When it rains, it pours!

[MaEmBr]

I was just diagnosed with I.C on the 23rd of May! I went in to my Urologist on Thursday for my follow up after my cystoscopy and he told me that I might have Ulcerative Collitis.(not sure if I spelled that right) He told me that he wants me to see a GI doctor, so I scheduled an appointment for the 5th of July. He said that alot of people with I.C have that also. Is that true? Should I be worried about having it if I do? How do they know if you have it or not? I'm not even sure what it is exactly! He said it is an inflamatory condition in your intestins. Now I'm very nervous to go in to see the GI doctor, I really don't want to hear anymore bad news! What could happen if I didn't get treated for it? If I have it, I've had it for a while and I'm alright so far! I really could use some advice, and possibly some info as to what Ulcerative Collitis is. I'm only 24 years old, how do I have these problems already. Do you think this is a sign that for the rest of my life, I'm going to just continue to have more problems? I'm desperate for encouraging words!
Thanks, Bonnie :help:

[ICNDonna]

:grouphug: Don't panic yet. It's a good idea to go see the GI doctor and find out what, if anything, is going on there. If you aren't having any
GI symptoms, there probably isn't anything wrong other than the IC. But if there is the beginning of an inflammatory condition there, you will be able to deal with it so it won't cause problems in the future.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[sandramac]

:welcome: Try not to panic as Donna said, Sounds like you have a good Doc who is going to take GOOD care of you.By checking out all possible issues! best of luck and keep us posted! Hugs Sandra:cat: :cat: :cat:

[asilva]

The others are right. Don't panic. Yes, many of us with IC also have GI problems. Diet can really affect both areas. The IC diet is a good place to start and will help both.

[Marcie920]

I agree with the others don't panic . Not everyone with IC has ulcerative colitis.:grouphug:

[Imustpee]

I don't have it....I also don't have Endo, Fibro, PFD, IBS...I do have alot of allergies...cats, nickel, some foods...

[darlene]

Bonnie, I am one of those with both IC and inflammatory bowel disease. A diagnosis of IBD is made during a colonoscopy. The GI looks for visual signs of IBD, and usually does some biopsies. Don't worry about the biopies. They are painless. I have had may colonoscopies, and find them very easy compared to hydros. I have never had any pain afterwards, and I don't feel like I have been through any procedure. Take everything one step at a time. Don't panic! There are others on this board with both IC and IBD. You wouldn't be alone. We are here, and can help answer your questions.

[marsi4]

Hi, it is common for ic patients to have IBD, or IBS because the inflammation in the bladder can spread to the surrounding organs. Please do go see a GI and have a colonoscopy exam done. If you do have IBD you need to take meds to reduce inflammation. If you don't treat the infammation it can become chronic and can damage tissue and you may have problems down the road. You'll have to watch your diet as well to manage these conditions. IT's a lot to deal with but don't get discouraged. Stress does not help any illness it only makes things worse. Take it one day at a time and live your life as much as you can. Don't despair.

Marsi4

[MaEmBr]

Thank you all so much, I didn't think about the fact that if something is going on it could cause more damage if its not treated. Is a colonoscopy the ONLY way to diagnose it. I really don't like the thought of having one done, it seems so invasive and.....well....disgusting! It seems painful too, but, its sounds like it's really not. Don't they give you something to relax you, because I would be a nervous wreck if not. Thanks again for all the support, I appreciate it so much!!!!

[asilva]

Bonnie,
I had my colonoscopy done a couple of years ago. It was a cinch. I stressed and stressed and worried and worried for several years before I turned 50, knowing that all doctors want you to get one at that age. I talked to a lot of people who had had it done and they all told me that the worst part was drinking the solution and pooping the night before. They were right. They take really good care of you. They give you an intravenous medicine that makes you sleep. Most people say they don't remember anything after the medicine starts working until they are in the car on the way home. I remember waking up just as they were ending the procedure and I remember seeing the screen and the picture of my colon. I felt no pain or discomfort at all. I would do it again in a minute. The drugs they give you during the procedure make you feel pretty good all day. So, you just go home and nap and take it easy all day. It was great!!

[Casi]

:hi: I understand how you feel. It's very overwhelming getting hit with a bunch at once and I'm 26 and I said the same thing "How an I getting all this stuff so young!!". This disease sure doesn't discriminate! I was dxd w/ IC at age 25 and I have a 4 yr old and it can be tough, but you have to try to be posistive and just be thankful that you know about your condition and you will soon know about the GI condition and it can be treated. I still get depressed , but today I'm actually feeling pretty positive. I tought I better get on these boards today since I'm doing good so far (don't want to jinx myself!!) I felt like I might could make others feel good too!
Hang in there and if you ever want to talk pm me!!

What kind of IC symptoms do you have?


:grouphug: :grouphug: