dull spastic pain high up the rectum at time. Anyone have that?

it sounds as though you're flaring at the very least...and definitely you should go for a colonoscopy.

I have no idea how many with UC end up with cancer....the stats would have absolutely no impact on whether you have it or not.

You're the only one in control of what tests you have, and from seeing your other posting regarding dark stools, it's probably best for you to have things investigated from both ends to make sure nothing else is going on.

Keep us posted as to the outcome.

quincy

christine is right, The incidence of bowel cancer is increased in people who have had UC for more than ten years so it is a good idea to have a repeat colonoscopy.
It sounds like you guys maybe have to pay to have these tests done, which obviously may be a consideration when thinking about what tests to budget for. in the UK we would get a colonoscopy as and when required plus yearly after the ten year period, but obviously not during a n acute flare up. When i had active UC i had regular colonoscopy and really didnt find them painful, they usually give you just enough IV diazomals to take you to the edge of consciousness and you really aren't aware of much. Even though i now have an ileo-anal pouch, i still have to have colonoscopy, white cell uptake and small bowel studies as and when required because they are quering crohns disease. Above all, discuss your concerns/fears with your doctor and seek their reassurance.
good luck.

hi Sandy62,
i have just noticed that although you have had UC since 1983, you have only recently joined the forum. My point is that i also have had UC for many years, since 1981 and i have also recently just joined the forum. I wish i had known about this when i was really going through it. I dont think i had anyone to speak to other than my husband who was great but didnt have UC. When i was admitted to hospital, that was the only time i found other patient to discuss it with and even then it felt as if everyone was comparing themselves with each other. Not necessarily the best time to be chatting about 'bowels', when your not feeling great.
funny, but when i was really ill i just got on with it, recently i have found myself reflecting on what i went through and sometimes find it quite upsetting all the years 'wasted' with this rotten disease.
Here in Grampian in Scotland, apparently we have the greatest incidence of UC and Crohns in Europe. They dont seem to have an answer why but funnily i didnt start with UC until i moved to Scotland after spending my life to that point, in England.
so, to Sandy62 and all of you out there, i look forward to giving and gathering support from the forum.