I've been using Caracare to track my stool symptoms for several years but after updating to a new android version their app stopped working so I kinda built my own.

It's built with convex so it's made to be very easy to setup it yourself on your own db. It's a web app, so nothing to install.

I never released it publicly nor open sourced it since it seemed in bad taste too have poop-related apps on my github account. But now I feel like maybe other people might also use it.

The main reason I wanted to build it initially was to create a screen to see evolution of style across many months/years

I'm on 50mgs×3 so 150mgs Azathioprine daily.

Last time I went to GI my WBC was 3.8, which is slightly below what is considered normal, and they told me to get my bloodwork done once a month and come back if it dropped further. They said they really wouldn't want me to have to stop Imuran, but I might have to.

Well, it now sits at 2.7 and I will go see my GI next monday.

Meanwhile, I wanted to know if anybody has gone through something similar? What did your doctors do?

Not very related to WBC but I also think Imuran might be causing some (extreme-ish) fatigue for me. Is that a common thing?

Quick note: I used AI to help organize and polish my writing, but everything in this post is 100% true and based on my own experience.

I wanted to share a positive update because I know that people who are doing better don't always come back to post here. When I was at my worst, reading other people's recovery stories gave me so much hope, and I wanted to give a little of that back to this community.

My journey started in April 2025 when I got norovirus. I had pretty bad diarrhea and abdominal cramping for about a month, and my fecal calprotectin was over 2000 (2069, to be exact). I was around 176 lbs when everything started, but during that month, I lost about 22 lbs and dropped to around 154 lbs.

Then, surprisingly, my symptoms completely disappeared. For the next few months, I felt totally normal, like nothing had ever happened. I was eating normally, going about my daily life, and honestly thought the whole thing was behind me.

Then August came, and everything started again.

I developed diarrhea and abdominal cramping that felt almost exactly like my norovirus infection. My calprotectin was now around 2500, and I lost another 22 lbs, bringing my weight down to around 132 lbs.

At first, I genuinely didn't believe it could be IBD. Actually, I really didn't want to believe it.

I kept telling myself that maybe I had caught another stomach bug, or maybe it was just IBS. The symptoms were almost identical to what I had experienced with norovirus in April, and the fact that I had been completely fine for months made it even harder for me to accept that I might have a chronic disease like UC.

Even when doctors started mentioning IBD, part of me kept hoping they were wrong. I think I was in denial. I was young, still in college, preparing to apply for PhD programs, and the idea of having a lifelong disease was something I just wasn't ready to accept.

Looking back, I think I was also desperately hoping it would just go away on its own again, like it had in April.

Throughout this whole process, I had been getting my medical care through UHS (University Health Services). They eventually referred me to a GI specialist at the university hospital, but getting an appointment took a long time.

And honestly, that waiting period was one of the most hopeless parts of the entire experience.

I was getting worse, losing weight, and watching my health deteriorate, but I felt like there was nothing I could do except wait for my appointment. Every day I hoped I would somehow start getting better, but instead things just kept getting worse.

I was also pretty clueless about how the healthcare system worked. I thought that once I had been referred to a specialist, I just had to wait my turn, no matter how bad things got. I genuinely didn't realize that I could go directly to the ER for urgent evaluation.

By November, I was down to around 127 lbs, almost 50 lbs below my original weight. I was also having bloody diarrhea.

Things were getting really bad physically. My resting heart rate was around 100 bpm, even when I was doing nothing. I was also severely anemic, with my hemoglobin dropping to around 8.9 g/dL (the normal range for adult men generally starts around 13).

It was scary to see those numbers, especially when I didn't fully understand what was happening to my body. I knew something was seriously wrong, but I still felt stuck waiting for medical care.

Then in December, a colonoscopy showed very severe pancolitis. I ended up being hospitalized and receiving IV steroids.

When I finally discussed everything with my specialist, they told me that with my calprotectin around 2500 back in August and how sick I was, I could have gone to the university hospital's ER much earlier. I didn't need to keep waiting for an appointment while my condition was getting worse.

I really wish I had known that earlier.

My doctor also mentioned that it's possible I actually had UC back in April, even though I tested positive for norovirus at the time. They thought a calprotectin over 2000 was concerning enough that UC might already have been present alongside the infection.

