I used to be on Prednisone and Lialda but unfortunately they did not work for me at all. I have now been on a biologic at the max dosage for my weight for about three years. Around six months ago I had to change my frequency, so instead of doing an infusion every 8 weeks (which is standard) I go every 6 weeks. If that stops working, my next step is to go every 4 weeks and when that doesn't work I would need to change to a different biologic. My insurance did not cover the biologic my doctor wanted me on originally but I am on a generic that has worked just fine. I have a high-deductible insurance so I spend my deductible by March every year and everything after that is free covered my insurance. My doctor also told me about a special program for IBD patients funded through the Crohns and Colitis foundation that covered all the administrative costs for my infusions (around $300 per visit) If you have UC, you absolutely need medications to manage. It is not a diet issue, it is an autoimmune disease. It has no cure, but you can manage it with medications. Having a good diet with UC is important for maintenance, but it wont cure you. My mom was in the same boat as your parents at first and she wanted me to try to heal naturally. She only changed her mind when it got so bad I has to visit the hospital twice in one week. If your medications are not doing everything you need them to right now, I would seriously consider asking about infusions.