About a month ago I was diagnosed with UC. After reading up on several UC support group websites, I pretty much thought life was over and I assumed my colon would have to be removed.
Prior to being diagnosed, I spent my entire workday running to the bathroom in my classroom every 10 minutes. I don’t know how I managed to evade going to the hospital, I looked like walking death.
I went to the doctor and he told me that the past 6 years I thought I had IBS, I’ve really had UC. He showed me a picture and a diagram to explain to me that my entire colon was ulcerated. He put me on Lialda (thankfully not Prednisone) as I have read too many horror stories about the big P. Apparently my GI wants me to stay on Lialda for a year.
I started taking Lialda and woke up the first night with night sweats. I had also decided to start the SCD at the same time. The night sweats went away and gradually my 15-20 daily trips to the bathroom began to decrease. I began to start to feel better. I’m not sure if it’s the diet, the medication, or a combination of both, but I feel great. I have not felt this good in a long time. The blood is finally gone and I’m going to the bathroom like a normal person. While, it is hard to stick to the diet it is so worth it. I follow the diet completely with the exception of the yogurt ( and the handful of m & m’s I can’t resist having in my classroom every day). There are some great books and websites out there to help with the diet.
My heart goes out to those still having symptoms. I think I am slowly starting to go into remission. I know it seemed like I would never feel better. I would avoid going out. Not want to do anything in fear that I would need a bathroom. But finally, either with Lialda, or the diet, the blood is gone and I am feeling great. Here’s to hoping that my symptoms along with everyone else’s keep getting better!
Nicole
All of the posts from “Annonymous UC” are from ulcerative colitis people who anonymously submitted stories or Doctor Reviews, medication, supplement reviews etc… I post all these stories to the site, but they’re different from my own personal stories so hopefully this account makes more sense:) -Adam – founder of iHaveUC.com
Hi there. I was on Lialda for several years and am now on Apriso. Same medication, different formulation.
all the best,
Paul
Nicole
That is wonderful news, for I too have been diagnosised back in September 2011,when I was put in the hospital with my entire colon ulcerated. My GI has me on Lialda as well, although he told me its a life long drug :( I still have the bouts of blood and such and I’m trying to learn all I can about this disease, so you can imagine I read a lot! I’m 46 yrs old and I do believe I had these symptoms since my early 20’s (just not as severe) but like you I always thought it was IBS not IBD/UC. Guess, I should look more into this SCD that everyone talks about. I know I’m not allowed fiber (fruit & veggies), caffeine but wasn’t told anything else…so I am far from remission and still not sure what I can eat but protein & starches?? Keep up the good work, your story gives me hope that the Lialda will work…again, if I eat right. GL going in remission!