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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/12/2009 12:13 PM (GMT -5)
I am recently diagnosed, and after looking through many forums - this one and others - I am curious if anyone knows of anyone who hasn't had such a struggle with this disease? I have heard of people taking some meds for a bit, and going into remission for years - as many as 10 - 25 years. Does this really happen often, or is only the lucky few?

I am trying to remain optimistic, but sometimes the information is overwhelming, and I worry about my future struggles.
Posted 10/12/2009 12:22 PM (GMT -5)
My best friend from high school has UC that affects...I think as far as her sigmoid, though it might be her rectum. So far as I know, she hasn't had any symptoms since she was diagnosed and put on meds in high school and she's 23 now.
Posted 10/12/2009 2:46 PM (GMT -5)
I was diagnosed on 2002 with pancolitis and I went into remission for 6 years after a high dose of prednisone and colazal for maintenance. Was off all meds for 5 years of the remission. Just recently had a severe flare and am back on meds and considering Remicade if my insuranse will cover it. So think positive because remission can be achieved.
Posted 10/12/2009 3:00 PM (GMT -5)
Hi and welcome!
For years, with my infrequent mild flares that were always easily solved by cortenemas, I would look at forums from time to time and feel so worried by all the problems people were reporting that I couldn't stand to read them very often!
I started here this summer because I was between doctors and wanted to learn about some natural things as well as to update myself on what meds were out there. I'd basically been doing so well for all these years that I'd never needed to know about all the "new" things!
My hunch is that, as we discussed on another thread, folks in really long term remissions aren't hanging out here. So - this is a great forum, but I think it's likely not "balanced" in terms of showing how "everyone" with UC does!
Posted 10/12/2009 3:28 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks so much for the replies. It is nice to see that some people are doing or have done well.

Songlady - I was thinking the same thing. If people are well, and healthy, they really have no reason to be on the forums.

Maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones - like Glove! 6 years remission - that's great.

My GI already is talking about surgery if the pred doesn't work! Seems a bit too fast for me...considering I have only been diagnosed for 2.5 weeks!

Thanks again. Gives me hope to hear some positive outcomes.

:-)
Posted 10/12/2009 4:27 PM (GMT -5)
I only had symptoms during the first year of my diagnosis. I was hospitalized twice because of dehydration and loss of appetite, but I only had a mild to moderate case of UC to begin with. Although to me it felt a lot worse. Found the right combo of meds and have been in remission and doing well for 7 years. Even though I am in remission I still read and post replies on the forum in the hopes of possibly helping someone else. A lot of times though I don't post much because I haven't experienced a lot of the things that those currently flaring or know someone flaring are going through. Many of us in remission or currently symptom free still take meds and look for information about that and I know I continue to be active in this forum so I don't feel like the only person in the world who has gone through this.

I'm kind of surprised your GI mentioned surgery so soon. I would definitely look into other options to control your flares/symptoms before considering surgery this early in the diagnosis.
Posted 10/12/2009 5:52 PM (GMT -5)
I have a friend with UC that has been in full remission for 10 yrs and not using any maintenance meds either, it varies so much from person to person. Even for each patient the flares can vary from flare to flare...it's a real rollercoaster ride living with IBD.


I have crohn's colitis myself (CD affecting the colon) and have never been in total remission...I also have IBS as well.


:)
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