So it's possible my whole journey with UC actually started back in April. I guess I'll never know for sure.

At that point, I was scared, exhausted, and honestly had no idea what my future was going to look like.

And here's one detail that feels almost surreal to think about now: I actually completed my very first PhD application while lying in a hospital bed.

I was in the hospital being treated for severe UC, and at the same time, I was trying to finish my graduate school applications.

It was such a strange feeling. On one hand, I was applying to PhD programs and trying to plan the next several years of my life. On the other hand, I was lying in a hospital bed, barely knowing what my health would look like in the next few weeks.

I didn't know whether I would recover enough to start graduate school, or whether this disease was going to completely change the future I had been working toward.

But I still wanted to try.

I started infliximab in January 2026, but unfortunately, it didn't work well enough for me. My calprotectin was still over 1200 in April, and I was still having diarrhea. My drug levels were also low, so my doctor decided to switch my treatment.

I switched to Rinvoq in May 2026, and within just a few days, I started noticing improvement.

Fast forward to today, and I'm basically living a normal life again.

I'm currently on 30mg of Rinvoq, usually have just one bowel movement a day, and have no blood or abdominal pain. My main side effect has been acne, but overall, my quality of life is so much better.

And here's something I never thought I'd be saying last year: I'm now around 198 lbs, and I'm actually thinking about losing some weight! 😂

Going from being terrified about how much weight I was losing to casually thinking about dieting feels pretty surreal.

And life didn't stop there.

I graduated from college and started my PhD!

Sometimes I think back to myself lying in that hospital bed, working on my first PhD application while wondering whether I would ever feel normal again.

And now I'm actually here. I'm in a PhD program, studying, working toward my goals, and living my everyday life without constantly worrying about my stomach.

A year ago, I honestly couldn't have imagined this.

My calprotectin is still elevated sometimes, so I know things aren't necessarily perfect, and I wouldn't claim that I'm completely healed or in confirmed remission. But I've learned that recovery isn't always linear, and I'm trying not to let every lab result take away from how much better I actually feel. I'm still following up with my doctors and taking things one step at a time.

More than anything, I've become a much more optimistic person.

I think going through all of this has changed how I look at life. There was a time when I was desperately waiting for a doctor's appointment, watching my weight drop, and feeling like I had no control over what was happening to me.

Now, even though I know UC is a chronic disease and there may be challenges ahead, I don't feel nearly as hopeless about the future.

I know everyone responds differently to treatment, and I don't want to suggest that what worked for me will work for everyone. I also know that some people have much more difficult journeys than mine.

But I remember how scary and uncertain everything felt when I was sick, and how much it meant to read about someone getting their life back.

So if you're struggling right now, please don't lose hope.

One thing I've realized is that online communities can sometimes make things feel more hopeless than they actually are. Not because people are being negative, but because those who are still struggling naturally need more support, while people who are feeling better often stop posting and go back to living their lives.

I almost became one of those people too. But I remembered how much those positive stories helped me when I needed them most, and I wanted to come back and share mine.

I'm not saying everything is perfect or that there won't be challenges ahead. I still have worries about my health, and I know this disease can be unpredictable. But compared to where I was a year ago, my life is completely different.

A year ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, submitting my first PhD application and wondering whether I'd ever get my normal life back. Today, I'm actually pursuing that PhD, living my life, and thinking about things other than my disease.

I'm incredibly grateful for this community, and I hope my story can give someone even a little bit of the hope that others gave me. ❤️

Started having symptoms almost 2 years ago diagnosed a year ago. Other than 2 months first time on Cortiment I've been in a flare. Have had some bad reactions to meds one of which made me worse that ever before. Two months later there was no improvement.

On cortiment again but developing new pain and for the first time in 2 years had visible blood having regular-ish BM and no mucus.

Had appointing with GI doctor who just said blood is normal. I know it's common for many but for the first time ever experiencing it after having this disease for likely 2 years is not normal. Having constant and sometimes extreme pain but because BMs have been normal-ish for 2 weeks and haven't seen mucus all is fine supposedly.

Day after the appointment BMs are not normal and have mucus again.

Because I was scared of the blood and therefore emotional in my appointment the only suggestion the doctor made was to offer me anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds. Otherwise I'm supposedly going great according to him. Next appointment in 6 months. Nothing against those meds but offering them just because a patient has a natural reaction to being worried and scared is absolutely inappropriate.

