I know that there is a support group that meets at Arrowhead Hospital in the Phoenix Az. area. Does anyone go to this group? I know ME and I will not walk into a room of 20 people alone for the first time. I'm 72 years old, live alone and need help. I just got out of the hospital for the second time since April. If I could meet someone for the first meeting that would be great. Marilyn
Reply posted for KDrenth.
Kathy:
When it comes to UC, I am clueless. I am Crohn's. I know that they are in the same family, but I am sure that there are also differences. I wouldn't want to give bad info. So I'll take a pass at giving advice.
Marilyn
Reply posted for marilynaz.
Hi Everybody,
I am new to this website and would like to talk to others with UC. I was diagnosed about 18 months ago, but I feel I have had the disease for years now that I look back. A severe flare-up put me in the the hospital for a week and a biospy confirmed UC. My GI Dr. put me on Asacol but after a year on it the side effects were unbearable so I had to go off of it. Now I just deal with the syptoms, although I take Prednisone every other day for autoimmune hepatitis. I was diagnosed with it 16 years ago. I understand the embarrassment that people feel with this disease and sometimes feel it is easier to avoid social situations. I am a 47 year old single mom of 3 girls, ages 19, 22 and 24. I hope I can get some insight from all of you "veterans".
Thanks, Kathy
Reply posted for marilynaz.
Oh, and many support groups are not that large. If you'd prefer a smaller group, get in touch with the facilitators of various groups in your area and see which one sounds most to your liking. The group I attend is usually between 8-15 people.
Reply posted for marilynaz.
It may be helpful to remember that the support group will not be a room full of 20 random people, it will be 20 people just like you, who have experienced the same things you have, and who understand what you're going through. Please go and give it a try. You don't have to say anything or talk to anybody if you don't feel like it, just go and see what it's all about. If you feel like talking you can or you can just observe. Good luck.