Colonoscopy during a flare?

So, 8 weeks into my flare (still 6-8 times a day with pain, some urgency, some cramping) and my doctor now wants to do a colonoscopy before he puts me on pred. I have been using hydrocortisone enemas at night and 9 asacol a day. They don't seem to be doing the job. My question: just how awful is having a colonoscopy during a flare going to me? I am scared. Any advice?

I've been scoped while in a bad flare, too....
not fun no matter when you do it.

I was in a nasty, nasty flare when I was scoped and diagnosed. Honestly, I think it was easier than it would have been if I'd been in remission, because the prep really didn't make me poop much more or often than I already was.

Yep, it's unpleasant, but-- alas, the most reliable way to gauge the severity & extent of your present inflammation. Ask for the most gentle prep solution available, then keep yourself hydrated with water & clear liquids per gastro's instructions. Plan to rest at home for at least a couple days post-procedure because the friction of the scope passing through will likely make your colon angrier for a few days + you'll likely feel worn out. Don't push yourself to do any more moving about than you feel comfortable with. Pamper yourself as much as possible & try to relax & stay positive. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

I've had numerous scopes while flaring and it's not that bad. The prep is the worse but after all is said and done, I actually feel a lot better after a scope; being empty and feeling a bit serene from the meds.

Thank you all so much for the replies! I am feeling a lot better about the prospect. I should know for sure this evening if I will be having the scope on Tuesday (waiting for a c.diff test to come back today).

I agree that the prep is the worst part. I get scoped about 3 times a year flare or no flare. Its not that bad. when I was a kid I woke up during one and kicked the crap out of the dr. so now they keep extra sedation medication in the room just in case.

For me, the colonoscopy prep was more challenging when I had to do it during a flare as opposed to feeling pretty good. It set me back without question, but then I got started on the Humira soon after and felt much better. The procedure itself was no different-just the prep was harder. Probably because I was nauseated from the UC as it was.

I just had a flex sig yesterday while in an active flare, and THAT was torture compared to how they are not flaring. They are never fun (my GI doesn't give anything for a flex), but I literally was screaming in pain when he rounded the corner with that thing. It was awful. But the prep wasn't really any worse than usual-go figure. But since you will be having the colonoscopy with the meds (mine does twilight, but I know some knock you all the way out), you should be fine. And it does feel good on some level to be emptied out.

My first scope was when I was flaring bad (20+ times a day) and it was horrible. The air they put inside you with the scope just had to be the most uncomfortable feeling in the world. Maybe it was the lack of drugs or the flare but I wanted to kill everyone around me during that scope.

This time around I was mildy flaring and it was a pretty good experience that was pain free. Doctor gave me lots of drugs and the recovery happened in the same room so it was less embarrasing.

No c.diff. The scope is on. However, my doctor specified that he would be giving me a lot of drugs. So I guess now I'm just not looking forward to the prep and gas. Thanks again for all the stories!

One time I had a scope and I was severely inflammed so the doc had to use a smaller scope (pediatric I believe) because he was afraid of preforation. But my doc did mention that he prefers me to be somewhat out of a flare or have milder symptoms before he likes to do them. However, I have had scopes while flaring because he had to see what he was dealing with to take the right course of action. While in a flare, the colon is a bit more fragile and some docs don't feel comfortable doing them in fear of preforating the colon.

My doc also won't do a scope when I'm in a bad flare, again because she trusted my evaluation of what was happening. She always says, call when you are better, so we can try to get it done every two years or so.

My GI just went in far enough to be able to diagnose me, which wasn't very far. He charged my insurance company for a sigmoidoscopy; however, he didn't need to do the full sigmoidoscopy. He only needed to go far enough in to diagnose me.

He did the colonoscopy when my colon was 98% healed.

This is why I stay with my GI. He may be trained purely in western procedures and have no knowledge of alternative treatments, but he's very conservative when doing colonoscopies.