Chapter 13 · Looking Ahead

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.

Discussions about transitioning into adulthood should begin as early as age 14, with the actual transition to adult medical care typically happening between 18–21 years old. The earlier you start practicing these skills, the more confident you’ll feel when the day comes.

Adult Medical Care

A few things you should know — and be able to do — as you take the lead on your own care.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Smoking 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.

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Alcohol and drug use Alcohol and illicit drug use can harm your gastrointestinal tract and can interact with your medications, affecting how well they work. Alcohol may also worsen symptoms or trigger flare-ups in some people.

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Pregnancy 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 — never stop or change your medication on your own.

School Accommodations

The right paperwork can give you protection and flexibility at school when you need it.

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The information below is U.S.-specific. If you’re outside the U.S., your country likely has similar protections — check with your school’s accessibility office or your local equivalent.

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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 may make it easier to miss school for appointments, access bathrooms during class, or get extra time for tests.

IEP provides specific educational modifications based on your individual needs.

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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 / Accessibility Office and request accommodations there.

College and Work Life

Practical steps for your next chapter.

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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.

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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.

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Your rights are protected Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, schools and employers are not allowed to discriminate against you because of your condition.

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If any symptom is worrying you, contact your medical team. TeenHealthInsight is a health education resource — not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or gastroenterologist.