Posted 3/22/2014 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with UC at age 16 (I'm 63 now). I had a complete colectomy at age 36. The procedure I opted for was a Kock Pouch (the predecessor to the J-Pouch). Still doing well. The primary medication used at that time was Prednisone--horrible, horrible, horrible. Interestingly, the only period of remission I had with the disease was a seven year period in my 20s when I smoked marijuana. I was not a heavy user--usually used a little in the evenings 3-4 days a week. I was completely symptom free and slept incredibly well. When I returned to college to get my Ph.D., I stopped using marijuana. All my symptoms immediately returned. I was pretty miserable the next four years. Thankfully, the surgery worked well. Occasionally, I do get an inflammation in the pouch. Often a little marijuana will reduce the time on antibiotics. I agree with InSoFla--you have to find what works for you. I do encourage people to give marijuana a shot...it sure worked for me.