Have had ulcerative colitis for 40 years - need help for flare up

I was diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis at 13.  For 12 yrs they tried all kinds of things - even cortizone enemas & prednisone, but nothing helped.  Finally referred to a gastroenterologist in 1980 who said there were some "new studies" that indicated that colitis might be caused by an imbalance in the bacterial environment of the intestine.  From the little I've read here so far, that seems to have held true.  It also held true for me.  My Dr suggested that I add Metamucil to my diet 3 times a day and for the 1st time in 12 yrs the bleeding stopped.  I discovered flare ups came after eating pork - I've since decided it's the preservatives in pork (and lunchmeats) that I react to.  By avoiding those foods, and using Metamucil for the odd flare-up, I've managed to keep my illness in check for 30 yrs.  Until now . . .

About a month ago I flared up.  This is the 1st time Metamucil hasn't worked.  AMs are worst but I'm sometimes up in the night, too.  The frequency is much more than ever before, and I've actually had a couple of major accidents when I couldn't get to the washroom in time.  The Metamucil has helped some - for the most part once the AM has passed, I manage most of the rest of the day without having to run to the washroom at a moment's notice.  But I'm alarmed that I'm not getting the control Metamucil has always given me.  I should mention that I am currently living where I have no health benefits.  It's not that I couldn't see a Dr, but we'd have to pay cash and we really don't have the $$.  And Drs here are very keen on surgery for this type of illness - I know of a half dozen people who've had the surgery - my daughter's 15 yr old bf among them, and his Dr refused to even consider alternatives.  So I'm reluctant to subject myself to Drs.

I was encouraged to read that the use probiotics and such still seems to be used. I guess I'm looking for some suggestions for additional options to help me get this under control again.  Thanks to all.