Q & A (again)

How I managed to delete the last Q & A is a question that I don't have the answer to.  Oh well.  No big deal.  Let's try this again.

Why exactly are you doing something so drastic?
The short answer is...... I have Ulcerative Colitis and I'm willing to do whatever I can to help my body be more healthy and hopefully achieve remission.

When were you diagnosed?
April 2010.  I had been experiencing symptoms for about 4 months, but was hoping it was just a virus or something.  Finally I went to the doctor and was given a rectal exam.  My primary referred me to a gastroenterologist.

What happened once you saw a specialist?
I had my first colonoscopy.  I was diagnosed with mild to moderate left sided ulcerative colitis.  Unfortunately the specialist gave me the diagnosis, a prescription, and a nice "see you in a month".  I was scared and was left to the internet for advice and information.  Needless to say I returned to the doctor (in tears) and informed him that he may deal with this day in and day out, but it was life changing for me and I felt like he didn't give me the guidance I needed.  He was very apologetic and it seemed sincere, but I still chose to seek out a new doctor.  I now have an amazing doctor and couldn't be happier.

How often do you "flare" and what are your symptoms?
For 3 years I was lucky and only flared once or twice a year.  Then in 2014 I started flaring more often and probably had 4-5.  This last flare has been going on since right before Thanksgiving.  It has continued and progressively gotten worse.  I have seen my doctor and I'm currently taking my 4 daily Lialda tablets and Uceris (a mild steroid).  I did hydrocortisone enemas for 3 weeks too.  I return to the doctor next week to discuss our next steps.  As for symptoms..... a lot of blood and mucous, bouts of diarrhea and constipation, a constant urge to "go", urgency, fatigue, major weight loss followed by major gains (sometimes a 0 is too big and others a 6 is tight).

Do you really think you can go strictly SCD?
Yes I do.  I'm actually excited.  The more I read about SCD the more it makes sense.  I started this blog saying goodbye to foods, but there's so much I can eat.  I'm not saying it's going to be easy or that I wont be tempted.  I have to admit that I will miss ketchup more than anything else.  Yes, you can make your own, but we've done that before and it's just not the same.  Plus so many things that we eat are adaptable.  And I am very lucky that Scott already plans and cooks 95% of our meals.  So it isn't too far off of what we already do.

Feel free to ask any other questions in the comments.