For me, having the infected part removed was a necessity, it saved my life, so you could say it worked. however I'm left with the crohn's which is very problematic, and hasn't really settled in almost a year, I have a stoma since the UC was removed, as I had the whole descending colon taken out, it helps with the sudden diarrhoea symptoms giving me some dignity. If your consultant or surgeon recommend the surgical option, I would listen to them, as when UC is removed, it doesn't as far as I know return, unlike Crohn's, good luck, and I hope the meds do work, but don't be afraid of surgery, they only do it as a last resort, think of the positive:you will be well!