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Just got diagnosed today, feeling depressed

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/11/2011 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
I have had a diagnosis of Celiac Disease for the past 3 years, but even with eating gluten free I would still feel sick. Then 5 weeks ago I started having bloody diarrhea, bad cramping, weight loss, the whole nine yards. I had a feeling that it might be UC, but didn't know for certain until today. I am so upset and scared.... I am only 29 and I don't want to have to live my life with yet ANOTHER chronic disease :(
Posted 6/11/2011 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry you are feeling scared, I think with time you will not feel as bad as you do right now. When the physical part of UC is acting up we all can get down emotionally.

Although my celiac test was negative I found than being gluten-free made a big difference in my symptoms and then continued diet modification experiments to eliminate other foods that caused problems. You might consider seeing if other foods could be causing symptoms for you.

There are so many people here who've found ways to feel better and live their lives. You can do it too.
Best wishes.
Posted 6/11/2011 3:31 AM (GMT 0)

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My daughter was diagnosed at age 10 and it really sucks. cry

Maybe....now that you have a diagnosis and can get proper meds, you might just start feeling good ....stranger things have happened!  Did your DR put you on any meds?

Posted 6/11/2011 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
UC can be bad but many other disorders are much worse. Some of us here have multiple painful serious conditions on top of UC. Hopefully you will find the right combo of meds and get into remission quickly. Keep the faith you'll be ok.
Posted 6/11/2011 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't started the meds yet but he called them into my pharmacy and I'll pick them up tomorrow. I am just so frustrated, I feel like I'm falling apart, Celiac Disease, spinal spondolethis, and now this. And I find myself trying to having to convince my boyfriend that I have Celiac Disease because I don't exhibit most symptoms and the GI said that my small intestine looked "pretty good" even though I've been eating gluten on and off. I keep trying to tell him there is a VERY slim chance that both the blood work and biopsy were false positives. It's just so frustrating trying to "convince" people that I'm actually sick
Posted 6/11/2011 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
Most of us posting here have experienced the anxiety & frustration you express. Try to calm down & think positively; you might want to look at the Website ccfa.org -- to get more info on UC. Hopefully, the meds your doctor just Rxed will relieve your symptoms within the coming month so that you can get your life back. In the meantime don't worry about what other people think. That's likely to tire you out even more. UC generally hits young adults between ages 18-35 so you're not unusual in that respect. It may take a while to learn how best to manage your symptoms, but keep in mind that many UCers lead very satisfying lives in spite of having a chronic illness. Best wishes! / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 6/11/2011 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hello there.  I remember the anxiety you are feeling, it can be overwhelming at first.  But then I read lots of info, tried some different things, listened to some advice here and found some things that work for me.  One of the confusing things is that what helps some doesn't help others so it is some trial and error.

You will find many people here to be well informed and have good advice.  My GI actually told me that people with IBD are generally dx young (I know not always the case, but the majority) and want to find ways to live their lives.  And often the docs don't know exactly what will work for each patient so we have to some extent take matters into our own hands.

I hope you can find a solution that works for you.  Keep your chin up.

Posted 6/11/2011 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
twizliz77,

Yes, I understand. All of us have been there, unfortunately. It's all so overwhelming initially. It hits you really hard.

The toughest thing is the initial diagnosis and the shock that ensues, and then the anger, and depression that comes along with it. But if you can hold on to your seat, and do some research on it, methods of treatment, and be involved in a supportive forum like this one, it makes you feel like you're back in the driver's seat. And that UC doesn't have you, but rather you have UC.

I hope you and your doctor figure out which treatment will work best for you.

Keep the faith, and feel free to come here to vent, and ask questions. And we WILL be here to support you.

A big hug to you.

Posted 6/11/2011 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
It's just so frustrating trying to "convince" people that I'm actually sick

This is one of the most difficult non-physical parts of having UC, we don't look sick even if we feel horrible or stressed because of needing to be in a direct line to a bathroom at all times. This is the part that you can come to this forum and vent about. I have a wonderful husband, very empathetic but because I almost never looked or acted sick it was very hard for him to remember that I have UC every hour of every day and it affected all my daily decisions.

I also found that UC docs are also on the unsympathetic side, calling my condition "mild" because thats what my colon looked like and not responding to how deeply upset I was at how lousy my life was in bad flares. Once when I broke down and cried in an appointment the doc (female) couldn't get away fast enough lol.

I can only tell you that with work on your part your UC can get better, it is rarely fatal. You've got friends here who know what you are going through because it is almost impossible for anyone who doesn't have UC to understand what it's like.
Posted 6/11/2011 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
There are so many things you can do to treat UC and live a normal life. It's sort of trial and error and you will find what works best for you. Just take it one day at a time. Best wishes to you!
Posted 6/11/2011 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed 3 months ago and it is very depressing at first. You just have to stay positive even in the darkest of times. I always think that things could be much worse. I have found that I am much more grateful for things in life now than before. Hopefully you will find things that work for you and help you live a normal life.
Posted 6/11/2011 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your kind responses, it has really made me feel better. I know things could be so much worse, and I am grateful for the great doctors, friends, family, and God
Posted 6/11/2011 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
twizliz77,

You have received excellent advice from previous posters.

The only thing that I regret after 36 years with the UC, is that I worried so much during the early years. Naturally, at that time, there was not so much information out there.

We UC'ers live very diverse lives. Some will have long remissions between flares, some get by more or less "normally', and others experience a life that is harder but well within enjoyable. This is not the end of anything.

God Bless.
Posted 6/18/2011 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
twizliz77,

Just following up: how are you doing? How are you feeling?

Posted 6/18/2011 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Twizliz77, this is a great site to come to when you are feeling overwhelmed, as we all can relate to what you're going through.   Stay positive!  I hope the meds start working soon.
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