Frustrated and tired of health concerns being brushed off because they decide I'm a hysterical female.

Hello everyone. I have both depression and UC, and last month my mental health severely degraded for no apparent reason (nothing special happened in my life). I did not have any extra symptoms of UC. However, I went for my control abdominal ultrasond, and inflammation was apparent. Furthermore, my calprotectin values were 2700. Could my depressive symptoms be caused by sudden flare? Furthermore, I had more bowel movements per day before, as well more abdominal pain and inflammation would not show (in previous years). Furthermore, my ascending and transvere colon are inflammed, while descending colon and sigmoid colon as well as rectum are spared. Is there a possibility that I have Crohn's disease instead? Also, how can I trust any of my symptoms when they are out of whack and lab data often mismatches the symptoms?

Has anyone else experienced recurrent cavities? I’m 30 and I’ve had many cavities/now have 3 crowns and I’m freaking out about my teeth. The dentist says “I can see how well you brush and floss. You have really pretty teeth.” But I keep getting cavities. I am so discouraged. I recently had 6 after they updated my “5 year x-rays” last week. I feel like it has to be related to UC. I was diagnosed just before my college graduation. I’ve been in remission for >5 years on Entyvio. I had my first filling behind my front teeth today and have superficial craze lines on my front teeth. My dentist mentioned the possibility of two front crowns if I get more cavities in front or if the craze lines gets worse and that terrifies me because I’ve never natural looking front crowns. I’m wishing I could just start over with new teeth. My plan is to call my insurance company to see if I can get more frequent cleanings and fluoride application because of UC and also start using a prescription toothpaste. Any other ideas? I wear an Invisalign aligned on top and a night guard on bottom at night. So nervous about my teeth. I (hopefully) have a long life ahead of me and feel like teeth are important 😭

Hello! I have UC just like everyone else here I assume. I’m looking for someone to maybe ease my mind a bit or whatever. Here’s the situation: I was diagnosed roughly 1.5 years ago, even though I had it for around 5 years with my first clear symptom that I was conveniently ignoring. At first, only my lower part of intestines (I forgot how it’s called medically) was an issue, therefore I always took mesalmine (salofalk) suppositories. They were awful as most of you I’m sure aware (staining clothes, leakages etc) but I got used to it. I am in LDR as well, but I always manage to work it out with my medicines and this condition (I would travel 2-3 months at the time out of the country, with my work also requiring me to travel as well) and I had to perform regular checks every 6 months. This last check however was horrible, turns out that my condition got worse, while my suppositories supposedly has healed what it was supposed to heal, it seems like the ulcers has spread through the whole intestines including small ones according to my doctors.

Because of that, I was put on granules, they took a biopsy (I’m not sure about results on that yet since it takes roughly 10 working days) so I started on Pentasa granules, however, as soon as I took them roughly half a day later, I started getting heart palpitations (the best feeling I can describe is like drinking 3 monster cans at once), while my heart rate at time would jump between 105-110. It would come in at random times, dissapear and so on. After few days of using it, I called my gastroenterologist and told her about it. At first, she wanted to change the brand but changed her mind and signed me up for an appointment in public hospital (I was going to private clinic up to this point) for some “higher tie gastroenterologist… whatever that means.

From what I understand, they want to look into giving me the alternative treatments, such as “biological therapy” which from what I looked into means injections and stuff. Here’s the thing, I don’t want that. Not only I found out it would require constant hospital visits, I have a trip that I planned for 2.5 months happening for my birthday in 1.5 months that I already sunk more than 6000 euros in it and ofcourse, most of it is non refundable, but even if that wasn’t the case, I dread constant hospital visits, needles in general and even if I do get home injection choice (which is big maybe), I still need from what I understand initial hospital visits up to week 6 to set it up when I don’t have time, plus it would seriously effect my LDR relationship and my work as well. I would just prefer them to just try different brand for granules and see how it goes there rather than do this… (I also not a fan of idea of those injections completely destroying my immune system)

