I managed my UC for over 15 years myself....finally diagnosed and I'm miserable. Help

I've managed my minor case of UC for 15 years. I've averaged 1-2 flares a year lasting 4-7 weeks long.

So, what has changed? My 12 year old daughter diagnosed with UC after hospitalization in Oct. 2013. Both her and I had a pretty serious flare over the summer of 2013. (First one that ever had me waking up at night.) I then, after talking with her doctors realized the obvious. I did not have IBS that my PCP and I chalked my symptoms up to be.

Fast forward to March of 2014... Had my first colonoscopy that returned a diagnosis of UC. Not flaring at the time but from all the years of inflammation my colon is damaged and full of psuedopolyps. I started Lialda 2.4 mg a day April 1, 2014. Still have some bleeding and mucus almost daily so starting Uceris tomorrow.

Finally my issue. I now have to go for colonoscopy every two years screening for CRC. First sign of dysplasia and it will mean a colectomy! This is stressing me out. I feel as if its not a matter if, but when my colon is removed. I am 41 years old and in great shape physically. I now live with a cloud of dread over me. I am your typical Type A personality so, almost a day doesn't go by without me reading/researching. UC now has completely taken over my life (and my precious daughter.) By the way she's doing awesome on remilcade!

Any advice?

Dysplasia, psuedopolyps? eek! I see why you see a colectomy in your future. Does colon cancer run in the family?

I know 41 is young... but I'm having my entire colon removed in less than two weeks... and I'm 28 :)

Put that reading/researching to good use and peak over at the Ostomies board too. And also jpouch.org. Lots of athletes and active people without colons :)

So glad your daughter is responding to Remicade!

And so glad to hear YOU are in such great shape... that means if you do get your colon out... it could mean a quick recovery and the whole process completed within a shorter time period.

Surprised that with mucous and bleeding (which IS a flare mind you, lol) that you were only put on 2.4 mg Lialda. Flare dose is 4.8mg (4 pills.) Adding Uceris seems typical... though Prednisone is stronger. Uceris has less side effects. Personally I don't think it works as often or as well.

How MUCH of your colon has been affected of the years? Or where is the disease; sigmoid, descending, transverse, entire colon? Surprised you lasted this long without it getting worse quicker! So another cheers to you good sir! (or mam?)