I had met one of your members at the Long Beach CCFA at the Long
Beach Convention Center in April 2006.

I wrote John with some questions since I have no one I had met with
UC. At the time of the conference, I fortunately was not in a flare
up and now that I have entered one a few weeks ago, I posted the
following questions to John:

Jim & I both hope to attend the 5K. Haven't received much info on it
though for some reason, even though we're members of the CCFA.

I certainly agree that we need a support group in the Long Beach
area. As a matter of fact, this is one of the reasons that I'm
writing you.

You are the only person I have met that is suffering from UC. When
we met at the conference, I was happy to say not in a flare up. As a
matter of fact, my last flare was in 12/05.

But, unfortunately, a few weeks ago a flare decided to visit me.

I was wondering what you do when you have a flare.

I take my Asacol religiously. I take 3 tablets 3xday. When I got
the flare I went up to 4 tablets 3xday, plus a hydrocortisone rectal
enema each night. I let my gastro know, but told her it wasn't
helping as much. Yesterday, she reluctantly prescribed prednisone
(30 mg. for 5 days, then 20 mg. for 5 days & then 10 mg for 5 days).
Hopefully that will take care of it. She thinks that since I have
about 2 flares a year, & she has put me on the prednisone, she thinks
that we might have to change medications. I think she's talking
about 6-MP. Not sure, but should be meeting with her in about a
month. I don't know much about this drug, but from what I've read, I
think I like Asacol better.

I started taking a probiotic late last year & I think they have
helped me in my flare ups. I take one by the company Jarrows-EPS.
Take 2 a day. I've heard about Flora Q. Do you take any probiotics?

Anyway, if there is any info you can give me, I certainly would
appreciate it.

Again, thank you so much in advance

John emailed me this evening & suggested that I write to this group
whereas maybe someone could give me some helpful hints.

I thank everyone in advance if you can assist.

Sincerely,

Maureen