Q: I am a 30 years old single male suffering from ulcerative colitis. I take Mesacol (twice a day) and Nexpro-40 (Esmeprazole magnesium tablet) once a day. How severe is this disease? Would it affect my married life? I like to have curd rice. What kind of diet should I take? Sometimes, I get blood in my stools. Is it normal? I don't want to go for surgery.

A:The severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) varies with each individual, from mild to very severe. In general, UC does not interfere with married life. You can take a normal diet, including curd rice. Avoid items which by experience you learn do not suit you. Some patients (but not all) cannot tolerate milk. Presence of blood in stools is part of the disease process. There is no cure for UC except surgery. Eat a normal diet, exercise regularly and continue to take your medications, in particular Asacol.