I am a 49 year old male. I developed ulcerative colitis at age 26. Up until 3 years ago I would experience symptoms (cramps, bleeding, mucus, urgency) every few months. I could only achieve temporary remission by using steroids (usually prednisone). However 3 years ago I met a pharmacist who also practiced natural health. She said she could help but I was very skeptical. She prescribed Usana anti-oxidants, multi-vitamins and Proflavanol (grape seed extract) and Acidophilus as well as a drink containing fibre, berries (anti-oxidants) and Flax seed oil (Omega 3). Over the next 6 months the recurrence of disease came about less often until my symptoms stopped altogether. Recently I had a colonoscopy which showed the complete absence of colitis. My health is excellent.

I woke up 2 mornings ago with severe vomiting, diarrhea, and the worse abdominal pain i have ever experienced (I've had 2 kids Naturally and this pain doesn't touch natural child birth, I can assure you). I went to er and was admitted. I was given Dilaudid for pain along with Phenergan for nausea. I underwent several blood tests as well as diagnostic testing. My pain level increased and was then given IV morphine, Nexium, and Zofran. My white count was extremely elevated. I stayed in hospital 2 days. I found out it wasn't my appendix, my gall bladder, nor my ovarian cysts causing these symptoms, but was diagnosed with colitis. I was sent home on Flagyl 500 PO TID and was instructed on a very strict diet high in fiber. I am 37 years old with 4 kids ages 11 to 11 months and i promise you this experience (symptoms) was absolutely one of the worst i have ever encountered.

Just diagnosed with what the Dr. called mild colitis. Sure glad I don't have severe!! I would hate to find out what that is like. This feels like severe to me!! I can just smell food and the diarrhea begins with repetitive trips to the Bathroom. Sometimes up to 8 times in an hour. Fecal incontinence day and night to the point that I have started using blue pads (like puppy pads) under me at night and in my chair. I have also lined the hall and from my bed to the bathroom with towels. I don't go anywhere except to the Doctor. I had a gastric bypass quite a while ago and had some diarrhea for a while but it resolved,( My mistake). Now I have severe GERD and colitis. After a colonoscopy and EGD I have been prescribed Bentyl and Nexium. So far so good. Dear Ms. 71 year old commenter, as they say "I feel your pain" Good luck to you and to all of you. I was relieved I did not have cancer, but am still depressed by the diagnosis of such a chronic disease and wondering how long it will be til another flare-up.

I was diagnosed with colitis after having a c-section with my 4th child a little over a year ago. I have always had trouble using the bathroom, but mostly it was not being able to go. I was experiencing terrible stomach cramps, loose stools and I lost 30 pounds within a month of giving birth to my daughter. I also had major bloating issues. I finally went to my doctor after 2 months of suffering and discovered I had colitis. This was a relief to not be dying! I was given some type of good bacteria to balance me out. I noticed that most times when I experience symptoms it is due to greasy foods, soda, sweets, and coffee. So, I try to stay away from this foods and drinks. I have a few problems during my monthly cycle the cramps are terrible, but with medications I am ok.

I am a 71 year old female. I was diagnosed with celiac sprue and microscopic collagenous colitis. With wheat free diet the diarrhea came under control. However in February all hell broke loose and I am still suffering from severe diarrhea and night time fecal incontinence with no relief in sight. I've tried Entocort, Pepto Bismol and at least two anti-diarrheas. I think stress must play a huge role in all this. I'm pretty much ready to just give up. All of my children live away as well as my dad and sister from me so I like to travel and visit them. I also like to travel with a group of friends and travel to take art workshops. I play a flute in a concert band and I want to keep doing these kinds of things. I keep telling myself hang in there. You'll make it through this as tears are streaming down my face and something brown streams down my legs.