Dear Carol,

I usually don't post but I read your email and wanted to ease your
mind a bit. I have had UC for almost 30 years, I was diagnosed at age
9 and I will be 39 in December.

First, the meds, most likely they will start you on Asacol and that
really has few side affects if any and is not bad at all.

Secondly, the colonoscopy isn't that bad. The worst part is not
eating real food for 24 hours. You get to be on clear fluids and I'm
not thrilled about jello. They will put you to sleep for the
colonoscopy and you will be out of it and not know what they are
doing. After you might have a little gas but that stops quickly.

Hope I was able to help. If you have any other questions please don't
hesitate to ask.

Good luck,

Leslie Benzion
Pampered Chef Consultant
LBenzion_PC@...
410-902-8524




--- In crohns_n_colitis@yahoogroups.com, "scottishcarola"
<scottishcarola@y...> wrote:
>
> 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