Surgery Is an Option
If medications aren’t working as they should, your medical team might turn to surgery. Medical News Today explains that often, the entire colon will be removed to prevent any chance of the condition returning. However, the patient will need to pass waste through a hole in the abdomen into a bag (ileostomy) following this procedure.
However, the need for a bag may not be permanent. The source points out that a second surgery can be considered later on to create something called an “ileoanal pouch,” which connects the small intestine to the anus to pass waste as before.

Lifestyle Adjustments Might Help
Healthline lists some possible non-medical approaches to managing your symptoms, while also ensuring you get enough nutrients. It notes you should keep a food diary to help you figure out which foods to avoid – and dairy is one thing you should be reducing.
The source also suggests avoiding carbonated and caffeinated drinks and reducing your intake of insoluble fiber (from sources such as bran, whole grains, and some vegetables). Try to drink about eight glasses of water per day and consider multivitamins as a supplement, the source notes.

What Is the Outlook?
Although there is no cure, those with pancolitis can experience periods of remission when the symptoms don’t impact daily life, explains Medical News Today. However, if the signs return, you might have to lower your daily activities to help manage them.
The source also explains that there can be emotional issues attached to this chronic condition. That’s why it’s important to seek out support from healthcare professionals, as well as family and friends. There are also online UC support groups you can join.

Jeff Hayward
Jeff has more than 15 years of experience writing professionally about health, travel and the arts among other subjects. He continuously looks to improve his own overall health through exercise, diet and mindfulness. He is also a proud stay-at-home dad that loves taking photographs both professionally and as a hobby.