New to UC

I was diagnosed with mild/moderate pancolitis this past July. I am only 19, but for many years I always experienced frequent diarrhea but attributed it to thinking I just had a sensitive stomach or something. In May/June I had rectal bleeding for the first time ever so I saw a doctor who referred me to a gastro. Colonoscopy in July confirmed UC and I was started on Apriso. I have been on it for about 4 months now, and in the beginning I saw drastic improvement. I have had little to no loose stools and more regular bowel movements. In the past week or two though I have been less regular..specifically I haven't been passing much (as in not very often but also very small stools).. Weirdest was when I had sudden urgency to go but when I went to the bathroom I barely passed anything . I've also had a lot of gas and bloating recently.

I know that was long but I am new to this and this is the first time I have really seen a noticeable difference. Does anyone have any insight for me? If you've been on Apriso before, what was your experience with it?

Thanks :)

I just started Apriso today and hope it works. Prednisone got me remission in 2 weeks but caused mood swings and anxiety. I am off predni now. Moods stabilized. I am also taking Turmeric, Boswellia, Aloe vera and probiotics with the hope that I might be able to lower my Apriso dose later as all these are known anti-inflammatory herbs. I have strated gaining weight as the appetite has returned.
I was diagnosed one month ago. Just like you, I am 18 years old and empowering myself with a lot of knowledge about UC and its management. Wish you good luck.

The urgent feeling that you have to poop, but nothing comes out is known as tenesmus. It's common. It gets worse when your inflammation due to uc is bad. As you heal it gets better.

Get on some rectal meds for uc. Meslamine-based enemas(aka rowasa) help with urgency.

Yes, your symptoms mean you're starting what we call a flare, or an exacerbation of the UC. Your colon is becoming more inflamed and developing more ulcers.

UC is a disease of flares and remissions - I like to say it comes and goes as it pleases. For some people, it's very easy to manage (you won't see many of those here.) For others, it can be virtually unmanageable. Those are the minority, but are the ones you see here. People with managed UC are out living their lives, not thinking or talking about UC.

You should contact your GI. At this point your symptoms seem to indicate proctitis, or inflammation of the rectum. Rectal drugs such as enemas or suppositories can often help with this and sometimes oral drugs just don't get that far down in the colon. This early in your journey with UC, I wouldn't recommend trying to adjust your meds without your doc's input.

Good luck with getting back into your remission!

The most effective treatment plan for UC involves oral mesalamine and rectal mesalamine. Please get some rectal meds. And welcome to the forum!

Eat low fiber foods and that will help you feel better.

Welcome to the club,

I was 19 when I was diagnosed as well, and it was quite difficult to control in the beginning, the symptoms were erratic and things really went crazy at university. I maintained my cool, but I spent most of the time sprinting from the lecture halls to the bathrooms on campus. I really hope you bring this disease under control as fast as possible. Try maintaining a food journal, see what hurts and what helps, try different supplements out, and always stay on track when it comes to your medication.

I wish you all the best. Stay strong.

Gosh, I never take any of that stuff because I am usually going too much as it is. A UCer + laxatives is a scary thought. Are you constipated or experience straining? If it's straining, the solution is probably rectal medicine.

I would say its more constipation rather than straining. But sometimes i do have an urgency to go but then when i try to nothing/or i only pass a very small amount.