Couldn’t help but put a word in here. A close friend of my Sister has managed her UC for 25 years or more, with fairly frequent flair ups. Many, many courses of steroids have taken their toll, she has not been a well bunny. Now 57, she was taken ill during last November, then in and out of hospital until an emergency admission in the middle of January. She has ‘Invasive Aspergillosis’, which is a fungal infection. It nearly killed her. Things are touch and go; she has the right drugs and specialist help, but it will take time to get her well, if she is strong enough.
Reason to stick this sorry tale in is that if it is yourself @USPrincess, concerned about a diagnosis, or someone close, then the truth is no one can predict what will happen with the disease itself. The friend with Aspergillosis has a deeply compromised immune system and has been a workaholic. @Mariah is obviously the right person to speak with about the ins and outs of the disease, my interest is in supporting immunity and general health.
Best options are as with any chronic condition: make necessary lifestyle changes (stress definitely exacerbates it); work out your diet to provide the necessary nutrients and maintain your digestive system; don’t be embarrassed by it (difficult I know) and do seek all the advice you can. Go gently, take care and I hope you (or person with UC) do well and live long and comfortably.
live long and prosper!