Hi all! I was diagnosed with UC 18 years ago and the diagnosis changed to Crohn's 5 years ago when I have my colon removed. Over the years have had many flares, problems with a recurring fistula, abscesses, pain, diarrhea, bleeding, etc. I was lucky when I had my surgery that the surgeon was able to reattach things at that time so I don't have a colostomy but I have to take large doses of lopermide daily to try to go without having to run to the bathroom often. I am currently enduring a flare up which has been going on since January and the doctor I am seeing currently has not been able to find a medicine that helps. In fact everything I have tried so far has made it worse. I know that prednisone would probably help but I am not willing to try it as in the past I have become prednisone dependent (at high doses) and find it very difficult to get off it. The side effects from it are terrible and I hate myself when I am on it. I am looking for alternative ideas and just recently heard that medical marijuana is a possible therapy. As much as I don't like the idea (it is not legal in my state) I am at the point where I just want to feel better! I am very glad to have found this forum!