Newly Diagnosed with UC: So Many Questions, No Answers

I’m newly diagnosed (or almost diagnosed) with UC. Flare up started in the beginning of October and while I’m feeling a lot better now it just feels like there’s a million questions I can’t get answers to. I don’t even officially have a doctor assigned to me yet! I had a quick visit to get established with the practice, a colonoscopy, a calprotectin test, I’ve been prescribed a medication that I haven’t started yet. It just feels like I haven’t really been able to talk to anyone.

Struggling with Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis and Flare Ups

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis last week. This past week has been the worst it’s ever been, despite now being on prednisolone. I’m up at least 5 times every night with stomach pains and diarrhoea and I am EXHAUSTED. I’ve always had a suspicion my flare ups are highly stress related, so I think maybe the stress of the diagnosis has made things worse? Can anyone else relate to this? I’ve also recently gone through a breakup, so there are lots of thing’s changing in my life right now, which may be a contributor.

Sharing my journey to deep remission from severe UC

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share that I just reached deep remission from severe UC I’ve been battling for 3 and a half years!!! It feels so surreal to me, but I wanted to share how I got here in case it can help anyone else!! I have been on Entyvio infusions every 4 weeks for 2 years, and have been on xeljanz 22mg daily for 1 and a half years. Things started to change once I got into the Xeljanz. I stopped bleeding within 2-3 days of initially taking it but the urgency took a bit longer to go away. I also had to do a lot of stress reduction and remove ALL veggies, seeds, and regular red meat consumption from my diet. I both wanted to encourage you with this post, and ask a question. I am now beginning to taper off of Xeljanz, and I feel like I need more sleep than usual. Is it typical to need more sleep while tapering off of medication?

Ulcerative Colitis or Chrons Disease?

I have never been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Doctors say ifs either that or Chrons Disease - still unsure. What differences should I look for? The right colon gets inflamed usually showing mild-moderate colitis when a CT Scan is preformed and calprotectin is usually elevated

Looking for advice on UC treatment options

This is my first post. I have mild/moderate left sided UC. Originally prescribed mesalamine both oral and enema. I think I’m one of those small percentage of patients who don’t respond well to it. Actually made it worse! Completed one course of prednisone and balsalazide (have stayed on balsalazide) and am now doing fairly well but certainly not in remission. My Doc is saying biologics may be in my future but I want to do all I can to avoid that! Recently added 2 grams of Turmeric:Curcumin to regimen and it seems to be helping. I was also going to discuss the possibility of trying Budesonide with my Doc. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Struggling with UC: Coping with the Stress and Isolation

hi everyone! Im new to this app and I just wanted to get some advice. I was diagnosed with UC a little under a year ago and I am really struggling. I am 21 yrs old and I feel like I am missing out on so much. My entire life has changed. I cannot work and had to switch to online school because my symptoms are so severe. My best friend doesn't understand what I'm going through even though I have tried my best to explain it to her. I feel guilty that my family has to make all these changes just to make sure I am okay. I used to not have to think twice before I went anywhere and now I feel tied down because of my UC. How do you all cope with the stress of UC and feeling like no one understands what you're going through??

Need snack ideas during Crohn's flare

Having my first flare since 2019. Looking for some kind of salty snack I can have that's easy or prepackaged (though I am trying to stay away from highly processed food). I love snack mixes, potato chips, and popcorn, but I don't feel like any of those would be good for me. Do they make frozen sweet potatoe fries? Any tips greatly appreciated.

Hair falling out after prednisone and inflectra

anyone else’s hair falling out like crazy?? i had my first flare in march and was put on prednisone. i think it started falling out during my hospital stay. i’ve been off the steroids for 2 months now because i started inflectra. i swear i’ve lost at least half my hair :( any advice???

Dealing with UC Flares: What to Expect from Your Doctor

What happens after I tell my doctor I’m having a flare up? My dad thinks they won’t do anything. Anyone have any personal experiences? What do they do? I’ve been having a UC Flare for about 3 months now with blood and severe abdominal cramps and lack of control of movements.

