I never would’ve thought my first post on the Café would be like this. I’ve been struggling with some GI problems for a while. After 2 months of tests and no results, I got diagnosed with IBD earlier tonight. This is gonna follow me for the rest of my life. I don’t even know how to process that yet.
I’m 18, and I’m going to college in Boston next year, and I was planning on performing regularly. What if I have a flare up during a gig? How can I be a reliable person if I can’t depend on my GI tract.

Pay attention to the doctor's instructions. Find out what causes flare ups and avoid those things before a gig.

As a reference, Dynamo has Crohns which is also a GI disorder and he seems to be doing alright for himself.

IBD is a diagnosis of exclusion. I would guess your stomach and colon have been checked. It can be controlled and you'll learn triggers...stress and worry don't help.

Chris and Tom are both right.

When you are 18 , "the rest of your life" is a long time. Since this diagnosis is becoming more common, there is a lot of research going in that direction. You never know what could be discovered.

Take heart. A positive attitude is helpful in all health matters as it helps you to heal.

We are pulling for you EllisJames52.

-Mary Mowder

What Mary said.

Jeff

I also highly second the suggestion to really take your doctor's instructions seriously. Do your research on what you can and can't eat, and really focus on the right diet for you. With the right control, you can lead a very good life, but if you ignore what you need, it can lead to cancer, as it did with my nephew.

All the best to you.

KJ

You are still on my prayer list at almost daily Mass.

My daughter has recently been diagnosed with Crohns. As Mary mentioned, it (and IBD) are manageable, and theres a lot of research in the area now. Listen to doctor, talk with nutritionist.