UC flare-up symptoms?

[kaoticblue87]

I have been diagnosed with UC in 2008. I am currently taking Lialda to subside the effects of UC while I eat. However, I am starting to have other symptoms that I am not familar with. For starters, back in Dec 09, I started developing "ulcers" or sores at the tip of my tongue that would last for 2-4 days at a time. They did not hurt, but were red/inflammed looking. They only appeared once in Dec, again in Jan, and now in Feb it is almost a continuous thing. Also, on my third "outbreak" of these sores, my gums became swollen as well as my tongue that lasted for about 8 days. Of course, my first fear is herpes (due to a phobia I have of that virus). So, I went to get tested and both came back negative. Though, with my fear in place, I of course think the worst in that I tested too early.

Also, during this time my gums became swollen, my eyes also became irritated. They burned whenever my eyes got wet, even from tears. I went to the eye dr again thinking I had herpes who told me there was no sign of it in my eyes but that there were dry spots that is causing the burning. Of course, you can imagine with more of these type of symptoms coming about, my anxiety is increasing about my phobia although I have nothing on the lips or around the eyes that look like herp.

The burning sensation of the eyes lasted about 10 days. During this time too, I felt, and still am feeling, a little pain in the colon area. So right now I am very confused, and of course still worry about herpes lol. Yesterday, one of my eyes had redness as dark as blood in it that today looks better but is still red. My tongue is still having these sores develop at the tip or sides of my tongue, but nowhere else inside of my mouth. I was wondernig if anyone else experiences the same symptoms during a flare-up or if I should be worried of something else? =(

[kaoticblue87]

Well, the first time this eye "infection" came about was when the sores developed a 3rd time on my tongue as well as my gums becoming inflammed and swollen. Those symptoms lasted 8 days and the eye symptoms about 10. The tongue sores kept returning the whole month of Feb, and even now, in the same spots with no pain...just redness. My eye problem came back on a Weds too and I went to the eye dr that Saturday but it had gone away but he told me that I had a common bacteria infection on the eyelids that was normal this time of year.

And just a few days ago, my eyes became inflammed agian with redness and very slight pain. Again, my fear came back of herpes, though during this whole time too, my colitis has been acting up to where I can feel it much more and have pain when I bend over or lay down on my sides when I sleep. I have ulcerative proctitis, which I guess is the mildest of all the forms, but am fearing it might be acting up. I just want some reassurance of what is going on with me is related to my colitis rather than herpes, but I haven't seen anyone on this forum with the same symptoms or anything. =/

[TrudieC]

You can get some additional issues with UC.  

Aphthous stomatitis are small ulcers in the mouth and although no treatment is usually necessary, prescription mouthwashes may help keep the area clean.

Eye conditions that can occur with UC include conjunctivitis, episcleritis, uveitis, and iritis. Most eye conditions will improve when progress is made in treating the underlying UC, but some may require treatment. Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid and may be treated with antibiotics. Uveitis is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye wall and symptoms include light sensitivity, pain, redness, blurred vision and headaches. Uveitis is commonly treated with corticosteroids; if left untreated it could result in glaucoma or detached retina. Inflammation in the white of the eye is called episcleritis, symptoms include pain and reddening, and treatment is with a vasoconstrictor or corticosteroid. Iritis is inflammation in the iris and symptoms include pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, redness, decreased pupil size, and floaters. Steroids and antibiotics may be used to treat iritis.