Is Remission Even Possible Anymore?

My name is Savannah and I’ve had UC for 12 years now. I was first diagnosed at 15 and have been in and out of remission ever since. I am 27 and have been happily married for 2 years. I work as a dental assistant for an oral surgeon. My last colonoscopy was a year ago, results showed bad inflammation.

Some more about me:

In my free time( and to take my mind off my flares) I like to bake. I would love to open my own bakery one day. I’m a shy person until you get to know me. I’m a born and raised Texan, I’ve lived in Houston my whole life. I have 2 cane corso mastiffs that are always by my side when my flares keep me down.

Symptoms:

Currently I’m experiencing a flare, my symptoms are severe cramping, diarrhea, and bleeding.

Is Remission Even Possible Anymore?

I was first diagnosed at age 15, I’m 27 now. Being a teenager with UC was difficult, at that age no one understands why you have to run to the bathroom all the time or why I couldn’t eat whatever I wanted. Once I went into remission after high school, life was a little better, I could go out with friends and not have to scope out the bathroom, I could sit through a whole movie and even eat some if the foods I couldn’t have before. Along with UC came severe anemia and joint pain. The anemia was so severe I had to get a blood transfusion, and was tested for leukemia which was scary. I’ve been lucky that my family is very understanding and helps me get through my flares, they even break traffic laws sometimes if I need to find a restroom ASAP. When I was first diagnosed, my mom became my advocate and made sure the doctors were doing everything they could to find out what was wrong and what could be done for me. I’ve been married for 2 years, and feel extremely blessed that my husband is also understanding of my frequent bathroom trips. Although he doesn’t fully understand what UC is or why I am sick a lot, he does everything he can when I’m sick.

My biggest worry now is how will my UC effect getting pregnant or will my children have colitis.

We are talking about starting a family and that is weighing heavy on my mind. I wonder if I’ll be able to conceive, I’m not sure if any of the procedures I’ve had done or medications I’ve been on for my UC will effect my fertility at all. I’m currently having a flare and I’m not responding to any medications, I don’t want to be put on more steroids or start infusions. Nor do I want to go through surgery, I feel like I’m at the end of my rope and are out of options. I don’t tolerate any sulfa drugs, the side effects are unbearable for me. I’m beginning to see a specialist and I’m hoping that they will help me see the light at the end of the tunnel and get me started on a medication that will get me into remission, so I can lead a close to normal life and possibly have children.

Ask Adam:

“What other treatments( ie. diet, supplements) for UC have worked for anyone that hasn’t responded well to the typical meds (asacol, colazol, imuran) prescribed?”

written by Savannah S

submitted in the colitis venting area