Regularity of Colonoscopy

I would wait. If you are moving I'd think your new GI will want to be the one to look.

I agree as well. "Completeness" sounds like code for "I could bill you for one more colonoscopy."

I thought C-scopes were covered in the UK? If they are then I would consider getting it done there then you can take the copies with you to your new GI in Seattle to have a look at along with your medical file and then go from there, the new GI may or may not want to scope you as well right away or wait a few months or longer depending on how you manage with this flare.

Its not on the NHS its private and it is being done so he can write a report I can take with me to America.

I'm getting much better now and only have blood maybe once every 3 bowel movements. Mucus is going and the stools are formed normally. I go 3 times a day which isn't bad.

A Colonoscopy on Thursday may disrupt that. Maybe I should delay it by a month and see if I get totally better? I've been worried about it being more sinister or something new. I have health anxiety.

I'm so confused. Need expert advice. Thanks guys.

Its been 1 year since my last scope and the bleeding is very small specs barely visible on the tissue which are most likely my piles. Its a flare up that's getting better.

No urgency.
No D
Not much mucus
Rare specks of blood

But going 3 or 4 times a day.

1 year colonoscopy .... So yes or no?

The symptoms are significantly improved since 30 days ago and are improving day by day e.g. I have my appetite back and the urgency has vanished.

I'm moving to Seattle in December from London.

With my last colonoscopy a year ago the question is whether I do it now for completeness from UK and to take a look at my fissure and piles. Or I get them treated anyway and do a colonoscopy if I ever need one in USA.

I've had 4 flare ups in 8 years and each time I've had a Colonoscopy. Does each flare up need one?

I need to make decision by Monday.

Post Edited (LondonRed) : 8/29/2015 11:03:33 PM (GMT-6)

Here is the email I just sent him:

Dear Doc

Do you think it would be sensible and okay to delay my Colonoscopy by a month or so to see how my current recovery goes? It’s just that the bright red bleeding has nearly stopped, the stools are normal, no diarrhoea, no urgency, less mucus, and I am going to the loo about 3 times a day. With my last Colonoscopy was only a year ago. I’d have thought that with you treating my fissure and having my piles treated is a bigger priority right now? I also don’t want the picolax bowel prep and the procedure to get me bleeding again. It’s a sensitive disease.

What do you think? I’d really appreciate your thoughts on this because if you still think it is necessary then of course I will do it this week.

Thanks

I think that's a great letter.

I know the risks are minimal with a colonoscopy but they are still very real. I would also ask your GI to clarify exactly what he means by "completeness." Does he suspect a bacterial infection? Just judging the level of inflammation as a jumping off point for where your colitis is at for the future? (If that is the case....then your new GI should be doing it.) Does he need a biopsy of a particular area? Doctors can be vague about their intentions sometimes.

I agree that "completeness" does sound like code for I will bill you later.

Also could you ask to do just a flex sig instead of getting the full monte?

I've only had two bowel movements today.

1. One as if I'm in remission. Normal.
2. Normal stool but bright blood on tissue and on outside of stool not much blood maybe less than a teaspoon.

The GI has found a fissure and I already have piles.

So I should treat them first before a Colonoscopy I think.

So confusing as I'm also a very anxious person.

By "completeness" he means he "wants to see disease activity so I have a proper report ready for my new GI".

Here is his response, and then my response:

Dear *********,

In view of your recent flare and raised FC, would be useful to re-assess your disease extent and activity to help guide further management. The bowel prep shouldn't usually cause bleeding but understand you may be sensitive to this.

However if things have settled then up to you whether you want to delay things or not, completely your decision and of course okay to do this. Just let us know tomorrow morning what you would wish to do.

Yours,
*****

_______________________________________

My response:

Hi Dr ******

I think I am going to visit my previous surgeon and get the piles and fissure treated first – they are causing me most problems. If my issues continue after that then I will get a Colonoscopy done and will be in touch to do that in the coming weeks. I hope this sounds sensible.

Best
*******

I agree completely. What's not required is a nee colonoscopy every year for each flare up.

My symptoms are now mild bright bleeding. So need to investigate that in the coming weeks. A fissure and piles have already been found.