When talking about my condition to others, I used to just say "colitis" because it was easier to say and it seemed easier for others to understand. However, although knowing everything I'd been through with my first initial, horrible flare, someone told me that my condition couldn't be that bad because "colitis" is just inflammation of the colon. No big deal!
So now, despite its many syllables, I ALWAYS say, "Ulcerative colitis." Others may not know what "ulcerative" means, or ask me to repeat it, but it's a big enough word that others think, "Oh, that sounds serious." And, of course, we all know that it is.
But it did get me to thinking. What does "ulcerative" mean?
The online Cambridge Dictionary defines ulcerative as "affected by or involving ulcers." Oh. That's why the word "ulcer" is in the word "ulcerative." (Eye roll.)
A great article in Medical News Today says,"The main difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis (UC) is the trigger. UC usually stems from an autoimmune reaction, while other types of colitis may result from an infection or medication use."
That is more helpful and makes more sense.
It can get tiring trying to explain ulcerative colitis to others. But it needs to be done. We can decide who does and does not need to know, but regardless, there are people around us who should be brought into the loop. (See previous post, Are You Getting Over It? (Who do you tell?))
I posted the title of this post and the first two paragraphs on the r/UlcerativeColitis Reddit thread. Over forty readers replied to the post, talking about their experiences in trying to describe UC to others and what words they use.
Some used the word, colitis, like I did. Some just said that they had an autoimmune disease, and didn't use the words "ulcerative colitis" at all unless pressed for more information. Some said that they tell others that they have Crohn's disease, even though Crohn's and UC are two different conditions, because more people are familiar with Crohn's.
Others were more gritty about their UC descriptions. Instead of saying they have ulcerative colitis, when asked they tell people that they have bleeding ulcers that causes constant diarrhea and blood to come out of their back end. (I cannot repeat the actual language they used in their description.)
When telling someone about my condition for the first time, I say, "I have an autoimmune condition where my immune system attacks my colon, causing bleeding ulcers in my intestines."
That usually does the job.
However, going back to the title of this post, when talking about my condition to those who already know my situation, I no longer just say "colitis." I make sure the whole humdinger is said. It is a reminder that ulcerative colitis is a serious, lifelong condition that is not "just colitis." There is no "just" about it at all.
© Colitis Senioritis 2025
Posts
