IBS or IBD? Help!

Ok everyone, Here I was, thinking I'd been misdiagnosed...when I first joined this forum, I read about symptoms of IBD, and felt as though the first diagnosis of IBS was mistaken.  The smells, is just one I can think of off-hand (I'm still adjusting to new meds, and my mind was already gone, so please bear with me).  Anyway, I've read a few topics this morning, and am confused.  Would anyone mind helping me with the differences?  I think that next week, I'm going back to my new PCP & asking for a 2nd opinion, and new GI. The one I have is nice, but she & I have trouble communicating well.  That's no good as I know we all know.  But in the mean time,  HELP?!  

Also, I'm having bad trouble with my appetite, I have NONE again, and since I recently started on the Asacol, my stomach gets soooooo upset, and I get sooooo sleepy, with the nods, & fog  I only get about 6 hours of mostly clearheaded thinking...will this ease up?  How long?  Everyone's worried I'm depressed or something, and even though that is plausible, I believe it's the new meds...Any input out there?  

Thank you all!

Tab, It could be the depakote, I'm calling PCP physician today about the 2nd opinion, for next week. I'd like these meds to have more of a chance to take effect before seeing new GI. Oh, MY PCP is also new. Yes, I had the colonoscopy, & he said he found UC. But failed to give any info about it...size, where located. Although I can tell you from where the pain is & he did say that that's where the trouble is. I've also been experiencing new & increasing pain on right side in addition to the original left sided pain. Here's another problem..darvocets. I've had chronic back pain due to degenerative arthritis, intrauterine polyps we didn't know I had till it was debilitating for a year, and my old pcp had me on a running supply of darvocets for the pain as it ws well tolerated, and worked well for me with minimum amts needed to do the job. I don't feel addicted. Hwever, I think they masked the symptoms of my UC/IBD for years ( I have gone long periods without needing them & would experience d & cramping,bloody stools, etc.) So, I'm going off them, and now the old symptoms, along with the meds are kicking my behind...exhaustion being one of them..Can you tell that I'm new, and confused by all this...Hahaha! I forgot my original point... I guess I just need to get that 2nd opinion & hope that the new doc & I can communicate...thanks for being here!

Irritable bowel syndrome is a kind of catch-all term, IMHO, when there's a digestive issue and the doctors really don't know what's going on. The normal movement of the intestines doesn't work as it should, but there is no visible cause, no inflammation. You can read more about it here:

http://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-topic-overview

Inflammatory bowel disease is much more serious. It's thought to be an immune disorder where the body attacks itself, or some unknown invader, causing inflammation, ulceration and bleeding. There are two diseases: Crohn's disease which can strike anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract and ulcerative colitis, which affects only the inner lining of the colon.

http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/default.htm

As Tab has indicated, some doctors believe it is possible to have both conditions simultaneously. My personal opinion is it's more of a continuum, rather than separate conditions. If your doc has seen ulceration during your colonoscopy, it sounds like you do have inflammatory bowel disease, although it could either by UC or Crohn's colitis.

I also have IBS and ulcerative proctitis. There are two types of IBS. One type you have to run to the bathroom after you eat. Then you are better. The kind I have comes in spells and lasts for about 8 hours and then may reoccur in 2 days. I have intense pain and I have to go to the bathroom repeatedly. Even after the bowel is empty, it continues to spasm, resulting in empty urges. For me, IBS is more painful and intense. A heating pad and stillness are a must. But there is no bleeding with IBS.

I'm sorry but running to the bathroom after you eat sounds like part of what UC could be doing to you to? I have UC and if I eat something wrong you better know I'm gonna be running to the bathroom....

Wilidfire have you asked your dr. to check you for Celiac disease as well? Celiac is often overlooked and the symptoms can mimic IBS issues and the damage it does to your body causes a lot of other disorders ie arthritis, "brain fog". If they have not checked it may be good just to be sure you do not have this issue in addition to your UC. Celiac is often overlooked and takes years to get a proper diagnosis. Good luck with your new dr. and I hope you feel better soon.

now im wondering if i have IBS too

now tha'ts a great idea! Getting copy of report! Her's my problem with this current GI specialist, he never put any specifics into his report. Pics yes. He said, Polyp & UP found exactly where pain is. that's it. May be time for new specialist, eh? Thanks for the advice!