What are the usual syptoms of these illnesses, how similar are they to each other and how can they be treated? is 'bowel removal' always necessary or can it be managed without having to have this drastic operation? I need as much advice as possible please. Thank you in advance.

I have Crohn's. Usual symptoms are abdominal pains, weight loss, anemia, and diarrhea.

I have never had to have surgery for my Crohn's. II was diagnosed with it 5 years ago and usually get by by just taking aspirin and eating healthy.

It's different for everyone though, some people might have it very very bad and do everything possibly to prevent a flare-up and still require surgery. Others will do nothing to take care of it and get by fine.

Colitis is fairly similar, but it is ulcers in your digestive tract. Most people who have Colitis usually have it worse than those with Crohn's disease.

Chrohns Disease affects the whole digestive tract whilst UC affects only the large bowel.
The usual symptoms are passing blood, mucus, loose stools, severe abdominal pain, temperature and nausea.

If you have any of these symptoms you should get checked by your doctor. These conditions can be managed by medication such as steroids. Surgery isn't always necessary in every case.

Ulcerative Colitis – I've had it for almost 30 years.Dull ache in lower bowel.Passing soup like excrement and/or lots of mucous and some blood.
Diet helped me,also getting older(I'm 48).
Don't have milk(try soya milk), or cheese etc.
Go to your doctor! I had to have a Barium enema(X-rays) which was uncomfortable but not painful.The earlier you get it seen to,the better.
E-mail me if you want.

Colitis is like polyps in the bowels, similar to hemorrhoids, and can cause pain, constipation and blood lose. Crones is more advanced and causes sever pain, the infected part of the bowel can be removed and sometime the full bowel and a colostomy bag fitted.