how often do i need a colonoscopy ?

Hi Everyone,

almost 4years ago i was told i had UC.
i had it rough for the next 7 month but since
than i'm doing ok , had a few flares in between
but i never went back to see the Doctor because when
i called i was told that i have a flare and just keep doing
what i 've been doing.
I was also told and i have it in writing , that i don't need
another Colonoscopy for 10 years. now does that sound
right.
i'm from a different country and my english is getting really bad
when i'm in the doctors office and i just can't ask the right questions.

any help you can give me ? thank you for reading my post.
Bless you all

You're definitely due for another scope.

I've had UC for 22 years, and my doc has never stressed for me to have one yearly.  I've had one at diagnosis, one a year later, then ever three-ish years.  I'm now at every two...mostly because I prefer this doc to do my scopes rather than someone else. If I had continual problems, maybe..and for sure yearly  if I had any abnormalities such as dysplasia, etc.

It would have been best to make regular appointments with your doctor...even yearly.

What meds are you on at this time? and who continues prescribing your meds?

Where exactly is your UC? throughout or limited?

welcome to the forum!

q

thank you all for your quick reply.

i like to answer some of your questions.
during the procedure in 2007 they found the following:

20cm of the terminal ileum were inspected and found to be normal.
within the distal 15cm of colon, the entire length of the rectum,there were changes suggestive of moderately active ulcerative colitis.these consisted of erythema,edema,loss of vascularity, and ulceration.

i started on Asacol 4 tablets 3x daily and i was to call the doctor in 2 weeks if things have not improved.
well things were getting worst, i called and i was put on sulfasalazine and prednesone. 7 month later i was feeling good and had just a few flares.
i'm still taking sulfasalazine 2x a day and my meds are prescibed by my family doctor.

i have insurance but they pay for a colonoscopy every 5 years.
i will change doctors starting monday.

thank you all again .

Do you have any family members with a history of colon cancer?

I am only 21 and was diagnosed only a few months ago (though I've had UC for about 5 years).. Since my uncle had colon cancer, I am supposed to have an annual colonoscopy starting in about 3 years.

good luck!

Unless one's uncle has FAP or something similar, it is only first-degree relatives who are seen as increasing one's risk of colon cancer.