PM: Mozzer

Morning mate

I was diagnosed with UC about 15 years ago. Been on meds pretty much continuously since, but fortunately on steroids relatively infrequently, only when I have a flare up that doesn't quiet down.

The side effects of steroids are pretty rubbish. Mood swings and insomnia faded pretty quickly once the dose tapers down, at least for me. Of the longer term ones, the fat face (moon face) and teenage acne were the worst for me. I'm skinny as a rake so the desire to eat the entire contents of the fridge was less of a problem for me.

Proth's advice is pretty good. You are not alone and there are people you can talk to.

I would also say, hang in there. I felt pretty down and everything looked bleak in the first few weeks/months after diagnosis. But things will get better, a lot better. My condition is now, touch wood, very tightly controlled. I've had a couple of very minor flare ups in the last 5 years, that were both easily controlled. It has zero affect on my say-to-day life.

From my experience, you may need to experiment with different meds. The ones the docs tried first didn't seem to work at all and I had quite a few flare ups early on. So don't be afraid to tell the docs that the meds aren't working if they're not. They have a few things they can try.

And do experiment with diet and things like Aloe Vera. It's quite a poorly understood condition, so you may find things that are good/bad for you. Coca Cola and alcohol are risky things for me. Sushi seems very good. Other people I know who suffer suggest different things.

Good luck and best wishes to you mate. Post on here if you have any questions or just fancy a chat. I read most days although I only tend to post at the weekend.

USH

Posted By: Under soil heating, Dec 28, 09:45:04