Girl Gets UC A Month After Starting College

Intro:

Hey, everyone! I’m Morgan. I’m currently a freshman in college and I was diagnosed with UC in October of 2013, so about 3 or 4 months ago. I have a mild case, I believe, but am still figuring out all the ‘quirks’ of the condition.

Some more about me:

I am currently majoring in business with a minor in psychology. I’ve got a passion for travel -the thought of it often consumes me. I’m also a huge book worm. I’ve got a little brother who’s a brat but is secretly my best friend and I’m a pretty outgoing person!

Symptoms:

Currently, the only problem I’m having is going to the bathroom. I haven’t been having too much pain, but my tummy does feel a little weird every now and then.

Girl Gets UC A Month After Starting College

Basically, I just need some advice. Like I said, I’m a college kid who just got diagnosed with US a month or two after arriving on campus. My symptoms before my diagnosis were much more severe, including crazy bad abdominal pains and bloody stool. One night they flared up so bad, I was forced to rush to the ER, which eventually led me to a gastroenterologist appointment, and then the wonderful colonoscopy.

Once I was diagnosed, I was immediately put on a type of steroid to patch things up, I believe, that’s called Uceris. I originally thought I would only be taking it for about a month, but I’m still taking a pill daily. Also, I’m taking Lialda, as well, at what seems to be a pretty high dosage of 4 pills a day.

The couple of times I’ve had flare ups over the past few months is whenever I consumer alcohol, and it usually ends up with a couple hours of dry heaving the next morning. Should I be avoiding alcohol completely?

Also, going to the bathroom has not been the same since I was put on my medication. I wake up each morning and have to immediately go what is usually diarrhea. I’ll go back to my room and about 10 minutes later, it’ll hit me again and I’ll have to dart for the bathroom. I haven’t had a normal poop in months, dangit!

Last, I am aware that anemia is often grouped with UC and although I get monthly blood work done, I’m a little nervous, seeing as my mom is anemic. Will that increase my risk?

I’m just looking for suggestions from the pros about probiotics or vitamins I should look into taking and also foods or activities I should be avoiding. Just some tips and tricks would be nice, as well.

written by Morgan

submitted in the colitis venting area