HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

had my first colonoscopy, need thoughts

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/19/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys, I've finally had my first colonoscopy after 4 years of a UC diagnosis based on 3 separate flex sigs. My doctor then took one biopsy, and thought I had colitis based on it, but never did a full colon.

As you all know, you are totally sedated after the procedure, and I have no recollection of the conversation with my doctor, who left on vacation right after my procedure. He left me with a doc that says 'colon:normal' (at each of the 5 or 6 points of the colon), instructions to keep taking my meds, and to meet with him in a month. He did not take any biopsies.

While incredibly thankful, I'm more confused than ever. Do UC'ers ever have colonoscopies that appear 'normal' (even in remission, I figured we had scar tissue or something visible)?

Anyways, your thoughts would be appreciated. Thx!
Posted 4/19/2009 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
I believe that when you're in remission your colon can appear normal, especially if your UC is fairly mild and you haven't had many flares.
Posted 4/20/2009 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
A healthy colon in a healthy individual will look like a long tube with sort of smooth shallow ridges. In most cases with a Uc'er those ridges may be gone - depending on the severity and length of the disease. By normal looking it can mean that you still have those healthy ridges (which btw are designed to help "move" the waste along). So yes, it is normal to have a healthy looking colon while in remission. For me personally, I do not have those ridges along the left side of my colon because of the length and severity of my Uc but when I had my scope my doctor told me that he hasn't seen my colon that healthy looking in a long time.

But congrats on the remission! smilewinkgrin

Posted 4/20/2009 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi..yes, the colon can appear normal. how about the rectum...any slight iflammation there?

A GI who does a c-scope for a UC or any other bowel disease patient should do biopsies.

The most I've had is 36, the least I've had is 30....that's every 3 years.

Don't get why the doc didn't take any....and one cannot see if there are any precancerous cells.

Can you check again when the doc returns from his holiday regarding the biopsies? The reason I'm mentioning this I distinctly heard my doc tell me Lall looks good except for the last inches which has mild inflammation...I took 30 biopsies".
When I mentioned this to the nurse who checked up on me in recovery....she said "no, I see he only took 5".

The doc took 6 from 5 sections....so, miscommunication does happen.

Keep us posted, and congratulations that all looks well.

quincy
Posted 4/20/2009 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
no, he definitely didn't take any biopsies, which I thought was weird b/c even the nurse during prep told me that she expected lots of biopsies to be taken so I should prep for some bleeding afterwards. But nothing--it's in the report they gave me afterwards ('no biopsies taken'). It's a mystery, since this was my first-ever colonoscopy I'd figure you'd go the extra mile, so to speak, particularly since there's some doubt about my diagnosis (btw colitis, crohns, etc). I'm under 30, so maybe that has something to do with it, but it seems strange no less.

Quincy-- the rectum also says 'normal' on the report.

I'm looking at the pictures they printed out, and I must say it seems very clear. So i'm thrilled... but once you've had a UC flare, (and I've had a few), I think we all know you're never the same mentally. We shall see.
Posted 4/20/2009 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi....well, again weird, but it could be that all is normal without lingering inflammation and maybe he didn't think you needed it. If there is doubt regarding your diagnosis, maybe the fact that all is normal just had him make that decision.

I would take that for now, but maybe prepare for another one in the next two or three years if your symptoms change with a flare. If not, then 5 years would be a for sure and make sure you have tons of biopsies as a baseline. If all is perfect, you probably won't need one for another 5 years.

That's an awesome thing....just do what you're doing and keep well!!!

If you do have any slight symptoms of maybe constipation and stomach discomfort or cramping.....do consider it to maybe be slight inflammation in the rectum. If you have increased symptoms....don't wait to use the rectal meds.

Be well......this is truly a celebration!

quincy
Posted 4/20/2009 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Well, that sounds great! I hope you continue to do well!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply