Ulcerative colitis and Crohns diagnosis... anyone here able to help me with advice or tips they've learned 🙏

[Ginismedicinal]

I got diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis a couple of years ago, it's now looking very likely I'll be diagnosed with Crohns too - I'd be so grateful if anyone has any advice on how they manage their symptoms and flare ups.
I'm currently struggling alot with pretty much any/all solid food. I don't absorb iron, so I've struggled with chronic anaemia for years too... I desperately need to find a 'meal replacement' drink or similar to help give me some sort of 'boost'.
I kind of get by on my low iron (think I've just got accustomed to it), but I have little in the way of reserves, so not tolerating solid food at the moment is making me feel rubbish.
I'm sure some of you lovely people must (sadly) be more experienced with all this than me... any tips/advice? 🙏🙏
TIA xx

Hey , I have ulcerative colitis and I was the same as you. Until I got diagnosed they wouldn’t put me on meds. Now I’ve been diagnosed 8 years and mostly flare free. Mine is aggravated by food and stress and luckily I know my triggers. To leave you struggling is awful but I don’t understand why they don’t put you on meds for the colitis in the mean time. Have you ever been offered steroids as when I’m flaring that’s what helps. Now I’m on messalazine and folic acid long term.

ibd consultants are a lottery throw. I had an amazing one when I was diagnosed and she saved my life. Sadly she went to bupa a few years ago and I get shafted to any consultant now. Ask about an IBD nurse and a specialist dietician. You should have referals to both of those and the nurses especially are very good.

My DH has UC, specific carbohydrate diet really helps him

I have UC. I was in a major flare up when diagnosed and was put on high dose steroids, calcium/vit D, B12 and iron tablets. I'm now on Pentasa which usually keeps symptoms under control.

Like others have said, it's worth contacting Crohn's and Colitis UK for some advice in how to get the correct treatment. Also, take a look at the NICE guidelines. cks.nice.org.uk/topics/ulcerative-colitis/management/confirmed-ulcerative-colitis/

Good luck!