I'd call your gasteroenteroligist office and ask as many questions as you want. I don't put a lot of faith in doctor's offices doing what they're supposed to do (as they're often busy, understaffed, and it is the most pro-active patients who get attention) lol. So, I'll call, confirm, remind, and ask questions. Usually I talk with the nurse who works with my gasteroeneroligist, and she can answer many questions herself. She will ask the doctor and get back to me on occasion. Most importantly, ask when the followup consultation is, are they going to give you any medications, tell them your symptoms are now worst post-colonoscopy, and ask for copies of your colonoscopy report.
Many doctors say eat low-residue during flares. Generally eat very bland, non-spiced, well-cooked, and low fiber foods when flaring. Things like broths, soups, chicken, and potatoes are well tolerated during flares. Raw foods are much harder to digest, so try to avoid them during flares. High-fiber diets aren't a good thing when flaring, as fiber is bulking and abrasive. Flares make the internal-diameter of our large intestine smaller, raw, and bleed, so the last thing you want is bulky and abrasive poop. Some have trouble with alcohol and caffeine when flaring, and you can try and avoid them.
Biopsy results can take a few days to a week in most places but sometimes longer. Usually they want biopsy confirmation of what was seen during the colonoscopy.
They should give you anti-inflammatory, oral mesalamine-based pills (i.e., asacol, mezavant, or pentasa) to take daily. Ideally, you should also be given a rectal-route mesalamine-based suppostories (i.e., canasa) or retention-enemas (meslamine, salofalk, or pentasa enema).
In the meantime:
- Avoid any NSAID pain relievers (aspirin, bayer, aleve, etc.) and stick to only tylenol. As NSAIDs can make UC symptoms worse.
- Get a hot water bottle or heat retaining pad. It temporarily relieves the aches from your lower abdomen.
- Make sure to stay well hydrated. Flares and frequent diarrhea tend to dehydrate us fast, so drink extra liquids.
- Ask us anything! I know it's quite a lot to absorb all at once. You'll be fine, we live mostly normal lives with an UC (aside from the occasional flareup). The treatment goal is to get us into a remission, where we have zero UC symptoms and are essentially normal and that can last years. There's no instant-gratification with an UC, it will take a while to heal once you get your medications. And there is a bit of trial-and-error to find the correct mix of medications and doses to control your UC symptoms. It may take a few tries, and a few months to get where you want to be.