>>2837539
Yeah. I have had it since 2018 and it's like a roller coaster. I believe mine is considered mild, I've never been to the ER for it or any symptoms of it, but my "breakout flare" did cause us to call my gf's insurance's on call nurse to get advice at like 2am because I just could not stop shitting.

I say I have had it since 18 but that's when we just knew what it was. I had various symptoms, now that I think back, my whole life really, with low severity.

Cycles are unpredictable but I seem to get better, more or less in summer, and worse in winter. I have a confirmed vitamin D deficiency and there is some sort of link between UC and vitamin D, but from my reading it's a chicken and egg situation (Does UC cause it, or is UC caused by it/contributed by it, we don't know).

I am currently working on getting on a biologic called Entyvio. From what I know, it's one of the best drugs available for this as far as side effects to efficacy ratio goes. My insurance will not pay for it so I have spent literally all summer working with my doctor and Entyvio's patient assistance program because it is completely non viable to pay out of pocket for. I'm not on it yet.

I'm currently in what I would call 90% symptomatic remission. I haven't been cleared by my doc yet, but he will want to do a colonoscopy soon, but my day to day symptoms are low at the moment. I still get a lot of urgency and the location of the bathroom is always on my mind, but I can at least function. Go to parks, stores, etc.

I'm currently on what is by my understanding the "front line" drug, Mesalamine. It's the first option many people get. It's essentially a delayed release anti inflammatory. It works to curb my symptoms, that and a strong probiotic called VSL 3 which was recommended by my doctor. I also take a B12, Iron, Vitamin D, and Biotin, all but Vitamin D was at my own discretion, D was recommended by my PCP.

(cont.)