Did this happen to anyone else?

I was told 4 months ago that I have Colitis, my doctor said it might be Crohn's but first I will need a colonoscopy. I've been waiting in pain and inflamed for months. It seems as though this will do more damage the longer I wait. I have been eating herbs, spices and food that is good for inflammation while I wait. Did this happen to anyone else? Should I worry? My Colitis started 3 months after I had a cyst the size of a cantaloupe removed with my left ovary.
A connection? Bad luck?

hi Yambodini, welcome to the forum

there could be a connection - i know i'm not the only one here to have both Crohn's and a tendancy to ovarian cysts (also lost one surgically due to a large cyst).. so there could be a link between the two types of conditions..

i'd be careful with the spices - even though some are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, spices can actually irritate sore intestinal linings, particularly if you have UC or Crohn's... it might be worth reading up on low residue diet, which is basically gentle food that is easy to digest, and not going to irritate you or make things worse - things like soft plain rice, pasta, bread, soup, no hard vegetables, nothing acidic or spicy.

i would also suggest that you phone up the surgeon's secretary and ask about the colonoscopy.. explain how much pain you're in and that as yet, you've been given nothing to cope with it - maybe you can rush things along. certainly, worth a try.

Hey there welcome to the forums and I agree with everything dingbat said. Try giving the doc a call and see if you can get things moved along. I did that and had my colonoscopy within two weeks.

Hi Yam
and welcome

I'm another who had cysts on ovaries, and had a hysterectomy as a result. Ask your gynae about endometriosis, there is a corellation with Crohn's! You can search for my personal experience of this on the ForumWiki.
I use the low residue diet when I have pain and diarrhea, it works! It gives your bowels a little rest. I don't use spices neither, they play havoc with diarrhea! And curries too!
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

I'm not sure why you have to wait so long. Unless you are seeing a super specialist with national reputation. But I saw a super specialist and just waited a week or two.
Like the others said, call up, maybe its a mix up.

My doc has colonoscopy days during the week each week. He can do many in a day so usually I just pick when I want.

Wow! This is my first forum and it's great! Thank you all for your responses. I just moved from Ohio where I was waiting 2 1/2 months for a colonoscopy and I had to move to Washington where I am now doing it all over. It's been over a month here so far. I'm in the process of trying to get insurance and it's really hard. I would like to learn more about this low residue diet. Maybe I should google it?
Again, thank you all! For the first time it feels like people care and I don't even know any of you.

I had to wait 9/10 weeks as the Dr decided to put my priority down as routine. Oh well, yet another black mark for when I sue * grins evily*

I had to wait a month for my colonoscopy. I wondered the same thing as you, and I was told the scar tissue and biopsies wont be affected by the wait. I feel your pain with being worried about it getting worse; my colonoscopy didn't show anything so I am still waiting. And the pain is getting worse..I'm glad my next doctors is soon.

I also have had ovarian cysts. I had two on my left ovary last January, and have been on birth control since to keep them away (so I don't know if they would have reoccurred or not). I never thought about a link of crohns and ovarian cysts though...hmm..

I have a big cyst on my ovary too (not doing anything about it as of yet though). Like everyone else has said, give the doc a call and see what they can do for you...good luck!

I agree that spices and herbs probably won't help and may hurt. I'd stick to pretty bland food for now.

Keep calling the doc, and see if there has been a cancelation. Maybe you can get the 'scoping moved up.

Good luck!

Sandy

Dx 1963
Now on:
Asacol
Azathioprine
Rowasa
Budesonide (sprinkled lightly in Rowasa, shaken, not stirred)
Folic acid

Not sure if it's only ovaries. I have one on the bone in my hip.