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I was diagnosed with UC in Feb this year.  When I was diagnosed I really didn't care about the disease, I just figured my new meds were going to fix me.  Well days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and I still have not been "fixed".  My GI basically told me this might be as good as it is going to get.  My morning runs to the bathroom are just what my life is going to consist of.  Well about two weeks ago I had my first flare up and let me tell you I practically died.  I dont know if I was more shocked or scared.  I really didn't think I was going to become as sick as i was back in Feb.  My GI, parents, and regular doctor were all on vacation the same week I became really sick.  I am only 23 years old and I just don't understand why this happened to me.  My brother and sister have celiac disease which i would trade in a heart beat.  Slowly I am getting better but I'm on prednisone and mp 6 to make my bowls less inflammed. 

I am becoming so depressed and I feel like I am never going to get better.  I am a very healthy active woman.  I work out 6 days a week and train people on the side.  Now that I am sick I have not worked out in almost 3 weeks.  I am so scared to finish up grad school and become a teacher because of my flare ups.  I feel like I am not going to live my life because of the fear of this disease.  I pray every day to God i will get better.  However, why have I not seen any improvement at all.

I know this is just a ramble of all my issues.  I know I am not the only one going through all this.  My best friend told me God made us have this disease because we are strong enough to deal with it.

 Reply posted for mdeg327.

Thank you for sharing your story, I understand where you are coming from.  I am 28, and was diagnosed 4 years ago and have had many ups and downs due to UC.  I have been hospitalized, on many many medications, trips to the ER, but more importantly I have been in remission.  Right now I am having a flare up, home sick from work, and now put back on prednisone. I have been depressed and very very emotional the last few days. When my Dr. says prednisone, I cry.... I hate it so much, he actually prescribed me anti-depressents while I am on it.  So I am praying it will work.

I am a runner, and recently ran the half marathon in Napa, CA.  I actually was apart of Team Challenge, which is a fundraising and training program for CCFA. I raised $4000, and trained with amazing people for 16 weeks, some who also suffer with Crohn's or UC, and some who did it for friends and family members.  Even when I am showing no symptons I still plan out my runs carefully, so there is an accessable bathroom.  I am have been going crazy the last couple of weeks, because I just want to go out for a run, but I cant because I will have to use the restroom immediately.  I am doing all the excerise I can at home....not fun and very frusterating. 

I ask God everyday why me as well, and pray for one day that I will be better.  I know its because he knows I can handle it, and also I am very blessed I had the opportunity to join Team Challenge. He also knew I could handle that too. I finished my half in 2:22, and I am very blessed that I was a part of 16 chapters nationwide in raising 2.2 million dollars in getting us steps closer to finding a cure.

Hang in there it will get better, once your doctor finds the meds that will get you into remission.  I was doing good for so long, and now here I am struggling again, its not fair, but God knows we can handle it.  

 Reply posted for mdeg327.

how much prednisone are you on?  with the 2 drugs, 6mp and the prednisone, you should be feeling better soon.  Usually if i'm on enough mg of prednisone, the inflammation goes away.  The 6mp is a strong med (i tried that, was allergic to it)  and should help you as well.  

 Reply posted for EZ.

just went on to find out about Lee Swanson, so much cheaper.  I just went on the Renew Life website to see what else they have and they have a new probiotic called Ultimate Flora Critical Colon 80 Billion.  Ive never seen that at Whole Foods.  Its good to know theres things out there that may help UC patients. 

Becoming depressed from UC Hi Anony...Ive been reading your posts.  Very interesting.  My daughter is on a probiotic called Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion and I saw you are on Lee Swanson.  Where did you find that one?  Does it need refrigeration?  Is it expensive.  Ultimate Flora is about $1 a capsule.  Her previous doc wanted to put her on Remicade.  I said no.  I went to Whole Foods and they helped me there and it turned out her new IBD specialist recommeds Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion to his UC patients too.  She started it and within a few days her flare up went away and shes been in remission ever since (knock on wood).  Im going to look up Lee Swanson on the web for more info.  Thanks for all your posts.  The only way I even found out about probiotics for UC was NOT from her previous doctor but from this website.  This website has been such a help.

 Reply posted for mdeg327.

Have you tried probiotics? I use Lee Swanson Signature Line Ultimate Probiotic Formula and it stopped the diarrhea I had had for 4 years. It's got 66 billion organisms in it. Other people use other probiotic formulas that have about 50 billion organisms, but some of those people are still complaining of symptoms.

 Reply posted for tilkka.

thank you so much for sharing your story.  It feels so good to know I am not alone.  This disease really has a mind of its own! we need to find some control!!

 Reply posted for tilkka.

P.S. UC has nothing to do with God, you didn't do anything to deserve this. 

It is probably a result of our American lifestyle, since there are some countries that have NO incidence of IBD.

 Reply posted for mdeg327.

I feel similar.  I miss the days that I could check the "excellent health" box on my health forms. 

I have never had surgery or been in the hospital and one day all the sudden I got diarrhea with sweating and cramps.  I thought I had a reaction to goulash I made the night before (hamburger maybe wasn't fresh).  The problem got worse and I started getting up in the middle of the night with cramps and diarrhea.  

I was diagnosed in 2009 and I have not gone into remission yet.  I look at these ads that show people with crohn's/colitis running marathons and such and I think to myself "I must be doing something wrong".  I used to bike, run and go to the gym with endless energy. I have not been able to resume my normal activities so far.  Some of this may be a result of losing 13 pounds and eating far less than I want.  Since I am 5'1" and now weigh 102,  13 pounds was a fair amount to lose.  Plus, anemia that usually occurs with UC causes fatigue.

Sometimes I feel resentful that I have UC instead of someone who is on assistance and works the system. I know that sounds hateful, but I work, have a family and love to do many things.  It just doesn't seem fair.

I have read that when you are diagnosed with a chronic condition you go through the stages of grief; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.  I personally think this is true.

I have promised myself that no matter what, I will not let UC stop me from doing anything I really want to do.  I refuse to call off work or turn down an invitation because of UC.

 Reply posted for alanschachter.

wow i just browsed that website...and i am already feeling a bit better.  Thank you so much  for sending me there.  I want to be that positive one day!!! That was truely amazing.