just diagnosed with UC

Hello. I'm 20 years old and was just diagnosed with UC this week. Of course this is all brand new to me, so I know it will take a while for me to grasp this diagnosis. I'm currently taking 6 asacol pills 2x per day and in the process of figuring out proper diet and supplement intake. I'll be seeing my GI in a few weeks. I'm under no allusion that it will be some time before I'm able to get this under control, but I intend to fight this. I have had a few good cries over the last few days and I know there will be many more hard days to come, but I'm trying my best to keep a positive attitude. It is disheartening to have to run to the bathroom several times a day. It seems as though there was an "evolution" of the onset of this disease, starting with being extra gassy and having abdominal pain over Christmas, leading to bloody diarreah, more abdominal pains, and a gradual increase in bowel movements with the severe symptoms continuing today. I work weekends but had to miss last weekend due to colonoscopy prep and I think I will have to miss this weekend due to continued symptoms. I'm fearing my return to college next week (thankfully I live at home). The school is an hour away so I'm concerned about driving and of course needing to use the bathroom frequently at school. Luckily I know of a relatively private bathroom in the library, but it just seems this will really interrupt my studies. I'm also concerned with what food I will be able to eat while at school. While I have lost weight, I do still maintain a reasonable appetite, but I just don't want to eat foods at school that will exacerbate my problems. Figuring out a diet will be difficult, but I'm even more concerned with the implications this will cause for my work and school life. It seems as though this will really handicap any educational, occupational, and social progress in my life.

I've read some great advice so far, especially bringing an extra pair of underwear and pants and look forward to reading more. I just needed a place to vent my concerns/feelings and look forward to your responses.

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how much UC sucks and can affect every aspect of your life. Its a horrible disease, and unfortunately it does make school, work, and having a social life more difficult; which means you will have to work at all of those things that much harder.

Dealing with colitis in college is especially difficult; by the time I finished school I think I knew every single bathroom on campus. I found it crucial to time my meals correctly; I never ate anything until after I had made the drive to campus. I would not have made it through midterms/finals without imodium (even then it was difficult). Everyone is different so you should experiment to find what works best for you. You might also consider keeping a trash bag and paper towels in your car. Gross I know, but I was glad to have them on two occasions last year.

It is difficult to stress how important it is that you have a GI who is accessible, competent, and who you can get along with. In addition to this I would recommend you learn everything you can about UC and what treatment options you have.

Good luck with learning to cope with your symptoms, and I hope you are able to find a long lasting remission.

When I was first diagnosed I was given that dose of asacol (in a study, before it was approved) and it got me out of a flare. But I also needed prednisone, too, usually. Now I am doing really well on Remicade infusions.

Just be sure not to eat right before you have to drive, or right before class, because eating stimulates your bowels and you'll be more senstitive to that. Even a taste of food will do it. Try to eat when you know you'll have a good 20-30 minutes after to use the bathroom.

I also found a small dose of immodium would calm my bowels (and my nerves) when I had to be away from a restroom. Too much will make you feel bloated, but I could take 1/2 pill daily and not be uncomfortable. You can take up to two on bad day, but know even that doesn't work if you're flaring really badly. And too much will make you feel bloated, ugh, and overuse can be dangerous.

I hope this helps, it took me years on my own to figure some stuff out!
BTW, lettuce and some tomato sauces were my trigger foods. And I had to avoid high fiber.

Thank you all for the replies, support, and advice. I'll be seeing my GI in a few weeks so I'll give more details of my situation when it becomes available. I'm only taking the asacol, no rectal medications. I'm also figuring out the proper supplements to take. Today has actually been my best day; I went five hours without using the bathroom this afternoon, had a sandwich and managed to go almost two hours without going. Only thing is that it seems as though its impossible to urinate without having a bm. It certainly is the start of a long journey with many ups and downs to come. Thanks for the support. Much needed at this time in my life.