Colonoscopy done....14 inches of inflammation...stuck and they are not sure what to do

Went for my colonoscopy and my inflammed area has not increased in 6 years but it really inflammed. It is 14inches....the real lower part. However, the weeks and weeks of rectal enemas have not helped it and I am still bleeding. He wanted me to take oral prednisone which I cannot handle. So we are waiting for the biopsies just to see if by any chance it could be an infection, though I do not think so. He said he will have to think about things and he mentioned that it might come to surgery. I really do not want surgery for a perfectly good colon except for 14 inches. So you can see I am discouraged. I mentioned 6MP and he said it would take about 6 months to kick in good. Wish I could come up with something but looks like I am between a rock and a hard place. I am taking 7 Colazal daily and cannot increase because of cramping and straining. Just needed to vent where I know others feel my feelings also.

I had 24 inches of inflammation and misery from the time I was diagnosed. From 2001 to 2006 I was in a monstrous flare, and nothing helped until I started on Remicade. My GI's have all told me that just because the UC is limited to the left side, or even to the rectum, it isn't necessarily any easier to get into remission or to live with than pancolitis.

It's your call as far as your next step, and surgery is certainly one viable option. If you feel you want to try all medical options first, you still have the immunosuppressants (which typically kick in after 2-3 months, not 6) or biologicals, which typically work much faster for those they help.

If your doc is not offering options other than surgical consult, ask why, and it may be time for a second opinion.

My gastro has me on 6mp-75mg-9weeks,also 15mg of pred.He told me that 6mp can take 2-3 months to kick in,it's getting better-SLOWLY.I'm also 230lbs so i could probably use some more mgs,i go back to my DR.Monday when i hope he increases my doseage.Some DRs might want to go the surgery route more than others,i've discussed the surgery route with my DR and he said that's the absolute last option.Also he mentioned that the colon does not always work like normal after surgery-Is this true,hope some people post about there after surgery and quality of life-GOOD LUCK

Have been on 5ASA meds for years and have used Rowasa for since end of May nightly and then also tried the Colocort enemas for weeks. None of it has been working this time around.

What's the story with the biologics, has any doctor even mentioned them to you? I'd think those would definitely be your next step- you could even start the Imuran or 6MP, then do a biologic for a few months, see how it goes. I don't care what people think about the possible side effects from them, I love them. Love them!!!! I just got back from an infusion, am going on 3 years of Remicade now. Prior to starting it, I'd had surgery scheduled & was ready to go. If you're averse to surgery, ask your GI about them ASAP.