Linjade7,
This place has been such a blessing to me. You can choose to be scared, be prepared, be informed, be encouraged, get wisodm, get suggestions, learn something new quite often, or find someone to encourage. 
My husband was diagnosed around June '06, so we are new to this. No family history (he's adopted and not in my family) so we had never even heard of UC nor CD.
His first flare we researched what the disease was, and what it did, and what to "expect" could be possible outcomes. We obeyed the doctor to the T, and took everything they prescribed etc.
Since then, we have learned there are other options and doctors that have more (or less) wisdom.
The most important thing I learned was that this is INDIVIDUAL. What works for Sue, John and Sally, may not be what is best for Sam, Jake and Bev. BUT Sue may have suggested something to John that his doctor never even thought of and now John is feeling better.
That is what we have gotten from here.
I have been encouraged and since I am doing most of the research for my husband, I am learning about things that may make big improvements for him.
I found that dairy seemed to be a common irritation for quite a few, so he stopped drinking milk - seems to have worked. Cheese and of course yogurt have been okay.
Fiber during a flare isn't good, which seems like a no brainer, but he likes shredded wheat! I said "hey, lets not and see if it helps" cutting out wheat products for the moment, seems to have helped.
Reading about medications others have tried or are on, also gave us insight on whether we want to try that route.
Keep your chin up, be encouraged, and learn what you can.
Hope that helps.
m4dcks