i think i'm getting there

i think i'm trying to get to remission i do feel alot better,i still smoke the cramping has subsided to almost not being there. i still have morning urgency and some mucus but not really seeing any blood. my stool is still mushy like,but i have got some raunchy gas as well. does this sound like i'm on my way to remission? and i'm still struggling with my weight alittle it's harder to put it back on then it was to get it off. i'm still on the prednisone i started tapering two days ago i'm on 40mg then 60 now i hope i dont have a back slide due to tapering. thank all that has helped me get through this bad flare and all your comments and suggestions i do really appreciate them all.

Hi Pam,
No blood is always a plus. I had good success with adding psylium fiber to my foods to stiffen up my poopies. Helped it go from mush to shaped.
Also, how long have you been on the pred? Wishing the best for you..

Once again - the "experts" here - what do you consider remission?  Should one be completely free of symptoms like way back in the old days or "settle" for feeling almost normal, formed stool, no blood, less urgency, less cramping, less mucous and no bleeding or ? I am about there.  If I could stay where I am I would be ok with it - not perfect but close!  I am only on Proctofoam every night right now.

ElaineNY

Even adding a little fibre can cause gas, but that is a normal side effect when it comes to fibre, that's why it's important to take it daily and indefinitely (flaring or not), once your system adjusts the gas/bloating will go away (well at least the gas won't be excessive, afterall everyone farts). If you find you need to increase fibre still then do it slowly and only after your system has adjusted to the initial amount of fibre you've started with and drink plenty of water.

:)

Angel - if you are feeling better, you are making progress. Keep doing what you need to, in order to keep progressing. Make sure you do a slow taper off the pred to prevent aggravating anything, and watch what you eat for a while. You'll get back to feeling human again. Have faith, and try to keep a positive outlook (which can be hard to do, I know!). Good luck, and I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Elaine -

For me, remission would be a return to my pre-dx energy levels and bowel habits. My first three months after dx, I still had energy and ambition, although exercise (such as running) caused discomfort because it shook things up, and made me feel like I needed to crap all the time while exercising. Since then, I've watched my drive to do much besides hanging around home and the bathroom almost completely disappear.

So remission? That would be energy to exercise, ability to exercise without causing great discomfort, being able to eat a more varied diet w/out fear of causing distress, and having my UC put into the back of my mind, instead of something I think about constantly. I'm not concerned with what meds it takes (except pred), or if I have to eat a semi-goofy diet. I just want to get back to feeling like a regular member of society again.

Good deal angel. This illness surely gets old quickly, especially if you've been dealing with it for more than a couple of years.