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Confused about colonoscopy results

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/24/2008 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
After mucosy D, gas, burping, nausea and back pain for about 8 weeks, I filled the toilet several times with blood.  I had a colonoscopy 2 days later and they found inflammation in my rectum and sigmoid colon along with an ulcer.  They said it was not UC, yet they put me on Colazal for 6 months.  After doing research on the internet, all I can find is that UC is inflammation and ulcers in the colon.  I am confused about having the inflammation and ulcer, yet not being diagnosed with UC.  In addition, I am on 9 pills of Colazal a day.  The Dr. said it may be a "bug".  The colonoscopy was May 20th.  I started the meds a couple days later and after about 3 weeks my symptoms went away.  After 3 weeks of no symptoms, my symptoms came back, yet not so severe.  I am currently nauseas all the time, burping, gas, back pain, 2-4 bowel movements a day (prior to April, I went to the bathroom 2 times a week).  I spoke with someone who said this may be early stages of UC.  I am anxious and worry that this is undiagnosed UC.  Has this happened to anyone?  Are these symptoms similar to what others have?  Has any had the colonoscopy results that I have with or without UC?  Any help is greatly appreciated!  Thank you!
Posted 7/24/2008 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
It could be crohn's disease instead, it can affect anywhere in the entire GI tract from the mouth to anus, I hope your docs have done all tests besides a colonoscopy because CD can also be in the small intestines so you'd need upper GI tests done as well...most importantly, talk to your docs, demand answers to your questions, afterall it is your health and body.

:)
Posted 7/24/2008 8:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi..welcome to the forum!

Did the doc also do lots of biopies throughout your colon as well as stool samples?

I find it interesting that the doc didn't also put you on any rectal meds....

I agree with pb4...arm yourself with information to formulate answers to questions that are necessary to ask the doctor in order to have a proper diagnosis. Some patients are harder to diagnose...and it all takes time.

One thing I'm impressed with is that you weren't put on prednisone. A good thing.

quincy
Posted 7/25/2008 6:55 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you for your responses. 

What tests should I ask for?

I have had a colonoscopy, upper GI, ultrasound and blood tests.  This was all done in the end of May.  Everything looked good except for my colonoscopy.  I know I had atleast 1 biopsy b/c that is how they knew I had inflammation and an ulcer.  

Should they have done biopsies during the upper GI even though it looked good?      

My understanding is that the only way to dx UC is the colonoscopy - is that right?  

Is CD dx with the upper GI?

I was put on some rectal meds for a couple of days.  Then I had my colonoscopy and they told me I could stop.  I have never actually sat down and talked with the Dr.  He just did the procedures, gave me the results and put me on Colazal  -without any discussion about my symptoms.  I met with my PCP who was really helpful - he has IBD of some sort.  I have an appt with a new Dr. in a couple of weeks.  I have read so much that at times it gets more confusing.  I don't understand why it seems like there are a lot of people who take so long to dx.  I would be very happy if it turned out to be something temporary, but after 2 months of meds the symptoms are getting worse again. 

If there is anything you can tell me to ask for or make sure I have answered at my next appt, that would be wonderful.

Thank you!  Pam

Posted 7/25/2008 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, CD is generally DX with both upper and lower, since you've had the upper and things looked good, and the lower showed some inflammation then at this point it seems like it may be UC, but keep in mind CD is funny, it can pop up all over the place at any given time even affecting more than one area at a time and CD doesn't always start in the upper and move down either.

:)
Posted 7/25/2008 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
It took me at least one year to get a diagnosis and what they did in that time was to treat my symptoms as if it was UC. Point being they wanted to make sure I wouldn't get worse while they were still testing and often they think if the patient responds to the treatment they are probably looking at IBD of some sort. It's not uncommon for a definitive answer to take time.

Sue
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