Apple ID sync problems

when I got my iPod a few years ago, I made an apple ID. this ID was an email adress that I wanted to use, but hadn't made yet. later, when trying to make it on my iPod some problems showed up, and it couldn't be done. I could still install apps and what not, so being the kid that I was, I decided to not worry about it. later however, I was getting into iCloud and trying to use it, but it needed me to confirm my apple ID, so I had to check on the email. as I pointed out before, I never made the adress, so I decided to do so now, on my computer. when I tried to, it said that the email adress was already taken and that I couldn't make it. so is there a way to change the apple ID without having to buy all apps and music again? because I am very affraid that the current owner of the email adress has an iDevice himself, and will change my password by email verification.