iPoop said...
It seems your doctor is asking for extra screenings for things we have increased risk for. Depending on your point of view, the doctor is either being proactive or ordering unnecessary tests.
Typically, uc is classified by the furthest extent it's ever reached not what they see in your most recent scope. So, if you once had pancolitis you always are classified as a pancolitis patient. Even when you're in remission today, or perhaps have only mild rectal inflammation today. Why? Because that furthest extent impacts your general prognosis and outlook, impacts colorectal cancer risks (and subsequent screenings), the medications and doses they'd prescribed to you, etc.
Although, most of the elevated skin cancer risks are associated with immunomodulators (Imuran, 6mp) and biologics (remicade, humira, simponi) and you're not on any of those medications...
A bone density baseline is helpful to track changes over time. Repeated and extended use of prednisone and Budesonide make us more likely to have osteoporosis or osteopenia. As you have these, appropriate calcium dosing and drugs like boniva can be prescribed to slightly increase your bone density and slow future bone wasting (that's normal with age). As your peers loose bone mass, you're slowly gaining, and you can catchup with those peers over time.
We're at higher risk of type ii diabetes (again prednisone) is that why their asking for a endocrinologist? Unless you have type ii or a hormonal imbalance then it seems unnecessary.
We're at higher risk of glaucoma (prednisone), blood clots, skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, etc), joint pains, anemia/low iron levels, low vitamin D levels, and the list goes on and on...
Things like pneumonia vaccines are helpful (especially if you're on biologics or immunomodulators).
Thank you useful information. She also did a c diff test and to my surprise it's positive