New kid on the block

Been reading for awhile and wanted to say "thanks" for all the wisdom and advice you all put out there.

Having my first flare in over 10 years. Thought I was done with all this. It was weird the way it started. I scheduled what would have been my first colonoscopy in 10+ years because I have a free screening on my ins. then symptoms started. I had to cancel my colonoscopy because they can't code it as a screening since I'm flared, so have to wait until I'm better.

So, the all too familiar urgency, blood and mucus. If I share my symptoms with non UCers, they usually cringe. It feels good to know others understand, though I still sympathize with you. I have questions I'll throw out on occasion, but for now, any comments or advice are appreciated.

I'm feeling down and a bit lonely with my disease. I skipped Thanksgiving and may skip Christmas. Working long hours in retail, I'm exhausted and missing a day here and there I'm barely able to pay rent on the tiny apt. I share with my 20 year old son. Then unable to afford the best of medicines like I could when I was married is challenging. Oops, I'm whining. Sorry.

Thanks for listening. On a positive note, my copay for mesalamine enemas was only $30.00. for 28. I asked the PA I'm seeing to prescribe rectals since tapering my pred. from 20 to 15 brings the bleeding back. I keep alternating between the 15 and 20. The bleeding stopped after drinking a greens drink with wheat grass for a few days, coincidence maybe but I'm trying to get more.

It's late, goodnight. I know how important a good nights sleep is to heal.

prednisone 20 mg.
balsalazide
mesalamine enemas
ultimate 10 probiotic medicine shop
multi vit.
citracal

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you're flaring and I hope you feel better soon.

e-dawn I'm glad you joined us. We understand what you're going through.

Mmmm sugar cookies....

Seems I can eat cookies, cupcakes, cake... and have no problems.

But I just want a gosh darn salad! Haha :)

Welcome and don't worry... a lil whining is allowed ;)
I can't imagine working retail and having UC!
especially during these long stressful hours.
I bet after the holidays you'll feel better just with extra rest and less stress alone :) :)

Keep us posted and good luck :)

e-dawn,

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry you're flaring and feel so crappy ( no pun intended).

As a newbie to the forum, I think it's important for you to know that you have options, which your doc probably won't tell you about. So let me share with you what's worked for me in the hopes it might help you too.

Some meds work for some and not for others.
IMO, it isn't one size fits all, and you have to find what works for you, and it may be a combination of things like diet, meds, supplements, etc...

For me, the traditional meds failed me and the mesalamines I became intolerant of.
And when the doc gave me a choice of surgery or remicade, I balked and had to find my own way.

He also told me diet has nothing to do with UC, but I found that it has a great deal to do with exacerbating its symptoms!

I found that by taking certain proactive steps, it put me in full remission.
My steps to remission included: diet modification, various supplements, probiotics, and LDN, low lose naltrexone..

If any of this interests you, there are things IMO that you can control, which will have a direct impact on your disease, the symptoms you experience and their severity.

For more info on the protocol which has put me into remission, please go to this link: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1666318 , and look at the 11th post.

I hope you feel better and let us know how we can help you.

Prednisone has yet to stop my bleeding. Ive yet to achieve remission.
started new meds sat and pred bumped up to 30.
Be careful when you taper down, if you start to worsen... go back up.

ive been on pred for 5 months now... scary!! But it is what it is. I also cant wait to get off since it seems to do nothing for me.

darn! I guess I should go back up to 20mg. to possibly stop the bleeding. Just don't want to get the moons face I've had in the past.

Does anyone know how long before it starts to show in your face?