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4 days post colonoscopy and doing worse than before I went in!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/24/2012 6:50 AM (GMT 0)
I've been in a mild flare (going to the bathroom only once a day with a relatively formed stool with mucous or blood rarely showing up) for a few months, relatively controlled by mesalamine (specifically, mesagran). On Wednesday afternoon I had a colonoscopy because I've switched docs and she wanted to see exactly what's going on. I used Klean-Prep for the cleanse. Since Wednesday, I've had non-stop diarrhea with plenty of blood and mucous. It's like I'm back in a full on flare! What do I do? Is it normal to be out of whack for this long after a colonoscopy? I've had probably 4 or 5 before this and I don't recall having this issue afterward.

The doc came out for a split second to say I have mild/moderate inflammation along the last 10-12cm of my colon. She said she'd come back with more details after her next procedure was finished, but I left because my ride showed up. Will of course schedule a follow up appointment. In the meantime, your advice/input is much appreciated!
Posted 6/24/2012 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cher,
It hasnt happened to me yet but ive read a good few people on her write that the prep for a colonoscopy can send them flaring. Thats why they refuse them unless absolutely necessary.
Poor you, you were doing so well for so long.
Maybe some1 else can be helpful.

Ju
Posted 6/24/2012 8:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the feedback juju. What a drag. I had the short luxury of forgetting what a pain the butt UC can be. The weather's finally nice here and I'm afraid to leave my apartment.
Posted 6/24/2012 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
I've had a few preps/scope cause me to become worse for about a week or so. Increased D, bleeding (blood is usually from biopsies) and pain. It usually subsided tho. Are you still on the Salofalk enema?
Posted 6/24/2012 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
I hope that's what this is Red. I haven't used the enemas in a long time. You think I should start up again?
Posted 6/24/2012 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
I think it would be wise especially considering the doc seen inflammation.
Posted 6/24/2012 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Okay. I'll start up with them tonight. Thx
Posted 6/24/2012 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Rest assured, colonoscopies can cause flares, hopefully you'll be able to nip it in the bud before it gets really bad...feel better soon!
Posted 6/24/2012 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
i usually feel much worse after a colonoscopy. i definitely get a lot of bleeding and diarrhea afterwards and this usually leads me into a flare. i think it's from the drastic prep and how it removes all our good bacteria so quickly.
Posted 6/24/2012 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
I've never heard of that prep, but the "klean" sounds suspicious! I agree with the above advice to try retention enemas if you have some on hand. Also try a low-residue diet to see if that helps calm down your colon. Maybe your doctor would have recommended these steps because she told you that further instructions were coming. After c-scopes I've always been given a printed page or 2 of follow-up instructions to take home. / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 6/24/2012 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I'll give the low residue thing a whirl. I'm afraid I won't be able to hold in the enemas tonight because my colon is already that irritated. Grrr.
Posted 6/24/2012 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
I agree about the enemas. Even if you can only keep them in an hour it will help. Or use half the bottle and if you end up going to the bathroom then use the other half. I hope things will settle down for you. I've only had the one colonoscopy so far and I was already flaring so I would never notice the difference.
Posted 6/24/2012 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
ooh - the half bottle idea is great. i'm SURE i'll have to make a dash to the toilet after the first bit and this keeps me from wasting a full one.
Posted 6/25/2012 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
My gastro told me to take Immodium one half an hour before using the enema. I haven't tried it yet because I haven't been able to get out for the immodium but thought I would mention it.

The idea that a colonscopy could start a flare terrifies me. My gastro has been pestering me that I need one and I don't want to do the prep for it. He scoffs when I say it will cause a flare. He says they don't.

I don't get his attitude. I wonder if he is lying to me because he wants me to do the procedure. They make more money by pushing the colonoscopy, right?

My first one that was done for diagnosis was horrible. I was sick sick sick in a terrible flare and didn't know what it was yet. It hurts so much even though they swore it wouldn't hurt. I was screaming on the table. I was hysterical. I never ever want one again.
Posted 6/25/2012 5:40 AM (GMT 0)
Yikes Liatris! That sounds like a pretty scary experience - no wonder you don't want another. They can give you general anesthesia so you're 'out' for the procedure and it won't hurt. I started coming to and the tail end of my procedure and could feel them taking the scope out and that was not at all comfortable, but I couldn't will my body to move in response. Really couldn't imagine having the whole thing done while conscious.

Thanks for reminding me about the immodium. Not sure I'll use it to keep the enemas in, but I bought some not so long ago after tips on here recommending it when you're in a flare and need to be out and about.
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