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How often do you get a colonoscopy?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/6/2008 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
So I have my checkup on monday, so things are popping in my head in which they shouldn't. one of things that is popping in my head is the  colonoscopy, which I had last year, & I'm in remssion. So my question is how often do you have to have one? I need to relax confused
Posted 6/6/2008 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
It depends on the circumstances. If one is actively flaring and having a hard time controlling their disease, they may get scoped more often. And if one is relatively doing well then they can wait longer in between each scope.

I had my intial scope done, then one 5 or 6 years later, and then at 10 years. Now that I'm past the 10 year mark, I go in every 2 years. I've had ALOT of sigmoidoscopies in between though. I get those at least once a year to maybe every other year.
Posted 6/6/2008 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Been 10 years since my last full scope..... Have one scheduled in two weeks now. ACK!
Posted 6/6/2008 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor wants me to have one every year
Posted 6/6/2008 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
I had my first scope a month ago and was told I wouldn't need another for 7 years, but then I'd need one annually after that. I'm not surprised though becuase all the adults in my family have to get one annually.
Posted 6/6/2008 10:06 PM (GMT 0)

I had a colonoscopy a few months ago and just today had a flex sig (a mini-colonoscopy).  My UC is in the lower section.  They did this scope because they thought they saw dysplasia.  Today he said if all looks good with these biopsies, he wants me to have another flex sig in one year unless symptoms come back then probably a colonoscopy.  I think each case is unique.  Try not to worry.  (Easier said than done)  Take Care.

Lori (Bellski)

Posted 6/6/2008 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
I have proctosigmoiditis. My mother died of colon cancer. I have a C-scope every two years.
Posted 6/6/2008 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Originally every 3 yrs b/c I had pre-cancerous polyps but now every 1 1/2 years per my doctor. At one point my doc was doing them every few months. WAY TOO MUCH. eyes   I have nightmares about colonoscopy prep..
Posted 6/7/2008 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
When they do the "mini-colonoscopy" .. the sigmoid one or what ever.. is the prep the same?? Do they give ya drugs to knock ya out like with the colonoscopy??
Posted 6/7/2008 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
My GI originally said every 2 years after 10 years of having the disease. But he also said that if my flare hasn't improved in the next month or so, I'm going to need another c-scope soon (ack!!!!!)
Posted 6/7/2008 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Because of the slight increased risk of colon cancer, UCers and anyone eles with inflammation of the colon/rectom (like crohn's-colitis) really should be checked every yr, but most go by how often their docs want to check you out.

:)
Posted 6/7/2008 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Once at diagnosis, one a year later....then every three years (give or take depending on scheduling or how I was doing).

q
Posted 6/7/2008 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
In response to Pooie's question about the mini colonoscopy.  I had it today.  The prep was the same.  I thought I was going to be sedated but was not.  It wasn't too bad though.

Posted 6/7/2008 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
I've had UC for over 10 years. The first five years I had two and two sigmoid's then sometime in year 6-7 I asked my GI how long I should go, years, before the next scope and she said, "oh, every three to five years." When I asked her how do I tell the difference between sx's of UC and colon cancer b/c they are similar (I'm a consistent bleeder, even on meds) she then said, "weeeeeell, then we should do a colonoscopy every year.

Three years ago a coworker was initially DX w/UC and b/c she knew I had it she came forth and disclosed her situation to me and in the beginning her sx's were exactly like UC--but then she said she was DX without a colonoscopy and I said I'm not sure they can, biopsies need to be done. I think her HMO didn't want to do the costly procedure. Then her sx's became worse and finally the GI did a colonoscopy and found out she had cancer not UC, she was 40 yrs old at the time. She's doing very well by the way, in full remission.
Posted 6/7/2008 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
I get one every year, the longest I have been without that checkup is 2 years though. Its good for preventative measures.
Posted 6/8/2008 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Annual
Posted 6/8/2008 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have had to have a colonoscopy every other year for the last 10 years, and one every 3-5 years prior to that. I am only 36 years old.
Posted 6/8/2008 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Okay well I had the worst experience ever lol. In my first year of diagnosis my doc made me get 3 colonoscopies and 2 sigmoidoscopies. It sucked so bad. I HATE drinking the gosh darn prep. The worst part is I mixed it with crystal light to make it taste better and now I can't stand the stuff. Since starting Remicade almost two years ago I haven't had a major flare so I haven't had a scope in the last two years. I'm probably due for one soon. DOH!

Ashley

________________________________________________________

Female, Age, 19, DX w/Left sided UC October 2005
Present Meds: Remicade Infusion every 8 weeks since August 2006

Past Meds: Canasa Sups, 40 mg Prednisone Daily for 1 year, Miralax Daily, Ginger Supplements
Posted 6/13/2008 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
My new dr. told me that you should have colonoscopies once you've entered your 7th year of disease.  But my old dr. did one every year for me and I've had the disease for under 7 years..

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