I was really sick for a while. 10-15 bm's/day, passing blood and mucus, pain, etc. Tried some pretty strong drugs that caused some really bad side effects, and only short term relief.

i am unable to tolerate most of the drugs used to treat UC. I have not been on remicade yet, but have had adverse reactions to prednisone, imuran and 5-asa's (suppositories/enemas don't work, pills make me sicker). the only one that helps me and doesn't make me worse is cortifoam enemas.

i am in remission, and it is in my opinion, 100% because of diet. I know that the popular wisdom is that diet is not a factor, but i can say with absolute certainty, that FOR ME, diet is the single biggest factor affecting my UC.

good quality whole foods are cheaper than meds, and promote health without side effects!

there is some research that tumeric (curcurmin) can help reduce inflammation - I take supplements, and can feel a difference when i run out and don't take it for a few weeks. I also add tumeric (and ginger) to pretty much everything from smoothies to stir fry. I found a good study on the Mayo Clinic site about curcurmin for UC.

I also find a good probiotic supplement (i like Jamieson Super Strain Acidophilis) can help too.

the other thing that has helped me a lot is this site. talking to other people about all the crazy stuff we cope with and knowing i am not alone, has really helped me with the anxiety and stress of the disease. reducing anxiety and stress reduces symptoms. During a flare, we carry on with our lives while we are sick in a way that would keep most people home in bed, but we have learned to deal with it and carry on. the strength of the members here has been very inspirational for me.

GreenEyed, how long have you been on your current regiment of meds?

It took me about three months to start seeing improvement after starting Imuran.

None of the traditional meds have worked for me, although I'm seeing some things on this site that I don't think have been offered. I recently started seeing a Chinese Med doc, and to my surprise with the blessing of my new GI. I did do a short round of pred to get last flare under control, as all of them, but I feel hopeful this new treatment accupunture and Bovine Colostrum will actually begin true healing.

ps. I drank about an ounce of Aloe juice for several months about a year ago, and I no longer have the bleeding with my flares. My subsequent colonoscopy showed improvement.
Hope this helps.

Now that hindsight is 20/20 for me, I'm sorry I touched any meds and even worse removed my colon. Some things were just never meant to be.

sorry to hear. I came across a study in atlanta for your situation. If i remember i saw in backpage and i think it is with Agile Clinical Research.