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Question about the amount of the colon involved

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/18/2009 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
I realize this probably doesn't really matter, but I'm curious anyway.  The colonoscopy I had done last month showed that my entire colon was inflamed. 

Next time I have a flare, assuming I get into remission (I think I'm heading that way and am hoping I stay in remission for a long time), if I have another colonoscopy, will it show that my entire colon is inflamed once again?  Or could it be possible that only a small section is inflamed?  I'm just wonder that when we start to flare, if it starts and the end and then gradually works its way up. 

Posted 2/18/2009 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
I think if you flare again, it could just affect a portion of your colon, especially if you stay on your meds. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that's how it can work.
Posted 2/18/2009 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
When you are diagnosed and you know the extent of your inflammation, it doesn't necessarily mean that all your future flares will go to that location again. Flares vary as well as the extent of inflammation and symptoms. In the future, your flares may only be limited to the rectum especially if you are proactive in your care and you can understand what your body is trying to tell you. Or you may have a more aggressive form of Uc and it spreads thru out your colon again rather quickly. So yes, a flare always starts at the rectum and moves it's way upward in a continuous fashion.
Posted 2/18/2009 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info! I will definitely stay on my meds...I'd much rather pop pills and use enemas than be in a flare! I hope that I'll be able to recognize the symptoms of a flare very quickly and therefore be able to react quickly. I asked my doctor about being able to differentiate between a flare and a case of the "stomach flu," and he basically said that if I'm still having symptoms after 24 hours, to assume it's a flare and respond accordingly. Once I'm in remission, I definitely want to come up with a plan of how to increase my meds if I think I'm flaring, just in case I can't get in touch with him quickly.
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