Self Management Plan for IBD

Severe symptoms include:

6+ trips to the toilet
Nocturnal symptoms
Large volumes of blood
Fever
Pain
Weight loss

Optimise other treatment as for mild to moderate flares but you will likely a need steroid course.

Mild to moderate symptoms include:

2 to 5 trips to the toilet in 24hrs (or noticeable increase from your usual frequency)
Small amounts of blood
Mild urgency
Little or no need to get up from sleep
Good appetite and energy
No fever

Treatment of Mild to Moderate flares

Use mesalazine suppositories 1g at night, or increase to 1g twice a day.

Start / increase oral mesalazine to max. treatment dose (e.g. 4g per day of Pentasa, 4.8g per day of Asacol, 3g per day Salofalk granules).

Access more supplies from your GP.

Review progress at one week

If you are getting better:

Continue this increased treatment until you are feeling well (4-6 weeks)
Then gradually reduce (over a few weeks) to your usual baseline
If you are using suppositories as maintenance, then three times a week should be enough
Oral medication should remain daily

If you are NOT getting better:

Continue this treatment
Contact the IBD helpline on 01273 664427 or [email protected].
Consider a course of steroids (oral or rectal)

Top Tips For Keeping Well With Your Colitis

Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen).

Knowledge is power!

Learn about your colitis
Join your local CCUK group
Attend a study day or new patient group
Know your flare triggers
Stress and tiredness can’t always be avoided, but make sure you look after yourself
Find time to rest, relax and exercise
Seek help if stress is getting on top of you
Be extra vigilant for early symptoms during these times

Diet:

Eat a healthy balanced diet
Do not starve yourself to artificially reduce your need to go to the toilet
During a flare up:
- Eat small amounts regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Reduce your fibre intake

Get a CCUK “Can’t Wait!” card and a RADAR key, to allow you access to disabled toilets.
Don’t stop or alter your medication without discussing it with your IBD team.