Ulcerative Colitis

Overview

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon.

Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders. Each person experiences ulcerative colitis differently, so treatments may vary.

Drug therapy may be used to maintain remission and to improve the quality of life for those with ulcerative colitis. Even though some people have long periods of time when the symptoms go away (remission), most patients’ symptoms eventually return.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy
IV Infusion Therapy

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is possible that an immune system dysfunction can cause an attack on cells in the digestive system. Family history increases the risk of ulcerative colitis, and stress and diet can make symptoms worse.

Is ulcerative colitis dangerous?

Ulcerative colitis is associated with complications, such as perforation in the colon, an enlarged colon, severe bleeding, extreme dehydration, osteoporosis, blood clots, and inflammation in the skin, joints, and eyes. Ulcerative colitis can also increase the risk of colon cancer. While ulcerative colitis is linked to complications, treatment can make symptoms more manageable and even lead to remission.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

There are various medications that can treat ulcerative colitis, but the best one for you depends upon your needs. Some medications work well for one person but do not work for another. Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and biologics are all options for treating ulcerative colitis. Some people may also take pain medications or anti-diarrheal medications to treat symptoms. In some cases, you may need surgery to remove the rectrum and colon. If you have ulcerative colitis, your doctor will conduct routine monitoring for signs of colon cancer.

Common Symptoms

“I started to have abdominal pain, and I noticed blood in my stools.”
“I had diarrhea so severe that it was waking me up at night, and it didn’t get better with over-the-counter medications.”
“In addition to stomach pain, my bowel habits changed, and I had unexplained fevers.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6258 reviews

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C “E” L.

Romeo Plank location was perfect. Reception greeted me promptly and staff was so nice. The nurses were thorough and fast. Dr. Bologna was 100. I was in and out. Every staff member treated me with care and kindness.

Rosalee O.

Dr. Nandi and his team are the best. They make you feel so comfortable. Really....I won't at my pictures, LOL!!!!

Bill M.

I was treated extremely well and promptly. The Doctor and the nurses and other staff were very responsive and aware of my needs. I would highly recommend them.

Carolyn T.

My appointment was on time everything went along efficiently. My PA was informative and interested in me.

Adam C.

Top notch patient care

Shawn S.

My first time going in and I must say staff was awesome 2 thumbs up made me fill comfortable just all around great "thank you"

Amy V.

I don't have one bad thing to say! From scheduling to making sure my order was faxed over, they didn't waste anytime. This can be a time consuming appointment and they did it efficiently and with kindness, most of all!

Stephanie M. P.

Dr. Quallich and the entire staff are amazing and have such a great bedside manner. Very thankful for their compassion, attentiveness and professionalism!

Dianne B.

The nurses who helped prep me for my colonoscopy last Friday morning were angels, explaining everything as they went and carefully making sure I was comfortable and calm. Thank you; your kindness was noticed and appreciated. Dr Nandi as always was the perfect mix of professional and funny. Great experience all around.

Mitch M.

Very nice people there and was only sitting for maybe 5 mins. before I was called back. Very helpful and all a bunch of friendly and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this place and will come back here for my next one …Thank you to all the nurses and tech for making this experience a little more pleasant..😊

Karen O.

I had an absolutely excellent experience! I was there for a Colonoscopy and I was nervous. Everyone was friendly and happy! Sorry I can't remember all the names, I remember Chris who set me up. Dr. Bakken was fabulous and really made me comfortable. It went quickly, I got there at 6:40 and was on my way home by 7:50. I would highly recommend this place!

Martin G.

Dr Donat was helpful and kind. I would recommend him to anyone!

Liz M.

The staff is great and made me feel very comfortable. I always have Dr Donat do my procedures, have been going to him for over 15 years.

Gene F.

Nicolette VanMaldeghem was very knowledgeable and spent a lot of time with me unlike many other doctors who can't wait to get out of the room.,

Geri M.

Wonderful people and a great Dr

Jean V.

Dr was on time. The staff made me very comfortable.

Mary Ann K.

I was so happy to sit and explain how my bowel was working and the difference between divaticlitis and divaticulois and my diet

Jere R.

Prompt. Professional. Extremely Friendly. Caring. Doctor explained what was done, next steps and follow-up visit.

Mark J.

Very courteous team and Dr. Quallich explained the procedure and advised of his findings. The staff also contacted me later to follow up on my status. Would highly recommend.

Sherri G.

Dr. Nandi is truly amazing! He makes you feel completely at ease, listens carefully to your needs, and explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand. For the first time, I feel comfortable and confident about having a colonoscopy, I’m actually looking forward to my procedure and will follow up to share my experience. Dr. Nandi and his team genuinely care about their patients, and it shows in every interaction. He takes the time to discuss your health thoroughly and works with you to create a clear plan for moving forward. The staff is equally wonderful, so friendly, kind, and supportive. I’m very grateful for Dr. Nandi and his entire team. Their compassion and dedication make all the difference!

Mark Wilson S.

The staff was very professional and efficient. My time at the facility was less than 2 hours and the doctor’s summary of the results was detailed and he answered all my questions and concerns. I’m so glad I went through with this procedure!

Edward P.

Dr. Nandi is awesome! He is an excellent gastroenterologist! He gives a very complete and detailed explanation of my diagnosis and treatment plan. He is very compassionate and cares deeply for his patients. He is very knowledgable in his field and in other medical advise. I highly recommend Dr. Nandi! The Staff is always caring and dedicated to patients. The Staff is also very knowledgeable. The facility is very clean. I have seen D. Nandi for many years. I also have other family members who see the other physicians. They are all great! Linda P.

Shana H.

Great communicators, everyone on staff is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and full of useful information.

Chris P.

Everything went well. To the Doctor and the staff 👍.

I don’t understand negative reviews. Schedule people were very kind, receptionist was kind, my nurse was amazingly kind . Dr. Bewick and her technical assistants were so kind. As a former medical person, I agree that patients need to take some responsibilities for their attitudes and behavior. These people are trying to give us the best possible results. I was given excellent directions (which I followed to the T). My first colonoscopy and very scared, but this staff, was wonderful! Will see them in 3 years.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6263 reviews

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Mazen D.

Everyone was courteous and professional from scheduling to the procedure itself and afterwards. They made an unpleasant experience tolerable. Thank you to all. Highly recommend.

Mona B.

Love Dr. Bakken.

Monique R.

Absolutely wonderful experience from scheduling to the procedure itself. Staff are caring and professional and Dr. Bakken is absolutely the best. I highly recommend CDH for any GI related issues.

Ron Z.

Everyone was excellent to work with. Dr. Webber explained everything before and after procedure. Thanks for the great care.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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