Wanted to respond, even though I don't get anxious or fearful when my UC flares, I'm finding I get depressed. I think it's probably common to get fearful as you already know what to expect, and you know how unpleasant those symptoms are. Have you tried therapy? I haven't yet, but may consider when I flare again, as I think it may help.

I have exactly the same experience. I have been a chrinic high anxiety person long before I was diadnosed with UC. From what my doctors have all told me is anxiety and worry can make a flare worse (as it can make everything in life worse) but they do not cause flare ups alone. Don't let people tell you you are doing this to yourself by worrying, its not your fault. In my moments of anxiety with a new flare up I try to remember common sense do the the things I need to do: See my doctor right away, take my meds, eat right, get support from friends and family. If you are doing those things you are giving yourself the best chance to get well soon, Even if you have difficulty controlling your anxiety. BTW it is a good idea to learn strategies to relax and take control over anxiety as well.

I do feel afraid and sad more often than I care to admit. I have entertained the idea of therapy also - still may try it out myself too.

No you are not alone we all feel the same. My biggest fear is having to prep the intestines the day before a test or surgery. Not fun.

No you're not alone. I'm in remission right now thankfully, yet I still fear flaring often. Anxiety/stress is my biggest trigger. I take meds that cause unwanted side effects, I want to get off the 1, but what if I do that and I flare? What if I flare anyway? What if this med is destroying my body. I go back and forth, back and forth. It's all very stressful and depressing to think about, not to mention difficult to explain to others.

You are not alone, I agree with everyone else, I get all of those feelings.

Thanks everyone for all your reply's! I am glad I am not alone, it helps make me feel not so crazy :-). I am not seeing a Therapist or anything at the moment , I have thought about it but in the past it has never really worked... but I might try again!

Yes doing all you can helps to let fear take a back-burner. In my faith there is a scripture: "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear..." So prepare yourself in every way... Read up on new research information - implement what you feel works for you - control the things you can... Stress? Can you find ways to be calm? Try, try, try!
Diet? same thing. Find what works and do it!
I worry sometimes that what I'm doing now may not work when I'm old (like I'm not old now) what then? I decided live the day I'm working on and let the others come when they get here. Be happy in the journey ... I wouldn't have found all you wonderful people if I didn't have issues! You guys are great, each one of you!!! xo love you bunches!

I did acupuncture and it really calmed me down. I found a wonderful place that charged from 15 - 35 a session and you choose what you can pay. It was an almost euphoric experience and I highly recommend it.
Now, can y'all tell me what foods work for you? What sets you off? I am constantly getting different information from my reg doctor, diff gastros,,,,,,has anybody found some diet that REALLY works for them? I have chosen only to eat small amounts when I eat because less comes out.. hah!!! please advise. and thank you!
Cate

I get really agitated when I suspect a flare. But then once I am able to get with my doctor , get a firm handle on what's going on and discuss my next steps in my treatment, I calm down and sort of am able to get through it. I feel like it's the unknown that tends to get me down. I always do better when I have knowledge and a game plan.

You are not alone! It is normal to feel anxious, alone, and scared. I had a lot of times where I wondered if I would make it through the night or ever get a life back. But after 6 months of constant pain and fighting, my only option left was surgery and I feel so much better now. I think that talking to a therapist could definitely help! I had a conversation about this the other day with a friend - I didn't want to be labeled as one of those people who has issues and can't handle them on her own so she has to go talk to a shrink. But it's not like that at all. I don't know what your religious beliefs are, but the only thing that worked for me was my faith. I completely relied on God and prayer to get me through those feelings of uncertainty, loneliness, and defeat. Just be strong and keep believing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel because there is! And remember that you are not alone in this!!

I had colitis during the 80s, and got my entire colon removed in 1989. I have also had problems with fatigue since then. Fatigue can flare up as well My fatigue flare-ups and colitis flare-ups always follow the same pattern. They begin in the morning as soon as I wake up, and last for hours, usually until about 3pm. I also had significant hypoglycemia and hypotension in the mornings. After 30 years I finally figured out a couple of things.

1. hamburger/beef can trigger a flare that occurs the following morning.
2. Cod liver oil is effective in getting me over the fatigue. I prefer the Spring Valley brand at Walmart because I actually tested my theory by eating a hamburger a few times,followed each time by the cod liver oil for a day or two, and it got me over the fatigue every time.

I am curious to see if the oil will help with colitis flare-ups. It is said to be very good for acne. I have seen Youtube videos where someone was recommending it for preventing Malaria in Africa.

It took a couple of months of taking 2 12oz bottles of CLO per week before I felt confident that I could eat a hamburger and not worry about the next morning fatigue For flare-up.

For me, colitis was hell, so I'd love to find out if CLO helps anyone with colitis flares. The fatigue isn't fun either..... doctors tend to run MRIs looking for something wrong with my brain, when I know the problem is bound to be in the gut.

Marcus