Ulcerative Colitis

I had severe ulcerative colitis for 3 years while in college. During that time (2002-2004) I was a patient of 6 GI specialists, was hospitalized over 12 times and tried almost everything known to medical science and holistic practices at the time. I ended up getting a total colectomy and now I have a J-pouch. I'm sharing information on what helped me and what didn't so that others can avoid some ridiculous expenses and mistakes and hopefully have a better shot at keeping their large intestine than I did.

Ulcerative Colitis was the most difficult challenge I have ever faced in life. The most important thing of all for me was to keep a positive mindset and to never give up no matter what. Although I felt very alone with the illness I had some great friends and a fantastic mom who tried their best to help me out. Now it is my turn to help out as best I can with this web page. I hope you find the information in my colitis pages useful and I wish you the best of luck in your own journey.

My Colitis Information

Ulcerative Colitis
Ileostomy
J-Pouch

Colitis Research

23andMe is looking for volunteers for a groundbreaking UC study. View the flyer. You can email them at ibd@23andme.com.
Genetics are now believed to be somewhere less than 60% role in developing UC. Known genes include HLA-DRA, BSN, NKX2-3, IL23R. I have positive markers for 3 of those genes. More conprehensive results on the genes involved can be found PharmGKB and the National Human Genome Research Institute. You can have your full genetic profile done at 23andMe
A June 2009 study showed a 3 fold risk increase for IBD after Campylobacter or Salmonella Infection. Note: I began showing symptoms of UC right after a salmonella outbreak and recall on beef at Fred Meyer where I shopped.
Frankincense (boswellia) is currently being researched for it's restorative effects for UC.

Colitis Links

Mark's Battle with UC and J-Pouch surgery
Number Twos UC Blog - A Blog from a fellow UC sufferer
Colitis Foundation
Healing Well UC Forums
CCFA - Chrons and Colitis Foundation
Traveler's guide to toilets
MizPee - find the nearest toilet to you (wish I had this when I had UC!)
The CCFA LinkedIn Group

Support Group

I am starting an Ulcerative Colitis/Ileostomy/J-pouch support group for the San Francisco Bay area. If you are interested, please email me at colitis@willperone.net

23 Comments
HT I'm really glad that you're doing better. I hope it continues to become easier for you! Best of luck and thanks for the website!
Daniela I'm really proud of you. You are just amazing :)
Barbara I'm so glad you're here!
adrienna i got UC when i gave up smoking
ERIC glad to see your doing good now man
Jan You are an inspiration. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing. My UC is very mild but it is good to know which foods to avoid. One food to avoid surprised me: apple. This is because, when I was most ill with UC, I read that apple soothes the gut and I lived on stewed apple for a while. It seemed to really help, as did having acupuncture. (I would recommend definitely).
Richa Your website is good.Thanks for sharing.I have moderate UC and Apple juice has always been on my food to eat list.I can tolerate it even during Flare-ups.Rice milk is good at all times.Turmeric,Oregano,Parseley,Basil are spices good for UC.Whereas Watermelon,Oat,Pineapple juice and hard cheese causes discomfort to me.Meditation helps a lot.TC
marg your site was very helpful i was just told i has uc and wondered what to eat . thank you for posting the information on this site keep up the good work
Bryan Glad you are doing better and thanks so much for the information on your website. I was diagnosed with moderate UC about a year ago and I found your site to be useful. Take care.
Jared (http://hpalace.com) Was just browsing around at work. Looks like your UC page has helped out LOTS of people. Great job, dude!
Chris I was recently diagnosed and I've found your website to very helpful. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ann Marie I have crohns which is related to UC. I had a long expensive search in order to find what was good for me but now I feel good most of the time. It changed my life but ZI think for the better in hinsight! Glad to hear you are doing well and happy!
Nadine Hi!My daughter is 12yrs old and has UC.She is being treated at Sick Kids in Toronto.Right now they suggested Remicade and she is on Prednisone to stop this recent 'flare up'.Any suggestions?e-mail me at nadine_marsura@yahoo.ca.Cheers to you and your strength!
Kristen Yeah, I'm confused as to why the apple juice is listed as something to avoid... other than that, thank you for compiling this list, I need it!
Mark Will, so glad you are back to living a good life with your jpouch. I've got my jpouch and happy. Do you mind if I link to your site: http://ucstory.wordpress.com
kevin.eb As you know i dont have need to say anything about you.You are the best. ======================================================================== kevin Find the latest news about Colon Cancer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis. Discuss Colon related issues with members of the Colon Health Community. <a href="http://www.coloncancer.bz">Colon Cancer News & Discussion Forum</a>
Saurabh I think that you are doing a great job to make this site. This site is very easy and useful for all. I hope you made really such that things that you done....... --------- Saurabh
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Jessica Thanks for the info. My daughter was diagnosed earlier this year (2009) with severe UC. It has been a challenge. Thanks for the advice! Take care.
mezy hi there - I've had UC for about 10 years now and currently suffering a bad flare up. I'm afraid I'll have to go back on prednisone (imuran is not working for me). I think everyone's food intolerances will be different - eg I can't touch any red meats, anything fatty & too tough too digest. Onion & similar veggies I am basically allergic too. Very bad. Re: apple - generally it'll be the skin, it's too much fibre, that causes ppl troubles (as my nutriontist informed me). Just wanted to say great site! [mjpix.com]
Becky I've found that guar gum and inulin (soluble fibers) mixed into a liquid really help me. So much that I don't have symptoms as long as I take it everyday, in the morning and at night.
Lou Mark. Thanks for sharing your story and for setting up a helpful forum. Sorry about all you've been through.
coffee bags Excellent blog! I genuinely love how it' s easy on my eyes and also the details are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which should do the trick! Have a nice day!