New & questions about diagnosis/colonoscopy

Hello, I am new here...here is a little about me:

46 year old F, mom of 5. I have some other autoimmune issues (hypothyroid, fibromyalgia) and have had, ummm, "digestive issues" for some time. Usually Drs don't know what to say, so they tell me maybe I have IBS. Was referred to a GI 3 years ago & didn't go back because I didn't want to do the colonoscopy and I was scared of that.

So, recently, I broke out in some serious petechiae/purpura on my lower legs and it coincided with another (very bad) batch of GI issues: mostly lots of pain/cramping, then really bad diarrhea many times per day (which revealed pain), weight loss (which is welcomed, since I am overweight), and lots of joint pain & fatigue...kind of like a fibro flare, but with the added joy of GI issues. I have had terrible pains that come & go mid to lower R side of my abdomen for years (that was the reason for the GI referral a couple years ago). Also, during this last bout with GI issues, had "coffee ground" like things in BM.

So, my new Dr (GP, whom I love), has said there is not getting around the colonoscopy now (Blood work was mostly fine. My plasma protein is low, but nothing terrible. SED rate was very low, like a 6, and blood counts all looked good. Nothing really stood out in the blood work) . I have to do it. She thinks it might be UC or Chron's...but more likely UC. I still have the petechiae on my legs (which can take a very long time to fade, since it is a vasculitous type thing and the blood leaking under your skin can literally stain the skin) but the flare of GI problems has mostly left for now.

So, one of my questions is: do you have to actually be in a flare of UC to be diagnosed with the colonoscopy? Or are the ulcers evident even if you are not currently "flaring"??

Also, I am having trouble with the diet issue (re: what the heck do I eat) because was also just diagnosed with prediabetes; the dietary treatment of which is low carb. So, I am trying to figure out what to eat that is low carb, but still low fiber and low fat. ACK! Also, not much of an appetite lately, so nothing really moves me to eat other than sunflower seeds (which, I gather from reading this board, is something good to eat if you have UC).

As far as family history, it sounds like my uncle (my mothers brother) had UC but never sought treatment and died as a result from blood loss and overuse of anti-diarrhea & pain meds a couple years ago. Kind of estranged from that part of the family, so I never got the whole story. My mother died young and I don't really have a lot of good family medical history. So, I am not sure one way or the other about hereditary issues.

Thanks in advance!

If you have Uc or Crohn's but not flaring, microscopic "damage" can still be seen from the biopsies during the scope.

It sounds like you got the grab bag of bad genes! I'm sorry that you have been suffering but a scope is really the only way to get a diagnosis. It's not that bad and like Kazbern said, the prep is the worse part of the whole ordeal. I personally like the "happy juice" they give you to knock you out :) I've had about 5 colonoscopies over the years and about 20 sigmoidoscopies.

My vit D levels are fine. I had them checked recently...and I understand Meemers, I live in the Pacific NorthWest...so we have a hard time getting D too. I take it everyday.

kazbern: what you said about feeling better when you fast..wow, that makes sense to me. It is a very ODD and NEW feeling to me since eating used to be one of my major stress relievers. But now, I do feel much better when I am fasting. I guess it is not too bad of a thing to do. I still have about 70# I can safely lose! I just have to make sure my blood sugars don't get too low. But I am pretty good at knowing how that feels.

Thanks for the replies everyone!