I am so sorry. Colitis sucks in all respects. I can not believe you have suffered for 6 monthes and they did not give you answers. When I was diagnosed, it was within in a month. It makes me made that things like that can take so long. What meds are you on? I tried many and they did not work. I hope you do respond. If you need to vent, ask questions, whatever, feel free to email me. I suffered with it for 10 monthes before I had my colon removed and a j-pouch built. Good luck and I hope you begin to get some relief. Just know that you are not alone. Also, check out and join ccfa.org. They are super wonderful. Take care.
Elizabeth

it sucks to hear that you have been suffering for so long.. i suffered with colitis for over 2 years before i had my colon taken out and now i have a pouch. i hope you respond to the meds..

Welcome Melissa,
I started having symptoms in May and was finally diagnosed with UC after a month of severe symptoms and losing 25 pounds. Prednisone will help your symptoms and help you put on weight, but be aware of all the side effects and educate yourself about all the possible meds. The side effects are not fun, but neither are the symptoms of UC....It also takes some time for most people to find the right combination of meds, just be patient. I finally got it pretty much under control in late September. I still have some nausea and fatigue, but nothing like my worst times. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! Take care, this website is great for support and information as well.

Thank you so much for the welcome.
I will be starting lislda? not sure if i spelled that right im going off the fax pathology report that they sent me, and Rovasa enema? i can't afford the copays on either yet so i can't start. I see my doctor monday and im hoping she has samples.

Melissa

Hi, I responded to you in an earlier message. I am sorry to hear about your new diagnosis. I have ulcerative colitis too. I have had to quit my job and I often feel like I am under house arrest because of the lack of energy and the whole bathroom issue. There are several medications out there for you. I have gained 40 pounds in 6 months. I sympothize with your dress problem. I found the steroid Entecort EC to be the best for me. It stays in the GI tract instead of the blood stream. The weight gain still happens though. Hang in there and you are doing the right thing by resting as much as possible. Don't feel guilty about that. I sleep whenever I can as the steroids cause insomnia. I hope you can get on the right medications to get this under control. Take care and God bless.

Honey my 19 yr old was a special needs child, and boy do I know what it is like to wonder what a good day is anymore, if you can find it in you, and this took me some time to realize, is I don't let Crohn's Disease control my life, I try to control the Crohn's Disease, and I think once your on medication,and it starts to work, you will have a good day. I have been on disability since 1993, because my Crohn's Disease in very severe. You are lucky to be able to work, but when you think you can't, you can apply for disability, they will turn you down probably the first time depends on your Dr., but if it's severe, and your Dr. writes it as severe, your Dr. will recommend if you should continue to work or not. Good luck...Take care Gail

Hey Angels
Remember also for both Rowasa (Alaven pharmaceuticals I believe) and Lialda (SHIRE pharmaceuticals) there are patient assistance programs where you get the meds for MUCH cheaper if you cant afford the copay..ask your GP about it and forms are available online to download. Dont let your treatment be delayed because you cant afford it..you will feel so much better once you are treated
Dr O.

Hi, My daughter was diagnosed with UC in Aug. 2006. She is on Pentasa and was taking the Rowasa enemas. The enemas really seemed to help, but then a month ago she had a bad flare and was in the hospital for 2 weeks. She's now on 40mg. of prednisone daily and hopefully will be weaning down soon. We aren't doing the enemas right now but will start back when done with the steroids. I know what you mean about things being so expensive. Does your insurance have like a Tel-Drug kind of program? It's where you order via phone with a prescription from Doc and you get 3 months of meds. for a substantially lower price. Check it out to see. Hope you can get on something soon and start feeling better!

Hi! I too am new to this board, I was just recently diagnosed with Crohns9 2 weekd ago), I don't know how severe YET as I meet with my doc monday to discuss treatment options etc but I can tell you I know about pain and weight loss..I suffered for 4 months before they figured it out.. I have a small child and they sure do take so much out of us, don't they?

I don't have any advise as this is new to me to but i can say educating your self as you have been is a great start..good luck

I was just diagnosed a week ago with ulcerative colitis. My doctor put me on Lialda and my symptons are all but gone. I have changed my diet a lot. I stay away from dairy,gluten,and legumes. Doesn't leave much but I feel so much better than I did before my colonoscopy that i don't really mind.For now anyway!!!!