Is it common to have appendicitis with IBD (particularly ulcerative colitis)? I know that the appendix is connected to the colon so this seems possible. I've started to have a new type of pain near my navel & am trying to figure out what's going on.
Q: Appendicitis & IBD?
Answers (2)
11/16/08 3:13pm
Hi SW,
As far as I've read in the past some studies have shown that people who have had their appendix removed before their 20s tend to have a lesser chance or risk of getting Ulcerative Colitis. But the opposite seems to be true for Crohn's disease - more people with Crohn's have had their appendix removed at an early age.
As far as I know though, UC doesn't tend to 'cause' appendicitis.
If you are having a new pain associated with UC it is always a good idea to discuss it with your GI.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
11/19/08 5:51pm
You should definitely talk to your doctor about that! I kind of know what you mean though... when I'm having a flare, I really do think I can FEEL my appendix at times, it's very weird. I often wonder if I had it taken out if that would affect my UC at all.
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