Diagnosed with UC today following colonoscopy

Hi all

I had my colonoscopy today and, as I suspected would be the case, I have been diagnosed with UC. The specialist's report said it has affected the rectum and sigmoid colon, with the changes less pronounced as the proximal areas were reached. It doesn't say whether it's left-sided or beyond that, and the term 'proximal' means different things to different specialists so hard to be sure. Nonetheless, I'm actually pleased to finally have a title for what I'm dealing with, and therefore, the ability to actually put a plan in place for how to deal with it.

At this stage I have been given 800mg of Mesalazine to take twice a day, and have so far had just one dosage. It's obviously far too early to gauge any effects. I will say, as much as a bowel prep was tiring from an energy-sapping point of view, it was quite nice to have a calm colon for once!

They took several biopsies along the way, which I may hear nothing about if the results simply confirm the diagnosis. My GP will also get a copy of the report. But in terms of where to from here for me, it's now a case of seeing how I respond to the medication I've been given. As far as diet goes, I'll be continuing with the diet I had been on, and if I notice things seeming more settled, gradually introducing more foods back into my system.

Sorry that you had to join here. Hope mesalazine works for you and keeps you in long remission. Don't try to stop it once you get in remission. It is the safest medication works topically. I made that mistake and had to take steroid for a year and moved to 6mp. Still don't feel 100%. So add enema and/or suppository. If needed, you can go up to 4800mg/day for mesalazine too.

Wish you long remission.

Rectal meds are something I've already learned about from idling around here, so I'll definitely keep that in mind if my symptoms don't improve. This morning has been.... interesting.... as far as BMs go (it was my first BM since the colonoscopy and bowel prep). It was a long, drawn out affair, and not a pretty sight at all. Fortunately, I at least ended up with solid matter by the end. Not sure when I should start seeing noticeable changes, if mesalizine does help me.

Yeah it is a mix of emotions going on, but primarily, it's the positive emotions. I'd much rather live with a disease that needs constant monitoring and medication but, mostly at least, gives me a decent quality of life, as opposed to what I've lived with since July last year - no matter what you try (medication, herbals, and diet changes), it does nothing other than a gradual deterioration.

When will my symptoms go away is the million dollar question. I would expect significant improvements within 3 weeks. If not your dosage is too low. And 1,600 Mesalazine is a crazy low dose. You should be 4,800 mgs a day plus an enema (another 4,000mgs). These medications are anti-inflammatory, the higher the dose, the quicker the recovery.

I'd call your gastroenterologist-specialist and ask for a higher dose of Mesalazine (4,800mgs) and a 4,000 mg enema. Give your uc a solid one-two knockout punch, get your quality of life back, and move on

Sorry about the diagnosis. I'd give it a few days then try your GI again if nothing improves. That or get a second opinion on medications. None of us are medical professionals but I have UC in the same location as you and my doctor put me right on the max dose of mesalamine along with daily enemas. Got me back to living life in a week then slow and steady progress over the next couple months until remission.

I don't think its right to let you suffer for a month if your current meds don't work. I was back in to see my GI after a week of medication.