do I really need to have a flexsigmoidoscopy?

I was diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis on 5/23/11 after a colonoscopy (because I had blood and mucous) and was told to use cortifoam for 30 days once in the morning and once at night for 10 days and then 21 days thereafter at night and also was given asacol 400 mg. 2 pills three times a day.  My condition cleared up in about 10 or 15 days since diagnosed and when I returned to doctor for a followup office appointment I told him that I no longer have blood or mucus and he told me I can reduce the asacol pills to 400 mg. one pill 3 times a day and he also prescribed canasa suppositories to be used every 3rd evening.  I have been using the medicine since and  I have been symptom free since the 10 or so days after being diagnossed and have changed my diet considerably.  

my doctor has set up an appointment to have a flexsigmoidoscopy (which is done in the hospital) on July 25 which is in about a week, my question is this - if I do not have any symptoms now why do I need to have a flexsigmoidoscopy?  What is he going to find other than see that the colitis has cleared up?  I feel that this is a waste of money as I have a $75.00 copay for this procedure and if it is medically necessary of course, I would get it, but I don't see the need.  Maybe someone out there can answer me this question.  Thanks

ceecee600

diagnosed ulcerative proctitis 5/23/11

align probiotic

multivitamin

fruits

lots of fiber

 

Yes, sounds like he wants to verify it has cleared up! I understand not wanting to keep going through procedures though! I often did things I didn't want to do because I was afraid my GI would get mad if I didn't do what he said. Then I realized it was only me who was going to look out for my best interests! I've refused a few things I felt were excessive and / or unneccessary. Then again, I did tick my GIs off! I refused to have a CT scan because I had just done one 15 days prior while in the hospital. I also refused to get my tubes tied when my GI said it was required before he'd put me on 6mp! I say just use common sense, look out for yourself first, but try to work with the professionals as much as you can.

a flexsigmoid as far as i know is easier than a full c-scope. not pleasant, but easier for you.

anyway, i belive since he lowered the medication, he wants to know if the dossage is correct and if is possibile to remain to that dosage long term.

it's up to you to refuse it or not. most of GI-s would not probably ask for such procedure in such a short time.

I was diagnosed with proctitis through colonoscopy in April. I was given a round of cort enemas and then Rowasa. My GI doctor also recommended that I have a flex sig. after completion of the meds. I told him he was nuts and there was no way I was doing it. If this is a life long illness, I'd rather reserve the scopes for when its 100% necessary, like during horrible flares. Another reason I think its not a smart plan is because you still need to do an enema to clean yourself out prior to the flex sig. For those of us with proctitis, the preps for colonoscopy and the diarrhea you get from the enemas can possibly hurt us more. That's just my opinion. Take it for what its worth.

Interesting that my doctor seems to go against what is recommended for the rest of you all here. I'm not on ANY medications right now for maintenance.

I'm glad you posted this, because I was wondering the same thing.  My GI told me she wants to do another flex sig in early August because it's been almost 7 months with treatment.  Her reason was to see whether or not she needs to increase my meds or decrease.  She said she is trying to make sure it stays limited to my rectum, because I don't want it to spread. I'm not eager about doing it, but she always emphasize you don't want it to spread....so I'll get it done.

She says I may be able to come off my meds if it looks good.  I don't know about that because when she stop the enemas my symptoms came back.  It's kind of confusing to me, because if she keeps saying I don't want it to spread.....why stop all the meds if things look good?

CeeCee,

I am very glad that you no longer are having blood/mucous going on. Did the Doctor say if you can relapse and perhaps wants to just see if there is anything that could be lingering around and flare back up. But I do have to say that I am in agreement with you, if this is absolutely necessary to go thru, financially and physically. Is this condition something that you can heal from and get better or is it something that you will always have to deal with?

I'm sorry that you have had to go thru this, as I don't wish bowel problems on anyone! I have struggled with bowel problems for 44 years, and I am 46. Elementary, Junior High and High School was difficult but then at 20-years old, my first born (i have 7-kids total) I had to have a C-section. Then within a couple days my appendix ruptured and I almost died. In order to save my life the Doctor had to give me extreme amounts of I.V. antibiotics, which caused C-Diff and then went in to full blown Pseudomembraneous Colits. I was treated for months relapsing over & over. I am now allergic to ANY antibiotics which causes C-Diff all over again. I've had it so many times I cannot even count anymore. I've had colonoscopies every 3-years & 2 endoscopies.

Then a few months ago my intestines completely just shut down and quit functioning. So in May I had to have a Temp.Loop ileostomy and in September they will make it permanent (removing my large intestines & rectum). I can't wait.

Well good luck to you. Sending you well wishes.
Your Healingwell Friend,
Serenitee


Pelvic/bladder trauma & dysfunction, colon tore thru vaginal wall & then the colon & bladder fell out of body, 2x bladder surgery, 2x rectocele, Loop ileostomy, vaginal vault lift, abdominal hysterectomy, C-section, ruptured appendix, tumor removed from head, 4-knee surgeries w/screws, shoulder surgery...this is some of the surgeries & problems I've had.