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Is a colonoscopy called for?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/26/2017 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all. So, Last year I was diagnosed with pancolitis after only having sigmoiditis and proctitis for much of my life. I ended up in the hospital for 5 days. I have had small bouts of bleeding off and on but doing pretty well right now. I am on Colozal. I do note that if I miss some medication or a few days that symptoms seem to come back.

My doctor said that I do not need a colonoscopy for a few years. Does that sound accurate. I thought that after or with my diagnosis getting more severe that it would be prudent to check the colon Yearly or at least every other year. I am curious to the opinions and recommendations of others.
Posted 9/26/2017 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
A colonoscopy is essential for an initial UC diagnosis and for colorectal cancer screenings after after 8-10 years as a UC patient, or frequent for those with precancer results found or a family history of CRC. A colonoscopy (or flexible-sigmoidoscopy) is fine as a diagnostic tool when you are struggling with a flare and nothing is working, a what the heck is going on up there kinda thing. Often a CRP blood test or FCP stool test is enough to tell how well we're doing when we're stable.
Posted 9/26/2017 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Since you've had UC for more than 10 years you're supposed to have a col4onoscopy every 1 to 2 years to check for colon cancer.
Posted 9/26/2017 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
Yea I think every 1-2 years is standard. That being said, most docs keep an eye on things and if you end up flaring or having symptoms, they'll prob tell you that you need one. My doc said to get one every 1-2 years but then as things got worse, I was having up to 2-3 in one year until they figured out how to treat me.

You could consult with another doc and see if he/she is a good fit. It took me 3 docs until I got the one that had a plan and actually sat down and talked with me.
Posted 9/26/2017 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
you have had IBD long enough that regular screenings are recommended. The "yearly" idea is tossed out, but this is more or less often in individual cases. Any polyps removed in prior scopings, and family history of CRC, or other risk factors would argue to go at least every 18 months.

Asky you doc how much he thinks your CRC risk is elevated, and then discuss his plan for surveillance.
Posted 9/26/2017 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks a ton. My PA states the Doc I saw prior to the diagnosis of Pancolitis recommends the 1-2 years but the DOC I changed to ( now questioning that move- I can change back) is much more conservative in recommending colonoscopies.

I thought that since I have had Colitis for over 20 years it was standard to do regular checks. I did read Cancer rates go up with a diagnosis of Pancolitis which freaks me out a bit.
Posted 9/26/2017 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
20 years with a current pancolitis diagnosis puts you in a higher risk group. Ask what his/her CRC screening plans are for you (new doc). The odds are fairly low for UC patients about 3% of us ultimately get a CRC. However preventative screening is a good thing.
Posted 9/27/2017 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again. The ideas and advice here are wonderful. Like no other site i know. I will call my PA tomorrow and ask about planning. I know they did say if there is any sign of flare if they do a colinoscopy they will then do a biologic. I thin that is why i haven't pushed this harder. They scare me a bit.
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