Hopeless UC newbie

It sounds like you are very stressed and worried about your future, as though any decision you make about your studies could ruin your future. Based on my own experience of trying to carry on studying while ill I would say that no matter how hard it is put your health first. I remember clearly what it was like to be studying while ill at that age and I wish someone had helped me work on my anxiety levels, but that came later in life for me.

For the stress and tension - have you tried mindful meditation? It is something you can do while walking down the street, waiting to cross the road etc. Google it. Could you see a counsellor / psychotherapist to talk about your anxiety about school and / or life in general? Is there a yoga class you can join if you are well enough to exercise? A little exercise would help your stress / anxiety levels if you can manage it.

When are you next seeing your gastro team? What medication are you on? Perhaps there is a different combination you can try. I'm sure with some more help from your team you can get into remission sooner and complete your studies.

I wonder why you are imagining you might not get into remission for another 2 years. Is this something you've experienced or something you've read? Can you give us a little more info?

Seeing your friends is very important. Do you have a "good" part of the day when you are going to the toilet less often?

Diet can help the healing process. From your user name I can see you've cut back on sugar. What else do you think might flare you up?

I know a girl your age with Crohn's who is going through the same thing. I wish you both the best for your health and your studies.

hey sugar - if you really are missing sugar, you should stop that right now - it will make you very unhappy - eat some sugar

Matthew 4:4 says "man shall not live on bread alone ....... "

maybe you could help us help you by giving us a little history of your uc -

oh whoops I didnt see UCyousee's post, thank you that was very helpful :) and yes I'm seeing a psychologist who is very helpful but I feel like im just hitting wits end. I have basically just cut out sugar and avoid nuts and dont eat too much fiber in one dose. other than that I eat pretty normally. :) and i actually am not going to the washroom that often right now its is my low energy that doesnt allow me to do anything :( and i am seeing my gastro team wednesday :)

Everyone's UC is different. For some cutting out sugars helps but it is possible that cutting out sugars not only doesn't help you but it could make you worse. With this disease it is a mistake to think that just eating "healthy" will improve your UC. That can work for some but not others. Everyone seems to respond differently to different foods. You have to find out what works for you and what doesn't without being prejudiced into thinking that just eating something healthy is going to improve your condition. For me eating a burger and fries doesn't bother me at all while eating too many fruits, vegetables, and fibers can put my UC into a tailspin.

How rotten that you have to deal with this during your senior year, which should be such a great time in your life.

First of all, I'd say don't deny yourself things unless you have good evidence that they bother you. Keep a food diary, write down everything you eat and how your symptoms were that day. Usually food-related symptoms will show up 1-2 days after you eat the food. Because UC sort of comes and goes on its own, you have to see a consistent response every time you eat something to know that it is the cause. It takes a couple of months, but you'll be able to see exactly what you do need to avoid. There are people here who avoid all different sorts of food, and it you try to follow everyone's advice you just might starve to death.

Some people are bothered a lot by certain foods, while others of us find there is really no association between what we eat and symptoms you may have.

You've so far been only on Prednisone and Pentasa. There are numerous other treatments available, and it you're not doing well after nine months it may be time to try a different medication. Talk to your doctor about this, and see what his treatment plan is. If the whole treatment plan is Pentasa and Prednisone when you flare, you might just want to see another doctor for a second opinion.

What helps me stay positive during a flare? Seeing friends that make me laugh. Getting fresh air. Exercising a little.

I still eat chocolate but I don't eat much junk food as it isn't high in nutrition.

I think if you're tired at the moment it's good if you try to do a little of everything without overdoing it eg half an hour of light exercise instead of an hour of intense exercise. An hour or two with friends instead of the whole afternoon etc. The less time spent worrying and the more time living a well paced and varied week the better.

Thanks guys!! helps alot :)