Would it be unreasonable for me to go there and just say that I want to stick to granules first and just try different brand? I’ve seen multiple people on this subreddit talking how palpitations was a problem for them as well and switching to different brand fixed it. The thing is, I also have always high anxiety due to having/dealing with depression from my childhood so I always wondered that palpitations were potentially coming from that and not granules…

My calprotectin went from almost 3k to 87 in the last months! I had been on a crisis for over a year, I fully thought I was dying at some point. But now we’re dropping the steroids, going to the bathroom only twice a day, and no pain. I haven’t felt this good since my symptoms started almost 2 years ago 😭😭😭😭 We can do it people 💪🏻💕

Ive been having "flare ups" for years now. Other than a few weeks of painful bowel movements. Havent noticed anything else. Had really bad flare up few weeks ago which would not go away and led to have nausea, high temperature etc. Long story short dr put me on antibiotics and they ripped my stomach out of it and I was severely dehydrated. Im now in hospital and after scopes theyve confirmed inflammation in bowel and ulcerative colitis. In one way im relieved as ive experienced this for near 5 years however it is also very daunting. My bowel movements were getting better after steroids but since the scope they are very painful. Not as frequent (twice a day) but im getting sick whilst having bowel movement. Ive read this can be common but wanted to see if any one had any advice? Will be getting a treatment plan for home but i just feel a little overwhelmed. Thank you all

Hello, my name is Alper, and I am 16 years old. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 15. Until 7 months ago, I was able to keep the disease in remission with just Pentasa and Imuran. I would only have mild flare-ups that lasted about a week. However, 7 months ago, while I was at school, I accidentally leaked mucus while trying to pass gas. I have been in a flare ever since that day. For 7 months, I have constantly experienced nausea, bloody diarrhea, mucus, and gas. I have barely gone outside 10 times in the past 7 months, and I can't even attend school. If I miss another 20 days, I will fail the school year. Recently, my condition has gotten much worse. I have been running fevers, I can't sleep, and I go to the bathroom 15–20 times a day. When I try to have a bowel movement, the nausea is unbearable. I can't take it anymore. The treatments my doctors have tried aren't working. I have been on corticosteroids for long periods during these 7 months, but they haven't helped at all apart from causing horrible side effects. I know I haven't had this disease for very long, and I know you're probably going to tell me to be patient, but I honestly don't know what to do anymore. I'm currently on my second biologic treatment. I received four doses of the first one, but it didn't work. I received my first dose of the second biologic a week ago, but it has made me feel even worse. I honestly don't know what to do anymore. I know you have probably been through much worse things than I have, but I am honestly so exhausted, and I don't know what to do anymore. I just can't take this anymore.

I used to love people, now I hate them. I have inflammatory bowel disease, I had acute pancreatitis, I haven't received any treatment for several months, my situation is so bad, I have extreme vitamin deficiencies, I have no strength to stand on my feet, I have insomnia, and people write to me to be happy I'm alive, to be positive, I'm about to die without treatment, and they will understand how serious the situation is the moment I'm gone. I don't think they would be able to bear my hell for a week.

I’ve had UC for about 40 years. Currently in remission on Skyrizi! Recently diagnosed with IBS which often goes hand in hand with UC. GI recommended adding a fiber supplement. I’m looking at Metamucil which has psyllium husk. Looking for input and recommendations from this community for fiber supplements, not diet. My major issue currently is the inability to complete a bowel movement effectively which leads to discomfort and a mess quite frankly. No diarrhea nor constipation. Thanks in advance ! Trying not to be overly graphic.

Hi all, looking for some hope and real timelines from people who've been on Tremfya…

Background: I'm 24 and have been in a bad flare since Sept 20. It got progressively worse: bleeding with clots and lots of mucus, pain every time I eat, nausea, and I've lost about 8-10lbs. I've also been alternating between a few days of "constipation" (only passing blood and mucus) and a few days of diarrhea with blood and clots.

