Greetings all! I'm Brett in Knoxville, Tn. 34 year old male, diagnosed with UC in 1997. I've opted for drug therapy (prednisone, asacol, 6-MP, rowasa, etc.) so far, but I'm now considering surgery again. I'm currently flaring, and the doses of steroids that have traditionally done the trick, just aren't. So that's got me a bit discouraged, and wondering if the time has come for surgery.

So, "hi" to all, and thanks for being here and providing such great support.

Welcome to the forums.. I live about 30 minutes north of Chattanooga. I remember being in your exact situation 3yrs ago.. I was flared and had been for about 6months or so. I was on high doses, of Prednisone, the max dose of Remicade, the max dose of asacol. I finally listened to my GI Dr. and made a trip to the surgeon to discuss what my surgery options were... Long story short best decision I ever made!!!
Who is your GI Dr? I used to see Dr. Willhoite years ago, before switching to a Chatt, Dr. when I moved down here. One option for you is to contact Dr. Schwartz at vanderbilt, he is an amazing Dr. and was able to get me into remission when my local GI couldn't.....

Chris