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need advice on a colonoscopy?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/3/2011 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
New doc. is requesting new Colonoscopy? According to him, I am in need of a new one every year. Last doc. requested every 5 years unless there appeared to be a need. My last one was a year ago with new doc. and I was pronounced great. have not seen him for any type of crohn's complications in the last year and have made all my regular visits. Am I being used as $ filler. So he can guess how many of these procedures he can get in a year. Or is it needed? Last time I conflicted with a doc. and requested a change in how I was treating my crohn's, without warning he ousted me as a patient. Afraid that will happen again. This new doc. acts as my regular doc. . It would be like losing 2 doc.s at once. Not sure what to do?
redjeep
Posted 7/3/2011 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Have you had surgery yet? If not, I think you would be fine with every other year scopes. I think thats what most do, but if you have had surgery, I think the annual is more the norm. Hugs!
Posted 7/3/2011 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I have had 6 surgeries. only one I could say crohn's related? But 6 in the abs. still not sure. I have always agreed to what ever. The one time I spoke up, I was out. just like that. Its got me alittle scared to speak up.
redjeep
Posted 7/3/2011 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Not sure how long you have had Crohn's but my doctor always said after 10 years from diagnosis you need one every year because the risk of colon cancer increases at that point.

Although I don't really stick to that unless my disease has been really active. If I have been doing well I kind of go every 18 to 24 months.

My dad has had UC for almost 40 years and he has one every year.
Posted 7/3/2011 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
I hear you. Its been almost 6 years. You make a good point. Need to consider that when I discuss it with him. Would be easier if things were explained better and I didn't have to always go fishing for the info.
redjeep
Posted 7/3/2011 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
I'm at 10 years since Dx and I get scopes about once a year. I feel better getting them more frequently because I've had some scary looking (potentially cancerous looking) growths, etc. Better safe than sorry. I had my last one a couple weeks ago. More biopsies and now I know (for now) I still don't have cancer. Just really active disease... All but about 6 inches in the large intestine is one or two giant ulcers. Ugh. But, a sense of peace to know it's just Crohn's

I've heard some of my old doctors have said every couple of years unless some sign of "something bad".
Posted 7/4/2011 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
I have been ibd for 36 years. I get scoped every other year now.
Posted 7/4/2011 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
Yep, my gastro says once you've had Crohn's for 10 years you should have a scope once a year. *smile* I manage to schedule them once every 2 years. If she found a polyp or more than one polyp I would probably consider once a year. Maybe. The two year schedule works for me. I'm content w/that. I think. I'm due this year. *sigh*
Posted 7/4/2011 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
If my disease remains relatively dormant I get scoped every 2 years. I know, beyond a certain age, some docs want one every year. I think it's a combination of the risk factors & the activity level of your disease. Some docs also want to start from scratch so they know exactly what they are dealing with as opposed to looking at pictures from 1 year prior taken by another doc. Regardless, you should never feel obligated to your doc. If the doc takes offense to questions or requestes for alternative treatments, that doc is not for you. I have been through several different docs so I know how scary it is to switch when you've established a comfort level. If need be, you will find another doctor that you nare happy with. Keep the faith.
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