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Minimal Inflammation

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/27/2016 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
So had my colon looked at. GI took several biopsies. After procedure he said everything looked good. I've been feeling well with no UC symptoms BUT report back said minimal inflammation. What does this mean? ... I have active disease? Something is irritating causing inflammation? Nothing to worry about? I've never heard UC described as minimal before just mild, moderate, severe or remission.
Posted 8/28/2016 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hard to know what "minimal inflammation" means in terms of location of inflammation but it probably means the extent is limited. Even when you have no visible symptoms, UC (as a chronic disease) is still active. And having said that, UC is always something to which you should be alert.

I was diagnosed with proctitis initially and for the next 6 years I was basically symptom free. The whole time I felt normal and it was easy to be complacent about the devil that lurked inside. Then earlier this year, a flare started that progressively (and quickly) got worse. It did not respond to the drugs I was willing to take and I ended up having surgery.

So, I guess the key thing is to be vigilant with your treatment regime and note that your colonoscopy report does mean the disease is still active even though you feel good and have no visible symptoms.
Posted 8/28/2016 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
I'd ask your doctor for clarification. You're right that "minimal inflammation" is a weird way to say it, no idea what it means: minimal extent, minimal severity, etc.
Posted 8/28/2016 10:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks GC4249 and iPoop. I'll have to ask my doctor. GC4249 i'm going on 6 years of symptom free so seeing that I have some inflammation going on freaks me out. I know it can quickly turn into something bad.
Posted 8/28/2016 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
This article is about IBS, but it uses the term minimal (or low-grade) inflammation to describe an increased number of inflammatory cells in the mucosa.

gut.bmj.com/content/51/suppl_1/i41.full

I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that even 'mild' inflammation can be seen on a scope with the naked eye. There are different degrees of visible inflammation; it starts off with redness and swelling, then if the inflammation progresses it forms ulcers. Minimal inflammation makes it sound like there's no visible inflammation that can be seen, but there are inflammatory changes at a microscopic level.

Confirm with your doc though, obviously. His idea of 'minimal' inflammation may be different to mine.
Posted 8/28/2016 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks NiceCupOfTea for the article. Interesting. That was my understand after the colonoscopy all looked good. Think he woukd have said he saw some inflammation if it was visual to the eye. Biopsy results said "biopsies shows minimal inflammation". Wish more info would have came with the results... Geez.
Posted 8/28/2016 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
"report back" do you mean from your GI or from the pathology lab?? The pathology report is the one to pay attention to. If you don't have a copy, get one from your G.I.
Posted 8/28/2016 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
You absolutely need to get a copy of the pathology report. It's important to know WHERE the minimal inflammation is. Besides, you should have copies of all your results for questions like this.

Im assuming the minimal inflammation is in the rectum since that's where it starts. It might be from the prep.

What meds are you on? And have you been going through a phase of any constipation type symptoms?

Congratulations on the results in that there is no precancer.

what is the extent of your UC location at original diagnosis?

q
Posted 8/28/2016 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Quincy. I will get my pathology report. Good idea.
Original diagnosis was moderate pancolitis.
Yes I would say I have bouts of constipation. I was wondering about that along with prep... But maybe that's me trying to think of anything other then it being a start of a flare. :)
I'm currently on 10kg 6 weeks of remicade only. Plus multi vit, calcium and D.
Posted 8/28/2016 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Zengrll, sorry should have been more specific... Report back was from gi. I have not received pathology report but will request them.
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