Flare up Help

Hi and welcome! I'm so glad that you reached out here. I am so sorry to hear that you're experiencing symptoms again after doing so well for so long. It certainly is discouraging to have that happen, and you're feelings about it are understandable and valid.

We are not medical professionals here, so I can not advise whether or not an enema would be helpful, but I would encourage you to reach out to either your primary care doctor or your gastroenterologist and let them know of your symptoms. I know that's probably not what you want to hear, but it really is good to get the professionals involved when experiencing new and/or worsening symptoms. All that to say, that doesn't necessarily mean that you're UC is flaring up. There can be various other reasons for blood with a bowel movement (which is best investigated by your doctor). And, if it is your UC flaring up, there are a lot of treatments and medications available that can help. Again, I know that might sound discouraging after having your UC so well managed for so long, but I'm hopeful (and crossing my fingers) for an easy answer for you, and some relief!

Please know that our community is here for you, and continue to reach out any time. And, if you're comfortable, please keep us posted with how you're doing and what you find out.

Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

Hi . It is certainly understandable that suddenly having some bleeding after a long period of disease control would be stressful. On top of the good information from Christine on consulting your doctor and the multiple potential causes for the blood, I want to note that there are numerous potential causes of some return of symptoms. It does not necessarily mean that your treatment is failing. Our patient leader Christal wrote here about her experience with that medication crossroads and steps to figure it out: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/mesalamine-ulcerative-colitis. It could mean that a simple adjustment will help get you back on track, but, if there is something more happening, finding out as soon a possible is best. Hoping you can get some answers and relief soon and please feel free to keep us posted and ask additional questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)