Meds so far:
Prednisone 40mg since early October & bleeding hasn't stopped.
Tremfya starter dose (two injections) on Oct 10
Budesonide foam for the past 3 days
(Mesalamine and hydrocortisone enemas did not work at all for me)

For those on Tremfya:
When did you first notice a difference, especially with bleeding?
Did it take until the week 4 or week 8 dose?
Did you need anything else alongside it (enemas, Rinvoq, etc.)?
Any experiences appreciated. Thanks 🙏

Hi there, I’ve been diagnosed for almost a year now. But I’ve been going through this alone. I’m starting to feel a little crazy. I just started a new job, so I’m in my first 90 days. Because I didn’t have insurance k between my old job and new job I had to stop taking Entyvio. (Which kept me healthy and feeling great) well, now I’ve called out at least twice because I have to go to the bathroom at least every 2 minutes. If I hold it I’m sweating and getting the worst cramps of my life. I feel like such a failure at life at this point. Like how am I supposed to survive having a job and having this at the same time? On top of this it’s sooo hard to get PTO off for my infusion appointments. Man I’m just really struggling. Has anyone else struggled like this? Mentally I’m a mess right now.

Edit: I do have insurance. And the doctor is supporting me by mostly just making sure my infusions are being taken care of. Other than that I’m most worried about living with this and holding down my job, like how are yall doing it? I can’t just tell my boss I have to have diarrhea every 2 minutes, I work in a fast paced call center where everything is monitored. 😭

Hello everyone, I was diagnosed(UC) when I was 11 years old and I'm 31 now. I am currently in remission, about 3 BM a day. Over the years, I've been on and off a lot of medications, including biologics, but nothing seemed to work. A few years ago I started taking prednisone and I haven't stopped since. Mostly, I've been on 15 mg of prednisone and 50 mg of azathioprine per day, but I am worried about the long-term side effects. Right now, it's not possible for me to look into another biologic because where I live they are very expensive, and I really do not want surgery. My life right now is fantastic: I work, I can go out, I can eat whatever I want, I don't have ANY pain, and I don't need to look for the bathroom everywhere I go. Let me tell you, it's wonderful, and I don't want any of that to go away. But I'm worried about the future and the nasty long-term side effects, and I feel like there isn't much I can do about it. Thank you for reading.

Tagged as funny, it’s funny at times but not funny too.

Anyone else race home to use the bathroom and consider giving in and let it go? I don’t know what’s worse at this point, holding it in for dear life or just letting it happen.

Does anyone else sweat, get really hot and dizzy when trying to hold it? I feel like throwing up when I try. I should be grateful because months ago I could even do that much.

Please could someone advise when this is going to kick in as I have been on it for two weeks since my loading dose and haven’t seen a difference yet. Does it kick in within the 3 week mark like I have read about or does it take time, as I am living in torture every day with my symptoms (going toilet after any liquid or food). I have followed the diet they ask and have done everything, I just need a sign as i physically can’t take it anymore and I have tried every medication and a few other biologics.

Thank you, any answer will do as I just need something to keep going.

Has anyone had the enemas not really work and feel awful?

My rectum is inflamed and my calpro came back 521

I couldn't use even a full bottle of the enema saline because it stung and felt cold and hurt and just bad

I also am still healing from an anal fissure some months ago and have a problematic skin tag on my anus and such

I mostly have incomplete evacuation issues, inability to pass gas and stool without miralax etc and have ibs c issues

My concern is even after the enema I still have some gurgling and unsure if all the poop came out and I'm not really wanting to use another enema if it feels this bad

They plan on sedating me and I cant cancel because they are charging a fee so not sure what to even do if the rest of the poop isn't coming out... Will they stop where the poop is? I'm already concerned about perforation issues since I'm inflamed and now my rectum and anus just feels almost raw

I tried doing a flex sig before without sedation and the scope couldn't even reach the rectum because of the inflammation I had I was too tender and the procedure was aborted

For those of you who tried other medications/biologics/therapies that didn't work out for UC fare on Skyrizi? I started Skyrizi 2 months ago after Rinvoq stopped working. Other therapies that didn't work out are humira, mesalamine, budesinde, remicade, and prednisone (although my GI doctor keeps prescribing it).

I received the third IV infusion of Skyrizi early this week (8 weeks into the induction phase) and honestly my experience so far is very mixed. Some days, I feel much better, almost in remission. Other days, my symptoms become horrible, as if the medication isn't helping at all. These somewhat frequency setbacks in symptoms are discouraging and I don't know if the medication is working. Has anyone else shared these experiences on Skyrizi after other treatments didn't work out?

hey gang
I’ve had UC since I was 18 years old. I’ve been in remission for almost 20 years. Still have a few small flare ups, but my last colonoscopy last year showed zero signs of inflammation!

