That's a long time. Still to have UC at such a young age. I was almost 50 when I was diagnosed. I just regret not knowing how serious this disease is. I was diagnosed with UC with just a 1/4 of my colon. I never heard or knew anyone with UC. within 7 months being treated with a gastro on Long Island my colon was completely diseased. 2 months before that diagnosis I started searching UC and that is when Mt Sinai came to me. I made appt but it was actually to late , My daughter made a phone call to Mt Sinai to see if they could see me sooner and I went the following week after being hospitalized on Long Island. So I actually feel like they saved my life. I don't fool around any more lol I call as soon as I feel anything is not right. Good luck to you and hope that you feel better.