’ve seen your little one on Facetime, and he’s no fool. Kids get it more than adults do sometimes.” 

That’s when it hit me — I was overthinking this. I thought about how my surgeon explained it to me, combined it with a little Mr. Rogers, and sprinkled in some mommy sass to come up with a plan.

### Prepping the non-patient

Before I left the hospital, my mom, my brother, my grandmother, and my son’s father all had conversations with little Hippo about Mommy not feeling well. He already was used to Mommy being in the hospital, So, starting off the conversation with “Mommy got something that is gonna make her feel better” was the perfect segue for me to jump in with big reveal.

He looked me in the eye and said, “Tell [your son] the truth. Don’t act like he won’t understand. Normalize [your illness] by continuing to talk about it. I’ve seen your little one on Facetime, and he’s no fool. Kids get it more than adults do sometimes.”

Depending on the age of your child, having these conversations also opens up a path for questions they may have and allows for their comfort level to rise with the idea of Mom or Dad’s new treatment. It can also make the idea of surgery seem not so scary.

### Explaining your new plumbing for surgery

I was always a visual person growing up. And as I revisited shows like “Sesame Street,” “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and “Blue’s Clues” with my little one, I found that visuals work well for teaching children. I used some body apps on the iPad to show my toddler the inside of our bodies. Then, to compare and contrast, I showed him all the parts in his body. And all the healthy parts of his body. Then I showed him all the parts that were in my body. The healthy ones and the ones they had to remove because they were not healthy anymore. At the time, my little one was too little for a picture of an actual J-pouch, but as he got older, I was able to show him some more graphic photos and answer his questions. It’s important you meet your children where they are in their understanding and comfort.

My explanation took place post-surgery because my surgery was an [emergency](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/ibd-natural-disaster-emergency-kit) and there was little time to talk to Hippo. But if you are able to speak with your children before your surgery, I highly suggest you do, talking about what the surgery will entail. Now, the details of your explanation should be dependent upon the age of your child(ren) and their learning capabilities. Find some great visual tools to use if you can; for example, there are companies that make stuffed toys in the shapes of organs or small models of the body that allow you to remove and replace organs.

### Continuing the conversation

My conversation with my toddler post-surgery wasn’t a “one and done.” As he has continued to grow and his knowledge of [inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)](https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/10-terms-help-understand-ibd) has grown, I encourage his questions and comments about post-surgery life. He understands the daily functions of my J-pouch, but I have thrown in proper terminology here and there to help ease him into a more a scientific explanation of IBD and life with IBD.

It’s important that his knowledge of IBD is as extensive as mine or any patient. My life with ulcerative colitis is his life with ulcerative colitis. This disease and all autoimmune diseases affect the entire family. As his mother, it’s my job to respect how my disease affects his life and our relationship.

I’ve also brought my little Hippo to doctor’s appointments over the years. He has built a rapport with my doctors. When he is with me, I always allow time for him to ask questions or voice his concerns. I’m also fortunate to have doctors who engage with my child and other family members. Of course, that was a prerequisite when choosing my team. It was important that they shared the same views on IBD and the lifestyle changes it brings.

Our children are often the light we need in our moments of darkness. Help them pave the path with truth and comfort. It isn't always easy to speak about our changes in health with our children, but honesty is always the best policy.

__See more helpful articles:__

[Keeping Up With Routine Pouchoscopies with Ulcerative Colitis](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/keeping-up-with-routine-pouchoscopies)

[Managing Your Period with a J-Pouch](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/managing-your-period-with-a-j-pouch)

[The Pros and Cons of Living With an Ostomy](https://www.healthcentral.com/article/the-pros-and-cons-of-living-with-an-ostomy)

Mother explaining a j-pouch to her young daughter.

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One mom with IBD shares how she told her toddler about her j-pouch, with tips you can use to start the age-appropriate conversation.

How do you explain something as complex as a J-pouch to your little one when you have ulcerative colitis or another form of IBD? Here’s how one mom did it.

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Ulcerative Colitis: Finding Your Way Forward

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