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So will my scope really show nothing tomorrow, since I've been on steroids for a few weeks?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 5/27/2013 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Reading that other thread about people having a clean colonoscopy has me very worried. I've been on steroids for 3 weeks now, and of course this is when they want to do the scope. This is a new GI doc, and although he's good and has seen my history with everything, I'm very concerned that these stinking steroids is just going to make a good looking scope. The last thing I want is for him to say "looks good, nothing wrong with you!" When I'm suffering so much. What's the point of doing them when you're already being treated for a flare up?
Posted 5/27/2013 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jen,
You are asking a good question, and you probably should be asking your GI. My guess is that you already have a Crohn's diagnosis, so they want a baseline of how your disease looks prior to starting the Humira. How long has it been since your last colonoscopy and where is your disease located?
Posted 5/27/2013 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
My last scope was in 2006, so I know I'm over due for one. During that scope they found inflammation and ulcers in the TI area. Unfortunately the biopsies came back "inconclusive." So I think that's part of my worry going back in to another scope.

Everything else has pointed to Crohn's though. The diarrhea, the fistula, the bleeding, the erythma nodosum, the sed rate always being 80+ when I'm off the steroids. So he believes it's Crohn's. But I really wanted them to SEE more of it tomorrow since that biopsy was inconclusive. Just frustrating I guess.

I'm sure this is going to be the start of many tests (he was asking me if I ever had a pill cam for example).
Posted 5/27/2013 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
You have enough going on in your history that I highly doubt that it matters what the biopsies indicate. If you haven't had a colonoscopy since 2006, I think you should get one, especially because you are thinking of starting humira. When is your colonoscopy scheduled?
Posted 5/27/2013 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
I hope so gumby44! I'm probably just panicking for nothing. Oh but I'm having it for sure, it's tomorrow at 2:30pm. Getting ready in an hour to start the prep. So hungry. :)
Posted 5/27/2013 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
Steroids tend not to heal the mucosa, but they are an antiinflammatory so if you had a stricture caused by inflammation, that might no longer be there, for example. But otherwise, ulcerations and other signs of disease activity should still be there, as well as any structural damage such as fibrotic scar tissue.

Not that I'm wishing Crohn's disease upon you or anything! Good luck with the colonoscopy tomorrow.
Posted 5/28/2013 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks NCOT! That actually makes me feel a bit better. I know what you mean, you don't want to wish the disease on yourself either, but after suffering so much I want them to see what I feel. Ugh, back to drinking some broth, and hoping my poor bottom doesn't burn right off. So hungry...
Posted 5/28/2013 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jen, How did your colonoscopy go???
Posted 5/29/2013 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Well I was certainly worried for nothing gumby! My whole colon and TI had scattered inflammation and ulcers. Doctor said very much Crohn's. They took tons of biopsies of course, but he got an eye full of how bad it was. Much much worse then it was back in 2006 unfortunately. So we are pushing forward in getting the Humira going. Hopefully soon!
Posted 5/29/2013 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi...so sorry that your Crohn's has worsened, but I'm glad you got the colonoscopy and that you will start the Humira. I hope it helps quickly!
Posted 5/29/2013 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I had a colon and terminal ileum which showed evidence of severe disease and I was on a high dose of Pred for months. Pred not only comes with a list of nasty side-effects longer than your arm, it doesn't even have any healing ability. Really, really not a drug you want to be on for any longer than you have to.

Sorry about your colonoscopy, but I hope the Humira works. It's important to try and get the inflammation under control now.
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