share: Teen with colitis

Hi Amber!

I'm sorry about your colitis, I know that it can be a very difficult condition to live with. I have a friend in hospital right now with the same condition. She is young too (older than you though!) so let me see if I can get her to share some information with you since she is going through the exact same thing. It might take a day or two - hang tight.

In the meantime, please read our Colitis page here; I think it'll help you a lot! http://www.empowher.com/condition/colitis

Amber, I am Susan C's friend that is currently in the hospital with ulcerative colitis. I am happy to share whatever I can with you about your condition.

First of all, there are other types of colitis. "Colitis" is a rather nonspecific term that refers to various inflammatory conditions in the colon. Do you know what type you have? From the information that I have gotten from doctors and from doing my own research, ulcerative colitis is the most serious form of colitis, because it often requires surgery. However, even some patients with severe UC respond well to nonsurgical treatments. Of these, I believe that Remicade is the most common treatment and has had the most success. It is an immunosuppressant, and therefore carries some risks of its own, but for many sufferers of UC, Crohn's Disease, and other autoimmune disorders, it has been a lifesaver.

I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your treatment. Just remember, that even those who require surgery generally go on to have full, normal lives. The treatments (particularly surgery) isn't always pleasant, but they DO help you to get the colitis under control and get on with your life.

Amber - I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was about 15, so, about the same age as you. I remember having to change up my eating regimen to avoid foods that would aggravate my condition, including acidic, spicy and dairy. Life was a bit boring for a while, LOL!

I also have lupus, an autoimmune disease. I had to take prednisone, a corticosteroid (I've also had to take that for lupus flares); but never have had surgery (I've just ended up in ER a few times). In my case, I'm pre-disposed to colon problems, as my grandfather had colon cancer and lupus. But, mine is a complicated condition, in spite of which I've been able to lead a fairly normal life.

What has your doctor said about your case?