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Should I still have flex sig or not?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/19/2016 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Had flex sig in June 2015 when diagnosed. Persistent flare started Dec 2015 and I was told to up my mesalamine which didn't work, was then given 2 weeks worth of mesalamine enemas which started to work but they wouldn't give me anymore and suggested steroids and another flex sig. I started the steroids and they have worked somewhat but left with stubborn symptoms. After arguing and begging eventually got the mesalamine enemas on repeat prescription. Been on them 2 weeks and things are so much better. Symptoms very minimal and getting better daily. Flex sig was scheduled for 26th Feb.
Should I still go or cancel? I got all my meds on repeat, I'm almost off the pred and the enemas are working great.
I don't mind going but I don't want to upset anything and is it really worth it as I am getting things close to normal?
Posted 2/19/2016 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Personally I wouldn't. If things were not getting better or were getting worse I would.

If you feel better and are continuing to feel better I would skip it. You can always go and get one if issues arise.

And should you decide to go I would wait until I was off the steroids for a bit.
Posted 2/19/2016 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry I don't have an answer to your question but I am in the same boat. I am improving everyday and it has been suggested I have a colonoscopy in the near future. If all remains well I am worried that it may upset things. I am thinking of asking if its completely necessary if I am in remission. What will they see anyway?
Posted 2/19/2016 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
people only know if there symptoms are in remission, which is usually a good indicator of remission.

the cost/benefit equation is finding out if there is uncontrolled inflammation after symptoms suggest remission.
Posted 2/19/2016 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
save the cscope for a runny day -
Posted 2/19/2016 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
I probably would not. As long as you can keep getting the enemas without having it.
Posted 2/19/2016 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
What was the reason for having the sig initially?

Since you have the mesalamine enemas and are improving and tapering pred...i think you dont need it....wait to have a complete c-scope with biopsies throughout.
q
Posted 2/20/2016 9:14 AM (GMT 0)
Think they wanted me to have another flex sig as oral mesalamine was no longer working and I had been flaring for 2 months. They only agreed to give me enemas if I agreed to another flex sig. That was 3 weeks ago and been on the enemas 3 weeks and all looking good
Posted 2/20/2016 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
if your doc is in the habit of making "deals" with you, it's time to find a new one - preferably one with a brain -
Posted 2/20/2016 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
yes, bad ethics for treatment. You stand your ground and agree to do only a cscope at 6 months after using the rectal meds. You can negotiate as well.

q
Posted 2/20/2016 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't have the scope if things are good with the enemas. What's the point? They will scope you, see that things have calmed, and then prescribe more enemas? I don't understand why they can't give you the enemas if they work. I am pretty accepting of a scope, if nothing is working, and I need to see what's going on, but in this case, it sounds like something is working. You could maybe ask to do a calprotectin stool test instead? I am with the others, if you need to make deals to get medicine that is necessary, that's probably not a GI you want to stick with long-term.
Posted 2/21/2016 12:05 PM (GMT 0)
Completely pointless flexible sigmoidoscopy and remember that it could aggravate your colon too. I'd not do it. Save it for if you're symptoms are getting worse not better.
Posted 2/21/2016 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Ye thanks guys pretty much what I thought. 2 days on from
My post and things are as good as they have been in a long time so don't see the point and terrified it sets me back. They didn't actually tell me they have put the enemas on repeat prescription (uk) I found out when I ordered another medicine. I will ring the ibd team tomorrow and discuss.
Posted 2/21/2016 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
I'd get off of the steroids completely and hold for a month. If your symptoms stay stable then you're likely on the path to remission, stay the course. If you regress then get the scope then. I'm sure you can get any prescription made renewable over the phone, done that myself before. Good luck, I hope you have continued success and soon reach remission.
Posted 2/21/2016 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
I just had a flex sig a few weeks ago and I had no idea it could aggravate your colon? It didn't appear to make mine worse.

I am actually going to go against the consensus on this one. I thought I was in remission and my flex sig showed "moderate inflammation." This was important info to know because it meant that I needed to stay at the double doses of remicade every 4 weeks.

I am guessing your GI wants to see what state you are at so he can appropriately prescribe. Blood tests do not give the full picture. Just as a note, all my inflammation markers were down so my blood tests were coming back just peachy while the flex sig showed a different story. It happens.
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