I don't know if he'll take me seriously.

[Diagnonsense]

I was recently diagnosed with IC and I have to go up to Michigan for 3 months this summer.
Since I'm 17, I have to go to doctor's visits with a guardian.

My father has recently beat bladder cancer (which I'm so happy about). Now he has lung cancer.
He's been through so much I fear he won't take what's wrong with me seriously. I've tried to explain it to him before but he always brings up what he's been through, comparing it to what I said.

I'm scared that if I go to the urologist with him, I'll be too ashamed to tell the doctor what's really wrong since my father will downplay it in his mind.

What should I do to get over this fear?

[Babs RN]

Oh my goodness, that is alot of stress for one so young. I know you are worried about your Dad, but you need to take care of yourself. If he doesn't take you seriously after a uro appt, look at the ICN handbook here on this site and maybe see if he'll read about it. Sometimes it takes awhile for family members to catch up on understanding this illness. Welcome to ICN though and know that we are here for you and will give you a place to vent, or a big ol' cybershoulder to cry on.

Hugs and :welcome: ,
Barb

[traceann]

I agree with Barb, that's the place you should start, the handbook. A lot of times, I think our loved ones don't want to realize that we are "sick", it scares them too, so they would prefer to think it's something minor. And especially you being his "little" girl, he probably really doeen't want you to be sick and/or in pain, knowing what he's currently going through. So, like Barb said, get some info and see if he's interested in learning what he can. I have no doubt that will help him understand what you are dealing with!

Oh, I forgot to say welcome too!!! You've come to the right place for info, support, "home remedies", diet info -- the list goes on and on....lol ;) HOpe to see you around the boards!

Hugs,
Tracey :)

[Sarojini]

My parents are still in the process of realizing something is really wrong with my bladder -- and I'm 31 years old and have had the diagnosis for over a year ;) It's a lot of stress for someone your age, but I think you've gotten some good advice. Start with the handbook and perhaps have your dad read select parts of it with you -- Tracey is right, he may simply be very worried that you will experience what he has because you are his little girl (you'll always be your dad's little girl, even when you're an old fogey like me ;) )

:welcome: to the ICN, and I'm glad you found us :)

[tigger_gal]

((((((hugs))))))
I live in michigan.. what part are you coming to? I have a daughter who will be 17 in Aug... You don't have to have your dad come in the room with you.. The reason I know this is because my daughter had blood work done and they refused to give it to me because of the stupid hepa law.. the office politely told me it don't matter if shes 7 and if she don't want you in the room she has the right to say so :loco: :loco: :loco: ...
anywho.. tell your dad you'd feel more comfortable with him in the waiting room..
my parents still don't understand mine either, and my mom has IC.. but, not the pain like I have..
hugs
Brat

[mayray518]

You are so wise to be concerned. My family did not take me seriously and I was 37 when I got it. I cant imagine what a teenager goes through. you need a good doc who knows a lot about IC and can diagnose you and take it from there. A good doc will be able to explain the details of the disease. I think sometimes that is the only option if it written out in black and white. Even then some dont but that is their problem. There are probably some great IC docs in Michigan. Go to the site and get their names. At least now IC is in the news and has a name.

[Amyinagony]

Hi,
Just wanted to wish you luck with your issue here. That is a LOT to deal with, for such a young lady. I'm sorry. You have been given some really good advise here.
Good luck and please let us know how you make out.


Brat....they refused to let you know of your 7yo daughter's health condition??? Seems to me that you DO have the right to THAT, you are the parent to this child. I would have fought that one!!! The HIPPA law protects the pts rights from other people who have no right to this kind of information. You, as the parent, have the right to this information.

[melanie626]

Hi and Welcome!
I agree, parents don't want to see their children hurt and denial is a poweful thing. You have a right to go in and see the MD alone, talk, they may do an exam and then perhaps explain your fears to the MD...after that invite your dad in and let the MD explain the plan of care to both of you. Your dad will feel part of it and may learn something and you will have had time to be honest with your MD. I also suggest sharing this website...but sometimes it is tough. My folks love me dearly but don't really get this disease (and I have had some sort of it since I was a kid and I am 33). Use us to be part of your support team as we get it and are here for you...

Good luck and a big hug-
Melanie

[tigger_gal]

Amy,
My daughter is 16 they told me it didn't matter if she was 7 they still have to tell her.... I think its a load of crap.. so I went one step further and called the insurance company, and they wouldn't speak to me about her with out her permission.... gggggggggrrrrrr
Brat

[Diagnonsense]

Thanks everyone!

Brat, I'll be going to the U.P.
Melanie, I had never thought of doing that. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

:)

[Amyinagony]

Brat...My appology. I read that way wrong. I'm sitting here thinking of a little 7yr girl, and her Mother doesn't have a right to know what's wrong with her 'still' very young daughter. It was blowing my mine.
On the other hand, that IS a load of crap...even if she were 16 (still a minor, and me still the responsible parent) I would still want to know. I know that doesn't always matter though. Which I don't think is right if we are still the responsible one. Heck, they have to get our permission to treat a minor, so it make sense that we would have the right to know what the minor was being treated for.
Anyways, thanks for bringing my 'misunderstanding' to my attention...even though it still stinks...LOL!