[Rot 911]

Mike, I'm a member of the club. Didn't even know I had it until I got a colonoscopy last June. Just figured I had a fuched up digestive system. Even last summer as I was taking Asacol I kept ignoring the symptoms. Then last fall I ended up with an abscess up against my stomach. Spent a week in the hospital, no food, IV's, same as you. Then another 30 days with a pik line in the inside of my upper arm for all my nutrients. All to avoid surgery. That ended beginning of December. Spent the next month just about like you are now. Felt and acted like an old man.

So far so good. I actually feel pretty normal. I take Asacol 4 times a day and Imuran once a day. Along with a B-12 shot once a month. I really am back to normal physically. Mentally I just keep worrying about another attack that might require surgery. I have been told it is inevitable and once you have surgery you will more than likely need another in the future. I'm 52 and hope the surgery is a long ways in the future. I am lucky to have had a surgeon and an internal specialist right here in Jefferson City that have kept up with the latest methods of treatment. The also do the remicade IV's here, but fortunately I do not require it at this time. I have my blood checked every month to make sure I am at the right dose for the imuran.

Feel free to talk to me about it any time. This is the first time I have ever had a potential quality of life limiting illness.