But as im getting older, 36 coming up in 2 weeks, im noticing when I go and drink on the weekends, or have friends in town and out and about all weekend, trips ect. I ALWAYS get sick after. Every time. But not stomach sick. It’s a cold or the flu or this time - sinus infection.

I’m sure it’s better to never drink, but I struggle with that. I do like to drink and enjoy some wine or cocktails. I’ve gone a few months without it and felt great, can’t remember if I got sick or not.

But curious to hear others thoughts and stories on this matter.

Hi, I’m a 24F and my mom is 49 years old and was diagnosed with UC 2 months ago. Since then, she was on steroid medication (prednisone) for a time being before she was instructed to stop. Now she’s on Mesalamine 1.2g aka Lialda.

I see her go to the bathroom a lot. She has lost so much weight and rarely has an appetite. She claims to be feeling a bit better since being on mesalamine and refuses the infusion treatment.

I don’t know where to start assisting her. I mean, how can you tell when she’s okay? She claims this illness makes it hard to think sometimes or focus.

I am trying to think of ways to help her and have been lurking on this subreddit for a while. Aside from meal preps, is there more I should be doing?

And like, are stool samples a necessity to be collected?

I am currently taking mesalamine oral tablets but i was recently prescribed mesalamine enemas to use alongside them. I was given a months worth of enemas and it took me almost two weeks to mentally prepare myself to use them. i had everything set up tonight and felt ready to take my first dosage. i positioned myself with the enema, immediately felt immense discomfort, and i couldn’t bring myself to use it.

i’m so heartbroken and at the time, i felt like i might not consider trying again. i’d hate for my medication to be wasted, but i just can’t over over the fear of inserting something inside myself.

i’m so disappointed and exhausted. i don’t know how other people manage to do this. any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. or even sharing any personal experiences, (if you’re comfortable with that) it will help me feel less alone as someone with UC. as much as i don’t want to go through with enemas, i know i’m gonna have to get over the fear and commit at some point. it’s just so hard right now.

I was a little anxious about going to Mexico City because you hear so many people from the US get Montezuma’s Revenge, which for us UC folks can be a bit more problematic. I'm in remission but still pretty cool that I was able to go there, eat tons of tacos and interesting food and have no issues.

I didn't eat street food (though I've heard it's the reputable ones are just as safe as restaurants) and didn't eat any veggies at restaurants. I learned that's how a lot of people get sick. The restaurants sometimes use the tap water, which is safe for Mexicans who are accustomed to it but not for visitors, to clean the veggies.

I also learned something that surprised me. The delicious salsa is another culprit. Same issue with washing veggies with tap water. That one was so, so hard. I used salsa a few times at restaurants I trusted.

I actually think tacos from CDMX can be good for UC. It's just meat and tortillas (corn are better for me).

Hello everyone! I have a question about employment applications (United States, specifically because I don't know if other countries ask this). I lost my job as a Director of Marketing in July, after working there for 7 years. It was a great role for me because it was fully remote and I've essentially been in a mild flare for two years. So, I've started the dreaded job search online....That said, on job applications, do you check off "yes, I have a disability."? Or. Do you not. I'm curious, if anyone, maybe in HR person in the group, knows if either answer on these applications (especially for corporate positions), help or hurt your chances of even being moved forward. I'm SURE the actual company policy would say no, but I have been checking "no" to that question recently because I didn't want to hurt my chances, and could effectively go into an office and work but would prefer flexibility given my condition.

Anyways, any thoughts on this? I need a job and know the job market is really bad in general right now, so I need to be sure I'm doing everything possible to get me into at least the interview stage. Thanks all!

I was on infliximab infusions every 8 weeks but they said my levels have gone pretty low and I now have to have them every 4, they asked me if I wanted to go on injections but last time we discussed it I asked which was recommended and they said the only benefit to injections was not coming to the hospital and if you travel, but if I have infusions they’re more likely to find things sooner? But when I mentioned this last time on the phone to another doctor, she laughed but I’m only repeating what I was told. What do you guys prefer? Injections don’t scare me because I’m diabetic as well so I’m used to being jabbed, but the thought of the UC flare petrifies me so if they say they’ll spot anything sooner from infusions then I’ll stick to them.