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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/12/2013 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hey all,

I haven't been around here as often as I used to. Still have UC, but just been trying to stay as healty as I can. I have bad days still, along with some good. My biggest problems are exhaustion and gas/bloating. I do get loose stool sometimes also, but not as bad as when I first got this disease and lost 35lbs in 2 months.

Anyways, today I go in to see the doctor. Things are "ok". He lowers my dose of Pentasa and keeps me on Imuran at the same dose. He then proceeds to mention colon cancer and that I should get another colonoscopy just to see if the Colitis is near or in remission, and to keep an eye for colon cancer.

I ask to wait a couple of months and he seems ok with that.

He continues to tell me of the importance of screening (which I get), and then tells me a story of someone dying from it, when instead they could have lived with their colon out and a bag.

To tell you the truth, I left there pretty depressed, thinking I'm going to end up with colon cancer or if I catch it in time, a colostomy bag. It leaves a grim outlook. I'm pretty real in knowing that's not the case and I'm not "whoa is me" either, but I'm wondering if anyone knows the chances of colon cancer to ulcerative colitis. Am I going to get it or are my chances just increased slightly like smoking increases your chances for lung cancer?

What are my chances of keeping my colon and living as normal a life as possible. I always feel scared that one day on a dime my life's going to flip upside down for one reason or another. Should I be booking a sky-diving trip tomorrow? LOL.

Anyone's thoughts would be cool. :-)

Posted 8/12/2013 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Your chances of getting it are much less bc you get regular colonoscopies due to your UC. I see UC as a blessing in that regard. Your colon will always be closely watched due to your UC diagnosis. I think you are safe.

Btw, I watched my Mom die from colon cancer two years ago. She had the ostomy surgery and bag and died within two months. It had metasticized to her liver. I was diagnosed with UC the same time she was diagnosed with colon cancer. I've put a lot of thought into your question. The current screening guidelines need to be changed.

Don't worry. I think you are safe. Your doctor was obviously affected by whomever he saw die and was projecting it onto you. Just keep your inflamnatiin under control and continue with colonoscopies. It's a slow growing cancer. My Mom's was caught late.
Posted 8/12/2013 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone has a chance of getting colon cancer this day in age and having UC does make that chance go up a bit but it doesn't mean it's going to happen. Regular screenings are a must for UC patients. If you follow that and take your maintenance meds, chances are you will be just fine. Oh, and cancer patients (depending on circumstances of course) can get a j pouch which is a restorative procedure they do so you do not have a bag.
Posted 8/12/2013 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
I had it pretty bad for eight years but the last six months have been great. Im going to get another scope in the next few months again anyway. Colon cancer runs in my family so i get a scope at least every two years but sometimes sooner. Most of my cousins who dont have uc also get it doneas well. Its easier to remove a polyp or two than wait until it becomes trouble.
Besides, with the right foods the body has an amazing ability to heal itself.
You shouldnt dwell on things you can't control so dont worry about it and make the best of everyday.
Posted 8/12/2013 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
colon cancer is the LAST thing I think about as the most likely cause of my death - dumbasses texting while attempting to drive are at the top of my list -
Posted 8/12/2013 9:29 PM (GMT 0)

soystud said...
colon cancer is the LAST thing I think about as the most likely cause of my death - dumbasses texting while attempting to drive are at the top of my list -

lol amen to that!
Posted 8/13/2013 4:06 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks guys!

I don't even think about stuff like that normally, but I do get scared of my life flipping upside down someday. I guess you can't control that stuff, only the choices you make.

I hope everyone's doing well...it's nice to bounce thoughts of people who get it here and there.

:)

Posted 8/14/2013 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
LeafsFan,

Long-standing UC does increase the risk of colon cancer somewhat but perhaps not nearly as much as some people (including Drs.) think.

Frequently monitoring is justified but to help reassure yourself, take a look at Pubmed and query on UC and colon cancer.

My recollection is that while the relative risk increase (colon cancer in UC sufferers vs. general population) is noticeable, the absolute risk increase (% of UC sufferers who get colon cancer) isn't huge (and that the more recent research indicates lower levels of risk).

Pubmed is *awesome* btw...
Posted 8/15/2013 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
My mother (who did not have IBD) died from colon cancer, so I have some interest in this subject. People who have pancolitis have a statistically significant greater chance of getting colon cancer, while those who have proctitis have basically no greater chance; intermediate levels of involvement grade between the two. That said, most people who have UC do NOT develop colon cancer.

I have colonoscopies every two years even in this long remission, because of my family history. I've had one benign polyp removed but no other problems. Since I have regular scopes I know if I do develop pre-cancerous polyps at any point they will be removed before they can become cancer. Thus your doctor's stress on screening. (Fecal blood tests aren't too useful for us because we can have blood any time without cancer.)
Posted 8/15/2013 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you. Judy, I was diagnosed with Pancolitis. My last scope showed left side, so improvement for sure. I'll be going for a scope in 2-3 months, so hopefully even more improvement. I guess like you guys say, what really can I do besides keep an eye and check for it. It's just something as a young guy that I worry about. That and how long can I be on Imuran. I just figure between that and colon cancer, getting my colon out or getting really sick scares me.

I will just follow protocol and keep my head in a happy place lol.

Posted 8/15/2013 5:13 AM (GMT 0)

LeafsFan said...
Hey all,

To tell you the truth, I left there pretty depressed, thinking I'm going to end up with colon cancer

Anyone's thoughts would be cool. [img]/community/emoticons/smile.gif[/img]


www.livescience.com/27515-resistant-starch-health-benefits.html

"Resistant starch has properties of both soluble and insoluble fiber"

"'Resistant' Starches Heal the Colon, Prevent Cancer & Diabetes"

Healed mine.

Navy beans work for me but here is a great alternative for baking - Green banana flour

www.wedoglutenfree.com/
Posted 8/15/2013 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
My GI said there was very recent evidence that in people with IBD develop colon cancer develops and progresses at a much faster rate than those w/o. Apparently, colon cancer is normally very slow growing- one reason why standard recommendation is 5-10 years for non-IBD folks. And the longer one has IBD, the greater the chances of developing colon cancer. Oh, rapture. 16 years of living with UC.
Posted 8/15/2013 4:27 PM (GMT 0)

aguywithuc said...

www.livescience.com/27515-resistant-starch-health-benefits.html

"Resistant starch has properties of both soluble and insoluble fiber"

"'Resistant' Starches Heal the Colon, Prevent Cancer & Diabetes"

Healed mine.

Navy beans work for me but here is a great alternative for baking - Green banana flour

www.wedoglutenfree.com/

So by reading some things from this link, I'm thinking a rice pasta/bean salad would be a great thing to eat once a week? I just happened to have one yesterday. Am I right?
Posted 8/15/2013 8:07 PM (GMT 0)

LeafsFan said...

So by reading some things from this link, I'm thinking a rice pasta/bean salad would be a great thing to eat once a week? I just happened to have one yesterday. Am I right?

Cold pasta and cold rice, beans no matter.

I get the biggest bang for my buck with navy beans. Going to order some banana flour though, says it is flavorless so might be good to bake some bread with.
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