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May have UC, what to expect from doctor???

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/28/2010 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all,

I'm pretty sure I have UC so I'm going to see the doctor in a few days for a colonoscopy. I've never had a colonoscopy before so I wanted to know what to expect, especially pertaining to what kinds of other tests he may suggest. I just want to be informed so I don't get ripped off with unnecessary procedures because I don't know this gastroenterologist.

(I tried searching the forums for other topics like this, but the search function isn't specific to the UC section and it was cluttered with all the other stuff so if there is a thread already out there I apologize.)

Thanks!
Posted 9/28/2010 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
I think usually the dr would want to talk to you prior to the colonoscopy. Plus you need to get instructions from them and the prep information. I think some have bloodwork done to check for inflammatory markers and dr would want a complete history.
Posted 9/28/2010 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
That makes sense. I had a dr. visit a few weeks ago in my hometown and he recommended a colonoscopy, but I have moved and am now under a different insurance. I guess I should have the initial check up again with the new dr. so I don't run into any trouble of preexisting conditions with the new group insurance.
Posted 9/28/2010 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
It depends on your GI. Some will have you drink a jug of liquid. Others will have you do fleet enemas. Some will sedate you. Others won't.

After my last colonoscopy, I had a ton of air. It was painful. More painful than the colonoscopy. It gradually went away, and I was feeling better by evening.
Posted 9/28/2010 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
You should be checked for C-diff I would think, or some other legitimate infection (stool sample) as there are many possible infectious agents that can cause a legitimate immune response. They might check you for celiac disease too if I am not mistaken and possibly gluten sensitivity? It's been a while since I was diagnosed, so it is getting a little fuzzy. Barring infection, the colonoscopy should be fairly definitive in diagnosing U.C, then they will check the biopsy samples under a microscope to confirm.
Posted 9/28/2010 9:46 AM (GMT 0)
 I've had two colonoscopies and they were painless.  The day before a colonoscopy you generally live on a liquid diet for 24 hours(clear broth, gatorades, water, jello, but generally no red stuff).  You don't usually eat or drink anything started at midnight the day before your surgery(not even water).  When you go in, the nurse will instruct you to get into a gown, and then lay on the bed.  Then the nurse will put an IV in your arm, which is painless, and then you will wait for your doctor.  When he is ready they will wheel you into a room, and have you turn over on your side.  The doctor will talk to you about the procedure etc., and then shortly you will be waking up disoriented. Done.

  I wish you the best of luck!

Posted 9/28/2010 10:32 AM (GMT 0)
Ok. Thanks for the help everyone. Also, is it ok to tell the dr. that I have been having these symptoms for a few weeks even though I just got my new insurance a few days ago or will he report me to the insurance police?
Posted 9/28/2010 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
As long as you have insurance, I wouldn't think that your prior symptom duration would get you into any kind of trouble. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but your doctor is out to treat you. Not turn you in to a insurance provider. He won't be able to treat you without insurance, but that isn't your problem in this case. I believe it always the best policy to fully and accurately describe your symptoms/condition to your doctor. I usually take a note card and write down all my symptoms, and briefly read off them to my doc. It saves him time of asking, and possibly missing a symptom--It may be that one symptom that you mention that changes your life! Good luck.
Posted 9/28/2010 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
For me, prep for the colonoscopy was by far the worst part. I kind of like the twilight sleep state LOL.

My one big recommendation is: Don't use gatorade or vitamin water flavors that you really like because by the end of the day you'll hate them and they'll be spoiled for you.

Contra, there are some jello flavors (REMEMBER: NO RED!) that taste surprisingly good.
Posted 9/29/2010 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Will I be able to go to work the day I have to take the laxatives if there is a bathroom close by or am I going to be glued to the toilet permanently?

Also can anyone verify the insurance question?
Posted 9/29/2010 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
You say you have group insurance -- is it through your employer? Most group insurance does not exclude for pre-existing conditions, but you need to check your policy, which you can do by reading it or by calling your HR person in charge of insurance issues (if through your employer), or by calling the insurance salesperson who sold you your policy.

I worked until 3 the day before my colonoscopy and then went home and began the prep. Your doctor will tell you what prep to do and you can figure out from that whether you have to take a day off. I would not have wanted to be at work doing the prep. It's a matter of taking a bunch of pills every hour or something, followed by a ton of water/gatorade/vitamin water, and think about how you would get home from work?
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