Scared, New to UC – I May Have It

Introduction:

I am waiting to see a doctor to get diagnosed for sure. The ER doctor brought it up she said I either have UC or IBS I came searching on the web for answers because I am scared .

Some more about me:

I’m in beauty school I just started actually in suppose to graduate in November I hope this doesn’t stop me

Symptoms:

Very sharp pain in abdomen.

Scared, New to UC – I May Have It

I just went to the Emergency Room yesterday.

I’m 18. I though I was having an appendicitis but when the er doctor checked me out the only thing she came up with is UC or IBS.

She told me to eat healthy and wait to see my doctor to get a confirmed diagnosis. I’ve never been sick, I rarely get the flu and I’m freaking out at the thought that I could have this UC.

That there is no cure freaks me out and I think me being so anxious and scared is making it worse…

How do you cope…and what do you eat because I feel like no matter what I eat it hurts.

How long do stomach flares normally last?

Is it normally to have such bad diarrhea and gas!

And is it normally to be depressed?

Does crying make it worse?

I would ask a doctor but I feel like they wouldn’t know how to even begin to answer my question, I mean there isn’t even a cure.

Did you have to have a Colonoscopy to get a confirmed diagnosis. I’m probably reading to far into this.  I’m just freaking out because this seems scary and hospitals freak me out.

I have really bad anxiety attacks when I go anywhere near one so the thought of having to go to one often is scary.

Is it normal to get ulcerative colitis at 18, there has to be more people out there my age with this right….

How does this affect your relationships?

How does it affect starting a family? How does it affect work?

Sorry if I’m asking too many questions I just need answers… Is there a greater risk for colon cancer? What and how is this surgery preformed? Is there medication to help your stomach? Last question is there some kind of support group I will need one if I end up having this because I’ve been hospitalized for depression before

written by Alexandria H

Ask Adam:

“Is this supposed to be a support group type thing?”

Alexandria,

What is up, and thank you so much for sharing your story (and all your questions).

So, is this a support group type of thingee????

That’s a good question.  I guess I don’t really think of the iHaveUC site as a “support group”, but I guess it sure can be.  The best type of support groups in my opinion for people with UC are in person informal meet ups.  That said, its often tuff to get those types of things configured and setup unless you take some serious initiative to search out others with UC.  There’s a website I’ve mentioned before on the site called Crohnology, which does a pretty good job of being more of a “social network” type site for IBD’ers.  You can check that out if you like.

But the iHaveUC site has morphed into a place for people to write what they want to get out to the UC world(just like you’ve done).  It’s a place to ask questions.  A place to read reviews of medications. A place to read GI doctor reviews.  And a place to check into from time to time to find out some of the news that hitting the world of UC.

So again, support group?  That’s your call.

You’ve got a ton of questions, and I’m hoping some of the users of the site will be kind enough to share their thoughts to some of them below.  But do me a favor and give a few minutes to check up on some of the surveys that will certainly answer some of your questions.

Here’s two that relate to your questions from your story:

• 301 People answered the RELATIONSHIPS SURVEY (good stuff in there)
• 176 People answered the Colitis and WORK Survey (give it a read Alexandria)

Keep your head up.  You’re 18.  Colitis or not, you’ve got some awesome years ahead of you.  There’s too many other UC’ers your age having fun (even after a UC diagnosis) to think any different.

Adam Scheuer