Advise please, recent diagnosis...
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi,
I have recently received my stool sample results from doctor as i have been experiencing right abdominal stomach pain for quite some time (on and off).
My doctor has called me and said it seems i have inflammatory bowel disease, which as i understand is either Crohn's or ulceractive colitis.
Does anyone have any advise for me and what i need to expect, i am 22 and my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was in his 30's. So i am pretty scared what this could mean for me as i understand this raises your chances.
thank you.
Lauren
0 likes, 3 replies
diane69960 lauren18473
Posted
Hello Lauren
My daughter was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in October 2015. Firstly, just because you have UC doesn't necessarily mean that you will have bowel cancer or even get it later on...but your doctors can explain it more when you see them. They usually give you a colonoscopy to see how things are looking inside. From this they can determine the extent of your IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). The treatments out there now are very good. The NHS have been fabulous with treatment, information and support.
Stay positive, there are also good websites that have helpful advice and support. The Chrones and Colitis UK website and also CICRA (which is aimed at children but still helpful).
Hope all goes well for you.
Diane69960
ruari1 lauren18473
Posted
Lauren, my understanding of IBD or UC is that it doesn't make bowel cancer any more likely! Please don't panic! Listen to your doctors and follow their advice. Try to lead a healthy diet, exercise and being calm is what you need to do. You are young enough to tackle this, speak to GP or IBD nurse and ask for help and guidance! Good luck with your ongoing health!
jeff07718 lauren18473
Posted
Try not to worry about the possibility of cancer, they will have tested to check you don't have it as the symptoms can be similar in the beginning.
One piece of advice which I would always give for newly diagnosed, get a referral to a hospital Gastro Intestinal Dept where they know what they are doing. The two hospitals that are ahead of the game when it comes to research and use of latest techniques and medications are John Radcliffe Oxford and St Mark's Hosp Harrow. We have personal experience of the wonderful JRO. The usual onset age for IBD is between 15 and 30, my son was 27 when he was diagnosed with UC and treated with medication. We made the mistake of attending the local hosp who were inept and relatively inexperienced. Much better when he was treated at Oxford.
I wish you luck, try and be relaxed and exercise and eat sensibly. Sheila.