Likeliness of Relapse

I think I may be nearing the end of my first conflict with Ulcerative Colitis. Began in June 2008, and due to a misdiagnosis in December, I didn't get treatment for it until May of this year.

I know every case is different, but I was wondering, are there any general statistics of your likeliness to have a relapse? Like, people that had it when they were younger, or people that had long flare-ups, etc.

UC is a chronic disease that is characterized by periods of remission and periods of flares. I have known some UCers who have never attained remission and others who have had 25 years of remission only to flare again. It's unpredictable. The best way to stay in remission is to take your maintenance meds, get plenty of rest, and live a healthy lifestyle. Try not to worry about what the future holds and live every day to the fullest.

Sue

I've had 3 flares, each one about one year apart (since first diagnosed 3yrs ago). My doctor told me that my likelihood of a flare within the next six months is about 75% if we don't take precautions (6MP or Remicade).

     I was diagnosed in 1998 at the age of 52.   Within the following four years I only experienced two flares.  After that my flares occured yearly.  This last flare began after only a seven month remission.  So in my case I would say my flares are getting closer together and more severe, lasting longer.  I have an appointment with a GI specialist on the 24th of September at the Univ of PA Hospital.  My GI has referred me to him to see if he can suggest other options of treatment.  I am not a candidate for Remicade.  At the moment I am in remission following a three month flare.

i was in remission for 4 years or more, then bam im in a flare. i almost forgot how it was. Almost seemed like a bad dream, like it never happened..Then reality set in. My first flare when i was diagnosed was worse than this one. Also i think i relapsed partly in due to alcohol consumption. I read somewhere that people who ingest more alcohol have a higher rick of relapsing. Wish i could just wake up one day and it be gone....

Christine1946 said...

When im in remisson i can eat and do anything it seems like. This time around if i reach remission (hopefully). Its going to be different especially with the alcohol.