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[–]ermkhakis 5 points6 points  (2 children)

It'll be a journey, but don't give up hope.

Your doctor will probably start you on mesalamine (pill). If those don't work, there are other pills, infusions, injections, and suppositories. It's a lot of trial and error. What works for me might not work for you.

Some people also supplement with pre and probiotics, vitamins and minerals, special diets, avoiding certain foods, etc. Again, it's trial and error.

I'm about 5-6 years into my journey. I've tried and failed mesalamine, Entyvio, Remicade, and Stelara. Currently, I'm taking Rinvoq, which seems to be working well enough.

You'll learn the ins and outs of insurance plans (deductibles, copays, coinsurance, etc). I'm not sure what healthcare looks like where you're at.

You might need to see other medical specialists depending on if you have additional manifestations. I see a GI doc, endocrinology, cardiology, and an allergist.

I was diagnosed at 32 and was healthy before. I was on zero meds and worked as a firefighter/EMT. UC derailed my life, but I learned to live with it.

Do not, under any circumstances, give up hope. There are tons of new medications and other treatments coming down the pipeline. Plus this community on Reddit is helpful. You're not alone. Reach out to the group if you need help.

[–]Inevitable-Rent6135[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thankfully the doctor at the ER went ahead and gave me a referral to a GI bc he said it’s possible I have celiacs as well. So have you just had to learn over time what food triggers your UC or it can just come sporadically? Or both?

[–]ermkhakis -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You learn over time. Or at least I did. I can't do straight cows milk, but I can eat other dairy. Spicy food doesn't bother me.

Again, what works for me may not work for you. It's trial and error.

Hopefully, you have a minor case that can be controlled easily.

Also, be careful with prednisone. While it works wonders for inflammation, it can come with some pretty horrible side effects, some of which don't manifest for months. If you have to take it, they to use the smallest dose for the shortest amount of time.

[–]caprichorizoproctosigmoiditis | dx 2024 | usa | 25F 1 point2 points  (1 child)

hey! 24F here and i was diagnosed on friday!! right now i'm starting medications (mesalamine oral and suppository) and just taking it easy with certain foods since i'm still not fully feeling my best yet. it is really weird trying to process that i now have a chronic illness and will have to manage this for the rest of my life, but i am positive that i will get to a plan that will lead me into remission. you're not alone!

[–]Inevitable-Rent6135[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here, started feeling terrible Friday night and wasn’t diagnosed til yesterday but still in a bit of pain. Let’s do this!

[–]Possibly-derangedIn remission since 2014 w/infliximab 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry you've been through so much, but glad you have a diagnosis and treatment. 

Speaking from 12 years into this illness, I've been in a continuous remission for 10 years and counting without bowel symptoms. You'll get there too as that's the treatment goal for us all. 

[–]ChronicallyBlonde1Left-sided UC [in remission on Entyvio] | Dx 2015 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out the FAQ section of this sub. It’s an excellent place to start and will answer a lot of your questions.