Hello Worried,

You haven't given me much detail to go on. But since you checked the Ulcerative Colitis (UC) category I'll assume that is what you're daughter is dealing with.

It's is quite common for people with UC to have to try more than one medication to find the one that works for them. Even though we may have a common diagnosis, there are no 2 UC patients that have the exact same symptoms, or react to a medication the exact same way, etc.

Surgery is not typically done for UC patients unless it is to remove the entire colon. And typically, this option is only considered after all other treatment options have been exhausted.

It can take months or years to figure out the right treatment plan for each UC patient. And there will be times of active disease and then remission for UC patients. So, your daughter will have to learn to live with her UC, but it doesn't mean she will always have active disease. And, some people are able to control their disease with medication alone, like my dad. But others, like me, find that a combination of things like medication, diet changese, and stress reduction, are what help keep symptoms better controlled. It's all very individual and with time and experience your daughter will figure out what works best for her.

Since you are concerned but not getting much information form your daugther you might find my book, Living with IBD & IBS, informative to read - www.ibdandibs.com. I would also recommend allowing your daughter to talk about her UC at her own pace and in her own time. Do not force the subject. This is a hard disease to hear you have and it will take her time to come to terms with it from a treatment stand-point as well as a quality of life stand-point. Give her some space and time and she'll come around to talk about it. Be supportive, but not overly-so.

Kind Regards,

Elizabeth