Hi

I have just been diagnosed with UC after seeing a specialist at the
hospital and had a sigmoidoscopy. I am now awaiting a colonoscopy to
see the extend of the disease.

I have been reading the posts here and I realise I am lucky as my
flare-up (which is the first severe one I have ever had) is now
settling down nicely. I am concerned that the specialist has told me
that after the colonoscopy they will put me on daily medication. I
feel at the moment that we don't know which way the disease is going
to go with me, and I may never again have another severe flare-up. I
feel that the side effects of taking permanent medication might not
be worth it when put against the risk. Any comments about the
medication pros and cons would be helpful in helping me to decide. I
know I will be able to talk this over with the doctor, but I would
rather the opinion of other people who take medication and are
suffering from this disease.

I am also worried about the colonoscopy as a friend of mine had one
and said that it hurt.

Anyway it is great to find this group as all this is new to me and
having the opinion of other people who know how you feel, and all the
comments and hints, will I am sure be a great help to me.

Regards
Carol