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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Top rated

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6269 reviews

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Paula D.

Staff was caring and concerned with my over all comfort. I would highly recommend.

Andrzej S.

Dr Bologna and his staff are friendly and professional. They listen are knowledgable and caring. Would highly recommend

Diane T.

Fast and friendly on day of procedure.

Ann K.

Everyone was very nice.

Anelyse C.

When I entered the suite everyone was very friendly and reassuring as to the procedure.They truly calmed my nerves.

David D.

Great staff and very attentive

John B.

Excelent. Care wonderful staff

Nancy N.

My entire experience was excellent, from checking in to leaving! Dr. Bakken was again, very caring and working with a staff that were willing to answer all of my questions!! I would certainly recommend the Macomb Endoscopy Center in Macomb, MI for anyone needing a colonoscopy.

Teri K.

The entire staff is warm and welcoming, professional and friendly.

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!

jon M.

Everyone is very friendly. The entire staff made sure to answer all my questions and made sure I understood everything.

Verna C.

Every aspect of the experience was as easy as possible. Check in was organized and easy, the prep and the actual procedure were painless and organized, and the recovery was short and painless. Most of all, every staff member was kind and friendly, well prepared, supportive and very professional.

Debbie T.

Everyone’s great here from the intake admin to all the nurses and assistants! You feel cared for and the process moved quickly! Highly recommend this place!

Anthony G.

My procedure with Dr. Bologna went great. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. The entire staff were all very compassionate. As a physician myself, I was very comfortable having my procedure at Center for Digestive Health, and would recommend them to anyone.

Shannon I.

Entire staff was very friendly and professional from beginning to end of my appointment.

Gary P.

Have used them for annual colonoscopies for some time . This was for other problems and I received the same great servic and diagnostic help. Top notch group

SMS

The entire experience from start to finish at the Center for Digestive Health on Romeo Plank was great. I can’t say enough about the admin staff, nurses and Dr. Nandi. A special shout out to Amy, Mary and Dr. Nandi who went above and beyond making me feel comfortable and took the time to listen and address my concerns.

Jean V.

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

Janet W.

Dr. Quallich has given me back my quality of life! He is very knowledgeable and has provided a successful protocol for me. He is very kind and cares about my well-being. A true professional!

Christopher F.

The staff was very polite and professional.

Renna G.

On schedule and Dr Wille always is caring and listening to me as a patient.

Deb K.

All of the office staff were very friendly and helpful in answering all my questions. I was only in the waiting room for about 5 minutes and was taken in the back. Dr Wille came in right after Chris his assistant left the room! I have never been to an office that ran so smooth and efficient! I can't say enough about Dr. Wille. He is very kind and personable. Very easy to talk to and he is an even better listener. Too many times I have had doctors try to finish my sentence or cut me off mid sentence. Not the case with Dr Wille. He is a true gem! I will recommend him and this office to everyone!

Sherry P.

Dr Partha Nandi is absolutely the most caring, compassionate & trusted doctor I have ever met! I fully trust his wisdom & investigate measures to figure out my condition & plan of action!

Jim M.

Excellent all-around experience. Very professional. Highly recommend.

Debbie C.

This office is run professional with friendly patient care. My call out to Amy, Nick, Jorden, Nicole, and Dr. Tocco. They all treated me with gentle respectful care. During my prep stage (which is the unpleasant part) I had some questions and called the office. Sherrie answered all of my questions and helped calm an advance middle aged lady down! You guys are the best!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6274 reviews

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Sheryl Van G.

Very organized, efficient, caring and friendly. Made the experience fairly easy to get through.

Final Word R.

Dr Donat and Staff are second to none I recommend Highly

James K.

Everything from check in to release was perfect. Staff was friendly and professional. Dr Quallish was great. Willing to take time and answer questions. I would highly recommend the Dr and staff.

Sharon S.

I'm happy, Amy centered on the issue. The Xray bore her analysis as true. I'm excited and looking forward to a resolution for my struggles with large bloat and constipation.

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

Christina N. Brown, 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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