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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/30/2010 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 16 and I was diagnosed with UC yesterday. My doctor told me that most people have an initial flare up and then never have one again. But, I was reading some information online and I saw that only 10-15% of people have an initial flare up and never have one again. Who's right? My doctor or the information I read.. Do most people have more flare ups?
Posted 1/30/2010 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Are you seeing a gastroenterologist or is this your general doctor? I think most continue to have flares. I have had 3 in the past year and a half; though I think the first 2 were really one long flare that came back after I tapered off the prednisone.
Posted 1/30/2010 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
I'm seeing a GI. I had a sigmoidoscopy and a biopsy and all that. He seemed to be just a really positive person so I'm trying to figure out whether he was just trying to keep me in a good mood. I'm a really nervous person. I'm seeing a doctor about my anxiety in a few days.
Posted 1/30/2010 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
They always make it out like you might be one of the lucky ones. I don't think that is the norm, I think the norm is that people have flare ups here and there if they have UC.
Posted 1/30/2010 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Well... yeah, you are right; even my GI says "it's not going to kill you; it's just a pain in the you know what, and a bother." I have been distressed when I was in a really bad flare and wonder why my doctor is not more concerned. I guess part of their job/position is to keep us calm. And yes, we are all unique and individual in how UC affects us. I would think you would be more likely to have another flare then not. It is good you are participating on this discussion board as you can find out about, and read about, other people's experiences.

F/49
Posted 1/30/2010 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
You're 16. Try not to let this worry you. I got it at 19 and was depressed until I got better and stayed in remission for several years. You may have another flare but focus on getting healthy now and read about it and the medications used to treat it. What are they giving you?
Posted 1/30/2010 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
You may have one initial flare up and if you get the right meds may never have another while some don't get well no matter what they do but most do well once treated. It's great you got treatment/diagnosed right away as many wait, or wait until things get worse either through being scared to go to the doctor fearing cancer from the bleeding or by mis-diagnosis. Hopefully you'll respond well to front line meds like 5asas both oral and/or rectal if needed. With nutrition and stress reduction and meds etc you'll be fine. Many folks also have IBS in addition to IBD so do what you can to prevent it as well. Many UC patients go into remission and live normal lives with the right meds and a small number actually have something called self limiting colitis and go into remission without any intervention at all. Feel better and don't stress over UC as it only makes it worse. Don't worry you'll be fine : )
Posted 1/30/2010 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hmm right now they're not giving me a whole lot. They gave me some pain ointment stuff and some enemas. But mine was pretty bad. I was losing about a 4th of a cup of blood betwen 10-15 times a day. I'm kind of mad at the doctors. They kept telling me I was constipated for about 3 months. Finally after two trips to the ER they sent me for a sigmoidoscopy.
Posted 1/30/2010 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Be positive...I have read about many people, who manage to stay in remission for 10-15 years at a time with good diet and quality life. Start with the first goal - get it under control asap (thats what I have been doing for the past 2 months), then start thinking about the next goal - how to keep it away for as long as possible!
Posted 1/31/2010 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry that someone so young as you has to deal with this disease. Both my husband and my daughter (age 14) have UC.....my husband had his initial flare-up 15 years ago (at age 31), was placed on prednisone and sulfasalazine and was in remission within 2 weeks and has not had a flare-up since. My daughter was diagnosed just over 2 years ago and has yet to get into a remission. Unfortunately there is no way to know which way your disease is headed, but stay positive and continue to educate yourself as much as possible. You've come to the right place for support!
Posted 1/31/2010 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
HI and welcome. I'm sorry you have UC!
I have it, and my first flare was the worst one I've ever had - none of the others have been as severe. I figure I'm lucky.
My son also has UC, and after his first flare he went into remission and is still there.....almost three years now. (He's 16.)
So, who knows, maybe you WILL be one of the lucky ones!

Learn as much about it as you can, ask questions, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor....it's great you found this forum!
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