Hello

Hello, I am from the Fibro, Depression, and A/P Forums! (sometimes more!) But, I had to say, I feel right at home on this forum as well. I dont...or havent been diagnosed with UC. I have heard of it, but never gave it much thought. But, after reading today, I feel like I fit right in. I have been having problems for about 2-3 years now. I am only 16 now, but I remember a few summers ago, it was in July, I was outside and got a really bad lower stomach cramp so I ran inside to the bathroom. That was the first time there was ever blood. I remember being so scared and thinking I was going to die.

I didnt die...but I have lived with it. I was to scared to say anything. (and it would take all day to explain that I dont talk to my parents about things, and we ARENT close so thats not an option) But, it went away after that. A few months later, it happened again. But, it would go away again. the first time I got the stomach cramps, it seemed there was more blood but it would linger for a few days and be less...then it would mysteriously go away...

I am going through that right now, and have been for a few days now.... I guess you guys call it a flare, like my fibro flares... But, even now it comes and goes approximately every few months it seems. It scares me when first time there is blood...but I just tell myself it will go away, and it does.

Aside from that, I get alot of stomach cramps. I have trouble sometimes with BM. I read the tread about comforty toilet seats! That is so me! But, also, I have this thing about getting up early. Anytime I get up early, it makes me have to go to the bathroom and I get cramps. Only when I get up early...it goes away, usually after a couple trips. But, I am fine later in the day. It also happens if I am awake to long. Weird, I know, but it does for some reason. And if I dont get a lot of sleep.

This proves hard because I get up early for school everyday. I can spot a bathroom a mile away! I have to know where they all are..and I refuse to go anywhere if I am not 100% sure I will be able to go to a restroom ASAP if needed.

It really scares me now that I have been reading. For so long I have just dealt with it. I was afraid of what it was. I just told myself I would take care of it when I was old enough to go to the doctor by myself. But, it has become such a problem...I just happened to read up on UC tonight and as soon as I started reading, it sounded exactly like me...

I am scared of it though. I was always afraid to say anything because of the tests necessary. I just freak out. So, I am not sure what I can do about it. I cant talk to my parents about it, nor my doctor. And, THIS is something I have never told anyone so....

Is there anything I can do to help myself? Any advice?

Tennis, you really need to see a doctor about this. Uc is not a disease to say "Oh, I'm bleeding but I'm not going to tell anyone". Uc can come with many complications and yes even dangerous ones. You won't know what you have until you tell a doctor and have the proper tests. You need to tell someone - pronto so you can get the help you need.

Seeing a good GI for diagnosis is absolutely essential, tennis. At best, you can lose some of the anxiety by hearing it's something minor. At worst, you can have something diagnosed with a bunch of disgusting but not painful tests, and be treated so you feel better. You just can't lose, dear.

You must talk to someone who can help you with this. We can sympathize and support, but we really can't help you just by sympathizing. Please talk to your parents or your doctor, your school counselor or another adult who can help.

Thanks everyone.

It seems so easy, but I dont have a good relationship with my parents. I dont guess my parents reaction, I am just not comfortable with them, or any other family memeber.(sad, but we arent close)... I do actually talk to my school counselor, but for alot of other issues. Im not comfortable discussing this at all really. I talk to a teacher of mine whose great, but I wouldnt like to tell her... I dont assume its UC...Im only saying its a possibility. I have alot in common with it. Thats all Im saying.

I take Lyrica for my Fibro. And Atarax for my anxiety. Yes, I was dx with Fibro in early Dec. But, I have had it for over 4 years, the doctors wouldnt listen to me and only kept passing me around... I am still be passed around to different doctors... I actually dx myself... I researched it for 2 years and talked with many people and mentioned it to my doc and it clicked with him that it could be that... pretty sad, yea. Its not my meds causing symptoms, I havent been on them long and my symptoms have been going on for a while.

lemonhead, (or anyone) explain the tests. What all would happen if I told my doctor?

Thanks everyone. Take Care