There are about 700,000 people with ulcerative colitis (UC) in the United States. That means there’s a sizable community of individuals interested in sharing stories, personal experiences, and helpful information with you. There are also several national organizations that raise funds for UC research, work on issues that concern people with UC, and raise awareness of UC among the general public.
Locating an ulcerative colitis support group in your area
The support groups you can attend in person may be run by health care professionals or by people who have UC. You can search for a local chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) at the foundation's Web site, CCFA.org. You can also ask the staff at your doctor’s office if they know of a local UC support group, or you can ask for their help in starting your own group.
Online forums on ulcerative colitis
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with UC or you’ve been living with the condition for years, there are free, online forums you can join. They offer mutual support and down-to-earth advice and information from the real experts—people like you who are living with UC.
You can participate in a variety of ways, from reading what other people have posted to moderating online discussions. The “talk” on these forums is frank and honest and fueled by a common goal: to make the best of life with UC and to get the most out of therapy.