Struggling with Ulcerative Colitis at 16

Hi everyone I have recently been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 16. I was having symptoms (bloody diarrhea, fatigue, and pain, waking up 10+ times a night to go to the bathroom, going 10+ times during the day and urgency) for over a month but didn’t think much of it and though that it would eventually go away ( I have other medical issues so I though that maybe it was just that).I eventually told my mom after being embarrassed and scared. We decided to go to the emergency room after not being able to get an appointment with a GI doctor for over a month. I ended up being admitted and was extremely anemic and inflamed. All of my levels were very low resulting in me having to get two blood transfusions and two iron transfusions. I eventually got a colonoscopy and endoscopy while in the hospital which was able to officially diagnose me. I started steroids right after my procedure but they didn’t seem to help much so I got my first dose of remicade. There wasn’t a huge change after the first dose causing me to get a second dose. I ended up staying in the the hospital for 12 days before finally being able to go home. I just got home 4 days ago and I am still struggling with the same symptoms. And on top of this I have missed the last couple weeks of school and I had to take some of my finals in the hospital. I also took my last two test today that I had to go in for. I still feel very fatigue and tired constantly. I have a couple doctors appointment coming up and I also have my third remicade infusion this Friday. I definitely am noticing a difference with the remicade but I definitely want it to work better because I am still having my draining symptoms. I am definitely struggling both mentally and physically during this time but I am hopeful that things will get better. Just wanted to open up to someone because not a lot of people my age talk about this and no one in my family has IBD or colitis. :)

Struggling with Stomach Issues and Needing Advice

Hello! I'm duplicity and I'm new here. I've been struggling for a long time with stomach issues that have recently been getting a lot worse. They suspect that i have ulcerative colitis but have not given me an official diagnosis yet. I've been having issues with urgency and needing to use the bathroom every 30 minutes or so and I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help with this issue. Is using anti-diarrheal medications safe with this condition? I'm a pianist so I play for long periods of time without being able to get up and use the restroom so this is affecting my ability to play quite a bit....any help would be greatly appreciated!

Joint Pain with IBD: Negative RA Tests

Anyone else with an IBD experience a lot of joint pain but has negative RA tests?

Long-term stress led to my medical diagnosis

doctors have said my diagnosis was due to alot of stress and worry for a long period of time. turns out it was since 2010, right after a car accident I had as a kid. was never diagnosed as a child until 2020. can't get a colonoscopy, either. what's the best way at home to handle this situation?

Dealing with UC Flares: Seeking Advice

I have had UC for about 20 years now. in a flare. very frustrated. I also have diverticulosis and IBS. anyone have something that has worked for them?

Coping with Chronic Illness: Tips for Managing Mental Health

I am worried about how my condition is affecting my mental health. I was diagnosed with UC a little over a year ago and I've been on 4 different medications and I feel like I'm at a loss. The next step would probably be to put on Stelara. Does anyone have any tips on how they got over the stress and anxiety and just overall depression of having a chronic illness?

Just diagnosed with UC, seeking advice

I (18F) just got diagnosed with UC. I'm slightly worried because I don't know what to expect for the future. Those who have had UC for a decent amount of time, does it get better/easier to live with? And do you have any kind of tips or advice that you wish you had at the start of your healing journey? Anything would help, I don't know much about UC.

Struggling with Physical Work

Is anyone else finding it extremely difficult to do any physical work? Like I’ll clean the bathroom and make the bed and I’ll have to lay down for 4 hours.

Memory Loss and Depression with UC

I've noticed more memory loss and depression....is it just me or does the uc do this?

Managing UC: Tips and Tricks

Hi! I have been living with UC for about six years now, with ups and downs. What do you all find helps most to keep you in remission / reduce pain and flare ups?

Recovering from a Hospital Stay: Dealing with Flare Ups

Hi everyone! I was just discharged from the hospital on Sunday. I had an ER visit for dehydration from diarrhea on Thursday that turned into an emergency colonoscopy and a 3 night hospital stay. I’m recovering now and trying to figure out my diet. How will I know when this flare up is getting better?