Been Gone A Long Time - Can We Have a Update on Our Lives/Loves/and Pains?

I am so sorry to hear about what has happened Bob *hugs* I know how this is going to sound (cause I sometimes hate it as well :o)) but things will get better!

My name is Kat and I am 26. I found out I had colitis Jan '07 after being sick for some time. I've really only had 2 flares (when I first found out and now) so I can't really be much help to anyone. My current flare happened when I had complications from my c-section. I had to have an emergency c-section with my son on May 16th and then the incision became infected. After all the antibiotics they pumped into me for 9 days, I am not surprised that they also had to put me on pred to get the flare down. I am now down to 10mg of pred (next week is my last week of it when I go down to 5mg) and my aza.

I'll admit that I am pretty lucky that my colitis isn't worse. I do however know that at any time that could change and I am thankful for the good days I have.

I love this board and all the help it has provided me throughout the past year. All of you are wonderful people!

Hi Bob,

I'm a 38 years old male, living in Sydney Australia, I was diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis in 2006.  I just found this message board a few weeks ago, and reading about everyone's experiences has been very helpfull, and had given me a much better understanding of my own condition. 

I am at the end of a 2 month flair up, in which my UC spread up half way across my transverse colon.  I lost 20 kilos in weight and was feeling really, really sick, I decided to take control of the situation and took myself to the ER as I couldn't wait for my specialist appointment.  The ER was great, I had all the tests, saw my specialist and had a Colonoscopy.

They put on 40 mg of Prednisolone for 7 days.  The Pred combined with Mesalazine ememas, a new super clean diet, no processed foods, low sugar, high fiber, plenty of water, plus electrolite replacement drinks, Omega 3 fish oil, Probiotics, Iron & Vitamin B shots has got me symptom free in 8 days.

I had a follow up with my Specialist today, he was very happy with my progress, and has instructed me to begin to taper of the Pred, he told me to reduce the dose weekly, I'm going to 30 mgs this week, 20 mgs next week, and then I'm going to drop it by 5 mgs a week, so a week at 15 mgs, a week at 10 mgs & finally a week at 5mgs.

When I get to 20 mgs of Pred I'm going to start taking Mesalazine granules orally, which in combination with the Emenas, and my new diet will .. fingers crossed .. make for a smooth transition off the Pred and into remission ... I hope!

Finally I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has posted their experiences here, I can't tell you how helpfull and informative it is to read your stories and your advice.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.