Sooo....how are we today?

Great. I've still only had the initial flare when I was diagnosed, and have been in remission for three years now. Zero symptoms and a c-scope in October showed a "normal" looking colon. I attribute it to being lucky that the mesalamine meds work well for me and to being very diligent about taking my meds -- I don't skip doses.

I do still have the fistula issue. I developed a perianal abscess in August last year, and ended up getting a fistula. I had surgery (LIFT) to repair it, and that fistula tract did close, but the internal opening of the fistula was so large that it didn't close, and now I have a very, very short fistula through the incision made during surgery. It really doesn't bother me, and I might not have it fixed. It's on hold because we're TTC baby #2 right now, so it's staying as-is for a while.

ETA that both my GI and CR surgeon think this abscess/fistula was NOT related to my UC (and also don't suspect CD instead) becuase I was in complete symptomatic remission at the time it developed and I had a few rectoscopes when the abscess and fistula first developed, and there was no inflammation noted.  There's a relatively high rate of abscesses/fistulas in the general population, and mine seems to be that type.

Thanks, Sherry! I'm glad I'm still in remission and I'm also very glad you're doing well on Remicade! I think Ben will love having a sibling -- he talks about babies a lot and knows which of his classmates at daycare "have babies" and which don't. :)

I had a pretty good day today... I hate to say that I am doing well because it seems like I always have a setback after a good day. So I'll say I have no expectations for tomorrow, but today was good. I find that as I improve (very, very slowly) I'm getting more of the typical pattern of needing a few HOURS in the morning to get everything out of my system, but then very few symptoms the rest of the day. Kind of annoying as I've never been an early riser, but so much better than feeling sick all day at work.

I got the go ahead from my GI to start very slowly tapering down my prednisone, so that's a relief too.

Good luck with your infusion, Sherry. This thread is a great idea for catching up on members old & new! I've been doing well UCwise thanks to Colazal and got thru 2 dental implant surgeries with required antibiotics, scary. My pollen allergy kicked in bigtime in late Feb. due to unusually mild winter; I needed a couple weeks to get over that, which seemed to be caused by tree pollen-- then I got bothered again late in May by heavy grass pollen, grrrrrrr! TG it has been raining today and I feel better having cleaner air to breathe. It seems I'm about to have Rx insurance problems again because our retirement group is being removed from the general employees' plan and transferred to Medicare Part D on July 1. (That means I'll get thrown into the dreaded "donut hole" where no meds are covered if my charges exceed ca. $2900 during the yr.) Also, my wacko upstairs neighbor who constantly complains about "plumbing noises" is still acting up. She tends to stomp around like a rampaging buffalo & slams doors loudly overnight. Our bldg management doesn't have much success dealing with her plus her hubby goes away most of the time; then she tends to throw things that thud on the floor, but one night she even threw stuff out a window of their apt. around 10 PM! / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

I'm still trying to get this latest flare under control. It gets better on the weekends, when I'm not at work. I'll be on vacation next week so I'm sure that will help alot.

Good to hear how well so many of you are doing.

Doing pretty good at the moment.
Had my second Remicade infusion last Monday, experienced a few side effects this time. A bit of hives along with chest and back pain. Thankful things have settled out for now.
Met with a surgeon on Monday just as a preemptive measure in case Remicade fails. Was very pleased with the appointment. She was born in Germany but has been practicing here in the US for 12 years. Was not pushy in the least and explained everything very well. Left her office feeling very comfortable having her as my surgeon, if it ever comes to that.
Continuing to taper down Prednisone, 6 more weeks and I should be done.

The weather is so nice, taking tomorrow off and playing golf with a friend.

I am doing good considering the stress going on with our family at the moment. My son has finished his junior year of high school. He is a big gamer so he is happy to be off for the Summer. My 4 year old daughter is loving going to the pool which will be open normal hours starting Saturday (we've only been able to really go on weekends). My oldest son is the cause of much stress in our house and has been on and off since before I had my daughter. Sometimes no matter what you do for a person you just can't "save" them. <sigh> At least at this point I know where he is and that he is safe. I'm going to see him today. I haven't seen him in over a month. :(

On a happy note, my parents are coming down from Ohio on Saturday and staying till Wednesday. Really looking forward to seeing them. It really stinks living 7 hours away from all your family. But sometimes its a blessing too (hubby's family) ;)

I wanted to share this news story on Mike McCready's (Pearl Jam Guitarist) life with Crohns disease: www.foxnews.com/health/2012/06/05/pearl-jam-guitarist-shares-his-personal-struggle-with-crohns-disease/. Have a nice day everyone.

Congrats on the new baby! I'm sorry you are feeling so poorly :( I can relate, I started flaring after the birth of my daughter as well. Where you okay during the pregnancy though?

Thank you so much for this thread!

notsosicklygirl, I'm glad you're feeling better.

Right now I'm doing fine. I'm slowly tapering off the cortisone enemas (every 3rd night). However, I saw some mucus yesterday and I'm not happy about that. Please cross your fingers that the inflammation doesn't come back and I get off of cortisone soon.

I also lost 2 pounds and I'm at 114/115 lbs again. I hope to regain it back soon and gain more if possible.

All is fine on the UC end.

q

I will be crossing my fingers for you aquafly - that you are not heading into a flare. And who knows, maybe your gut will decide to behave?