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Should I be seeing improvements?

Mon, July 29, 2024 9:12 PM

I was diagnosed with UC about six weeks ago, though I suspect I've been dealing with flares for some time. My GI prescribed mesalamine which I have taken religiously. Frequency is down from 8-12 times per day to about 3. However, the urgency remains. And I literally cannot remember the last time I passed a formed stool. Quite honestly has been years. Type 6 and 7, with the very occasional type 5 feeling like a victory. Also have to literally run to the bathroom the moment I awaken in the morning.

Should I be seeing more improvement at this point in treatment? Or is it too soon? Just not sure when to ask the doc if we need to try something else. I've developed other symptoms that may or may not be related - they did start not long after diagnosis and starting meds. I'm just so very defeated by feeling so poorly all the time. I feel like life will never be normal (or fun) again.

Marys139
Joined Jul 29, 2024

Fri, October 10, 2025 6:07 PM

Reply posted for Ash25.

I am sorry to hear this. It takes time to find the right medication. Mesalamine worked for me for a few months, and then stopped working. I have had a flare-up for past 2.5 months and it was awful initially. While I am waiting to start on my new medication, I am focussing on a low fiber, gluten-free, lactose free and raw vegetable-free diet and it is helping a lot to reduce my symptoms.
I chew food till it liquifies in my mouth.
My veggies' source is soup. It has played the biggest role in reducing my diarrhea. See it this works for you.

I kept a food journal, and figured our some foods that don't suit me. It was difficult journaling at first, but if you are consistent, you start seeing relationship between what you eat and BMs.

There are a few normal days, but the symptoms re-start. But the intensity of the flareups is reducing with time. My dietitian told me to maintain this diet for 4-6 weeks.
Hope you get your medicine soon.

Ash25
Joined Oct 10, 2025

Mon, June 16, 2025 9:48 AM

Reply posted for Marys139.

Totally get how frustrating that can be. The drop in frequency is a good sign, but urgency and lack of formed stools can definitely linger lightroom shortcuts. Might be worth flagging it with your GI—sometimes it takes adjusting meds or adding something else to really calm things down. Hang in there, it can get better.

jenniferlopez8
Joined Jun 16, 2025

Thu, September 12, 2024 3:31 PM

Reply posted for Marys139.

I, too, was put on Mesaline after my UC diagnosis which had little effect. I have been getting Entyvio infusions for about two years now which has been a real lifesaver for me. No more accidents, bleeding. Occasionally I will get a flare that, when I review my daily diet, can be traced to a poor food choice. I stick with a dairy free diet, no bubbly drinks, meat once a month, gluten free when possible, no alcohol. I admit I drink one cup of coffee ( what am I, saint?) a day. Prolonged Stress will affect my gut in a big way. What else? Oh yeah... no popcorn or nuts, no raw veggies like carrots. It's a learning process really since everyone's UC is different. Good luck.

LaurenC
Joined Oct 20, 2021

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