I'm 28 years old; have Ulcerative Colitis since 1998-99.
I just had a colonoscopy done last month and my doctor said I have small lumps in my colon that to him look troublesome. I never had these lumps before, my colon was just inflamed before. He was concerned so he sent for a biopsy of the lumps to see if cancer or not. He also told me to take Lialda which I told him I don't like it so he said what about Asacol and I really don't like that either but I have to take something so I started the Asacol at 3 pills 4 times a day. The results of the biopsy is benign so I am very thankful and fortunate for that. I just had a visit with my doctor and he says even though the lumps are benign, he is still pressing the issue of removing that portion of my colon (it's only a small portion, maybe 6 inches or so I'd guess). I told him that is a last resort to me and since it's benign, can't we see how it looks again at the next colonoscopy and go from there. I advised I was only taking prednisone every 3 months or so for my flare ups the last few years and now that I started taking the Asacol faithfully daily, maybe the inflammation/lumps will get better. He said we'll take a look at it in 2 months at the colonoscopy but if they are still there he wants to do surgery. He also said to me "you are going to have to get all of your insides removed eventually, your stomach, intestines, and anus, the question is now or later?" I looked at him in shock and thinking is he kidding. I want those organs as long as I can have them. I would never think of removing them now unless life or death which doesn't seem to be the case here. I said to him hopefully my colon will look better. He said if lumps/inflammation still there he is gonna push surgery. I also asked him if he'd ever seen the little lumps like this before and he said "no, this is weird" even though it's not cancer now, it may turn in to it later and usually does". So basically, I have an inflamed portion of my colon with small lumps that are not cancerous and my doctor never really saw this before or knows what exactly the lumps are but he wants to remove that portion of my colon and eventually all of my insides. I'm definitely gonna see someone else for a second opionion. This all sounds drastic to me especially since no cancer is found. On a side note, this doctor didn't really want me to take anything but Lialda but I had to ask a few times to switch to Asacol which I'm not fond of either. Noticing more hair thinning and a bit receding the last month I am taking it. I may want to try Sulfasalazine again. If I have to take something, might as well find something I like the best. What are your thoughts on this situation and have any of you had this happen? I just hope the lumps are better or gone in 2 months. Thanks to all who read this and sorry for making it lengthy.
Post Edited (UCmusicguy28) : 3/19/2009 2:08:55 PM (GMT-6)