I thought this might be the appropriate board to post this on.

I have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitus for a little over 2 years. I am 24. I know this can be a very dangerous and deadly disease if not taken care of right. I know that if I don't take care of it properly I could lose my colon. My dad had this in the 70s when technology wasn't as good. He got very sick and now has no colon. He has an illiostomy pouch attached to his small intestine and empties his bowels that way.

When I was first diagnosed, I was very sick. I had a little bloody diahreah and was throwing up. I just thought it was an intestinal flu. I didn't get any better. I was like that for 3 or 4 days. It finally got my attention when I had a major bowel movement, all liquid with a very definite red tint to it. I showed it to my parents and they took me to the emergency room immediatly. I was in the hospital for about 3 days because I was so dehydrated. I have had colonoscopy's every year since then and check ups every 6 months. The last colonoscopy done said I didn't have to have another one for 3 years. I am very happy about that.

I am on 2000mg of Sulfasalazine a day. 500mg every 6 hours.

I was just kinda hoping to find someone to talk to about it. I don't know anyone that has it. I just want a friend.

My dad is very supportive since he already went through it. Unfortunatly he lost his colon. All my friends are very supportive, but they don't really understand what it's like. They all would be very willing to get me to the emergency room quick if something happened.

I'm only on one medicine, Sulfasalazine. I take 500mg every 6 hours. It is an antibiotic. I've learned the hard way not to miss a dose.

basically which a need to do to help you take care of yourself is to keep your stress level low. Stress can irritate your colon. Watch out for peanuts, basically any kind of nut, not peanut butter just whole nuts, kernel corn, anything like that. Stuff like that can get caught in your colon and irritate it. I've also been told to stay away from caffeine, but I'm drinking it and not having a problem. If your colon gets irritated it can cause bloody diarrhea. If that happens get to the emergency room fast. Whenever I've gone to the emergency room, they've usually put me on Prednisone, which is a type of steroid.

It did control me at first. I was scared of what I could and couldn't do. But over time I've learned to control it. I know it's scary, but don't let it scare you. That will only cause stress.

Nicole, what these horrific symptoms you've experienced, if you don't mind me asking. I'm curious what they were.

If either of you need to talk, I'm here. From looks of your posts, I've had more experience at this than either of you. From both me and what my dad went through. :angel:

Your friend in Christ,
Jon

Quick note. I am on more than just one med. The Sulfasalazine is the only med i'm on for this. the other meds are psychiatric. I have a mental illness. I am diagnosed Schitzoaffective. I also have asthma. I kinda have a full plate. So stress is a major issue for me.