Really scared after just being diagnosed with UC, what are the treatments like?

Hi Beckie..

Try not to panic or worry. I'm 19 and was only diagnosed with UC just over two weeks ago. I'm on steriods (prednisolone) and side effects are pretty much non existant. My body aches from time to time but i think thats more to do with general tiredness rather than the steriods. I also am fine to eat diary products they have no effect on me, however strong falvours such as onions and cooked apples and spices do play my tummy up so maybe keep a food diary and its really a process of illimination. i do feel bloated sometimes but again im not sure if thats the steriods or due to the flare up. Things do get better, trust me, hope this helps. 

Charlotte x

Hello Beckie,

I've posted below my general response to someone new to UC.  You should also look at the dozens of posts related to UC at this site.

All the best to you and there is no need to panic.  This may all go away soon never to bother you again.

It's impossible at this point to know where this may lead.  I was 25 when I was hospitalized with UC. I was really ill with bloody diarrhea.  After a few weeks I returned to work and started reading about UC.  I learned that it could be exacerbated by stress and may be triggered by stress as well (as it was in my case.

I read a book on relaxation techniques and practiced it regularly.  It was simple.  I'd lie down, close my eyes, and over a fifteen minute period I'd almost chant to myself "relax your toes", "relax your toes" and try to do as what I was saying.  I would move on the ankles, feet, legs, knees etc.to the tops of my heads.  In my life I'd try to avoid stressful situations with family, work and wherever possible.  Throughout the day I'd try to think of relaxing, taking deep breaths and checking to see if my stomach muscles were relaxed.

Now I'm sure I was lucky, but I largely remained symptom free for decades, although I'd have short periods of diarrhea.

 

Milk can aggravate a lot of people, I refuse steroids now, I put on weight every time and the extra weight makes my already painful joints worse, plus it zaps any confidence I do have, it is different for everyone though, certainly short term they do get it under control. There is so much treatment now if you feel something is helping you, go and ask for something else. 

cky my GP and consultants are great but if you find yours aren't don't be afraid to keep going

Hi beckie. i have had uc for several years, possibly longer undiagnosed. i have had 5 courses of steroids in 15mths for flare ups. the best steroids are oral prednisolone - they really work wonders to calm flare ups down & docs only keep you on them for as short a time as possible. the only side effect i had were slight increase in appetite, change in skin texture (smoother) & slight swelling of the face, but this all returns to normal when you stop them. the hard bit is finding the right long term medication to keep your uc under control. there are many meds to try that suit some but not others, so you may end up being put on several different ones (one at a time) before you hit the jackpot with one that works for you.  Its frustrating & at times depressing, but you need to be patient & take it as it comes & make sure you take your medication. talk to your specialist about whether you should start taking vitamin supplements too, as if your appetite is low much of the time & fruit & veg aggravate the uc, you may need them. i find milkshakes, small rice pudding pots, & probiotic yoghurt with granola or a crushed hobnob on top are soothing small snacks/meals when you're not really hungry but need to eat something are good, & do not aggravate my uc. see if your hosp has a specialist IBD nurse, my hosp does & she is wonderful & easily accessible & much more down to earth than the consultant! try not to freak out. exceptional stress does make it worse. take care & hope you have progress