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Sigmoidoscopy next - update on me....

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/30/2009 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Red mentioned now it was my turn for remission.  I wrote a post (or thought I did) yesterday that I called my NP who talked with my gastro doc and he wants to do a sigmoidoscopy next week (if storm does not hit) or soon anyway.  I used the hydrocortisone enemas for 13 days with no improvement - some worsening in some areas - like more mucous and cramping.  I know he does not want to put me on anything stronger until he knows exactly what is going on.  Just had a colonoscopy in November which he said improvement since May - proctosigmoiditis confined to rectum.

I have been trying so many medications since June, 2008.  5ASAs are out and now apparently steroid enemas too.  Canasa helped a little but I became sensitive to them.  Protofoam helped but not enough.

So, we will see - I will keep you up to date. 

I want to schedule my knee replacement but just can't until I can deal with this DD!

ElaineNY

Posted 1/30/2009 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
It's good you have an appointment with the doc soon.

Hope he'll be able to get it healed for you.

You could ask him about lidocaine suppositories. I believe there were others on here who were using the enemas...maybe that could help? at least with the discomfort at least.

Thank you for the update.  I agree with Sherry that you need a break from this and have your long needed knee surgery
q
Posted 1/30/2009 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Have you ever had a sigmoidoscopy before? Please let us know what they have to say k?
Posted 1/30/2009 7:06 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, I have had a couple of sigmoidoscopies in the past - years ago.  First one was about 20 years ago and along with some blood tests and upper GI was told I had IBS (which I already knew).  I was having bouts of diarrhea - not many other symptoms except when I ate "wrong".  That one I only had a small dose of Valium and watched it on a screen.  Then after another bout of D about 10 years ago I had another - no medication - and watched it - same diagnosis - no polyps, no bleeding, no inflammation. 

The next time I went to a gastro doctor was last year when I had rectal bleeding and bouts of D.  My symptoms were very vague and nothing like I have been having SINCE I started different medication.  Wish I was back there now.  My sensitivity to all medications have always been there.  For example, I take child doses of everything.  1/2 Xanax, 1 Tylenol, no narcotic pain killers (they knock me out) and no antihistamines.  Knee surgery will be difficult but the pain there is so bad I am willing to give it a try.  I just can't deal with both right now.

Thanks for your support!

ElaineNY

Posted 1/31/2009 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
I think the sig is what I had last time. Had a colonoscopy in aug, then about a month and a half ago he did what he called a flexid sig. No real prep except for a fleet enema, then they went in, but only went about 18 inches. worst part was it was awake? Miserable procedure. Prep was better than a colonoscopy, but the procedure was way worse. Least for me. Definately prefer to be out when they shove something up there.
Posted 1/31/2009 3:18 PM (GMT 0)

I so agree!  I told the nurse on the phone when she called about the appointment that I would not have it done without "something".  She said she would request a light version of same thing I have for colonoscopy - probably versid - just so I will be at least comfortable. It really repends on your condition I think and the doctor. Also, helps to be a senior 68 years old - they treat you very kindly!!

 I had one once that was just fine - doctor was so gentle.  I felt only a little discomfort and doctor backed right off when I ask (he told me to tell him).  This GI doc is just great and I am happy he want to find out what is going on - once again!!

ElaineNY

Posted 1/31/2009 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
I've had 2 in the last 6 weeks, and although not pleasant to go through they were done within two minutes and it was really painless. Trying to stay relaxed is the key. Hard to do though.
Posted 1/31/2009 9:21 PM (GMT 0)

I assure you I will be VERY relaxed (from drugs) or I won't do it. I told the NP and nurse that they ordered DRUGS!!

I am not real sure why doc has to look again since November.  I guess since nothing is working for me. 

ElaineNY

Posted 2/1/2009 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
When I was flaring badly the doc used to do that too.  He wouldn't  even schedule them in advance.  When I went in for a check up (which was all the time) sometimes he would just hand me a fleet after the exam and do a quick flex sig.  Just to double check that what he was seeing on the outside matched what was going on on the inside.  I also make them give me some "la la drugs" as I call it.  I  had one without anything and it was not an experience I cared to repeat.  It will be fine.  Hope he finds out what's going on with you and gives you something to make it better.  Keep us posted.
Posted 2/1/2009 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
I had flex sigs regularly when I was in the drug study -- no prep because he wanted to see things as they were, not cleaned out. It was not comfortable but it was tolerable. He was quick about it, that helped a lot. And if I really didn't feel well he would give me a pass until the next appointment.
Posted 2/2/2009 5:50 PM (GMT 0)

Well, just checking in to tell you the winter storm is missing us so my sig cope will be tomorrow at noon.  I have started the gold old "liquid" diet.  Why do we crave things when we can't have them??  hee hee

Anyway, wanting to get this over with and hope doctor can find one more  things for me to try.  Holding my breath that it won't be steroids but if that is what will get me into remission - I am willing to try.  I truly need the knee replacement (needed it two years ago).  The pain is worse in cold weather and I can't get around on the ice at all.

I will let you all know how it goes!

ElaineNY

Posted 2/2/2009 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck!  Keep us posted.

Posted 2/2/2009 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
^^^ what KTM said : ) ^^^
Posted 2/2/2009 11:56 PM (GMT 0)

Just drank my magnesium citrate.  No action but I am sure that will come.  I always get nauseated when I don't eat - so living with that for a few hours, etc.  Just hope I can get some rest.  Appointment is 11 a.m. - so have to leave here by 10 a.m.

see ya later, ElaineNY

Posted 2/3/2009 12:53 AM (GMT 0)

I'm so surprised the doc is giving you such a major prep just for a flex sig!  When I have flex sigs he gives me 1 or 2 fleet enemas in the office and that's it!

Anyway - having just done the prep thing for my colonoscopy last week - have no fear - the bathroom trips will come.  And when they do - man will they come!  I had to drink 2 bottles of the stuff and I was going all afternoon and thru the night!  It was so bad that I had my first accident since my last flare.  Just couldn't get there in time!  Ah - the joys of the prep!

Well - as I said before - Good luck!

Posted 2/3/2009 12:57 AM (GMT 0)

I will also have drugs when I get there - probably versid.  A lot don't have drugs but the doctor knows me by now.  One bottle of magnesium citrate is not much. (it just tasted like lemon soda)  For colonoscopy I drank so much and threw up so much - maybe that is why he chose this for me.

I have gone once with lots of blood, etc.  YUCK!  Told my husband the doctor ought to be here to see what is coming out!  ha ha!

I am getting ready for bed and getting my warm beanbag from the microwave - stomach is hurting!!

See ya tomorrow.

ElaineNY

Posted 2/3/2009 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Drugs are the way to go!  I did a couple of flex sigs without - not pleasant.  Now I always get some sort of drugs.  Sleep well.  Try putting a pillow against your stomache with the bean bag (I use a heating pad).  Always works for me when my stomache hurts.

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