Transition Into Adult Care
As an adolescent, things change. You’ll move from your pediatric medical team to an adult care team — and you’ll take on more responsibility for your own health, lifestyle, and choices as you head into college or work.
Adult Medical Care
A few things you should know — and be able to do — as you take the lead on your own care.
Knowing your health and care
- Know the names of your medical team and their contact info (or where you store it).
- Know your health insurance details and how to access them.
- Know the name and specifics of your condition.
- Know which tests and regular visits are necessary.
- Recognize how flare-ups present and what to do when one occurs.
Managing your medication
- Know the names and doses of your medication.
- Be able to prepare your medication.
- Take your medication without anyone reminding you.
- Manage your refills on time.
- Know the possible side effects of your medication.
Speaking up and taking action
- Be able to schedule your medical appointments.
- Ask questions during a doctor visit.
- Advocate for yourself at school and during extracurricular activities.
- Know when to seek medical support — and when to seek emergency care.
Lifestyle and Risk-Behavior
Becoming an adult with UC involves more than just medical care. Some lifestyle choices can affect your condition and your medications.
Smoking has serious general health risks for your lungs, heart, and overall wellbeing. The relationship between smoking and ulcerative colitis specifically is complex, so your medical team can talk with you about how it relates to your own condition.
Some UC medications should not be taken during pregnancy, and birth control may need to be discussed when relevant. If you are thinking about pregnancy, talk to your medical team early, and never stop or change your medication on your own.
For more on this topic later in life, the American Gastroenterological Association has a patient resource: My IBD Life – Parenthood Project.
School Accommodations
The right paperwork can give you protection and flexibility at school when you need it.
The information below is U.S.-specific. If you’re outside the U.S., your country likely has similar protections, so check with your school’s accessibility office or your local equivalent.
At school or college
Consider getting a 504 plan or an IEP (Individualized Education Program). Both help students with chronic conditions succeed alongside their peers.
504 plan is designed to help you be as successful as classmates who do not have a chronic condition. It does not change what you are taught, it changes the conditions around it. It might make it easier to:
- miss school for doctor appointments
- leave class and use the bathroom whenever you need to
- get extra time for tests, or reschedule one you missed during a flare
- keep your medication with you or stored at school
IEP goes further and changes what and how you are taught, with goals written for you. IEPs are less common for students with ulcerative colitis, but they can be the right fit if UC has affected your learning and not just your schedule.
Heads up: 504 and IEP plans don’t automatically carry over to college. Once you start college, you’ll need to register with your school’s Disability Services or Accessibility Office and request accommodations there.
College and Work Life
Practical steps for your next chapter.
Accommodation requests in college
- You’ll need to request specific accommodations through your college’s Student Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
- More about college life with UC on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Campus Connection site.
Working
- You are not required to discuss your ulcerative colitis during a job interview — interviews should focus on your qualifications.
- Once you’ve received a job offer, you can address any accommodations you may need.