Newbie...What’s a flare?

Did I have one?

Side and stomach issues for years. Drove me to have a colonoscopy 4 years ago. Clean bill of health.

Two months ago...I noticed upon awaking...I had an urgent need to go to the bathroom. (This was very new for me). This continued for a few weeks. It progressed to the the point to where, when I’d go, I’d have to go again in 45 minutes. Continued progressing to where I was going 5-6 times before noon...then it would seem I was fine for the rest of the day. Progressed more to where it was waking me up at 3 am to poop. Sometimes it would feel urgent but could go much when I went. Stools were any where from completely unformed to somewhat formed...always small. I made an appointment with a GI and he said “colonoscopy”. The biopsies confirmed UC.

The doc is currently working with my insurance company for the medication to treat it.

This morning...I did not feel the need to go until around noon. When I went...I was incredibly surprised to see that I had perfectly formed stools with good color. (And it was a normal sized BM for a change). Just like it was 2 months ago. There been no pain at all today. (Unusual). I haven’t felt this good since I can’t remember and I never thought I’d ever see another normal BM again in my life.

Is this how this disease operates? Could I go for a while being “normal” again? (I’m just having a hard time believing how my pain has gone away).

Is what I’ve been going through the last 2 months sound like a “flare”? (I never thought I’d feel good again).

If so, it was my first real one. That’s why I’m asking. I just don’t know how UC works.

I welcome any replies.

Stress definitely plays a huge role.

I hope the insurance okays your meds soon. Irritates the heck outta me that insurance companies think they have the right to decide which medications we can take instead of our doctors.