How long does it take for a UC flare up to last?
Hello,
I have had bloody diarrhoea for 5 weeks now. I was referred for urgent appointment to a gastroenterologist but have not heard back on appointment date. I was told 2 weeks but can take 6 weeks. Reading over here, it seems that a colonoscopy after a referral can take even longer...
My calc protein levels were very high 600+ and was told by GP it looks like UC. I have lost weight because of it and now weigh 46 kg; I was 50 kg around 2 months ago. What should I do? How long does a flare up last w/o medications? If medications are started, how long until one can go in remission. I am struggling both mentally and physically. please help
Hello,
, and welcome to the community. I'm so glad that you've found us and reached out here. First of all, I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with these physical symptoms as well as mental struggles. Having undiagnosed symptoms can be very stressful, especially while waiting for doctors/tests/results/etc. This community definitely understands and is here for you!
You mention being referred for an urgent gastroenterology appointment. Have you tried reaching out to the clinic/doctor directly? Sometimes those referrals can get lost (unfortunately) so it doesn't hurt for you to be the one to reach out to them. Please don't hesitate to be the "squeaky wheel" (so to speak) and keep reaching out. You deserve to have some answers and get some relief!
I'm sharing a link here with more information about diagnosis, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/diagnosis. Typically one needs an additional type of test/procedure to the high calc protein before getting a diagnosis. Unfortunately, as far as your other questions go, the length of a flare can really depend on the person, and how quickly one gets relief or goes into remission after starting treatment varies as well. (I know, it's so annoying and frustrating that we can't be more specific, but it really varies person to person as everyone's body is different and reacts to treatments differently.) I'll also link an article to some information on treatment types in case you're interested, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment.
Finally, I wanted to share this article one of our health leaders put together for the newly diagnosed, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/becoming-empowered-patient. It has some information on being an empowered patient that might be helpful. Hopefully I haven't overwhelmed you with too much information, but I want you to know that you aren't alone! Please don't hesitate to reach out here if you have other questions, need to vent, or could use some extra support.
Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)Prednisone usually is the go to med when in a flare. It can be a double edged sword. It works wonders although with some side effects.
Best wishesThanks for sharing this,
. When/if you use prednisone for a flare, how long does it take for you to notice relief? And how long are you typically on the prednisone during a flare?
Also, permit me to share this article from one of our advocates about the gifts and curses of prednisone for the sake of, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/prednisone-during-flare.
Thanks again for sharing your experience and feedback. Wishing you a gentle evening. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
