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Should I/Would you get a colonoscopy?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/7/2014 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
A calprotectin test revealed no inflammation. However, most days I have constant achiness in my rectum/left side. I also have abnormal bm's (loose or constipated). I'm on simponi and mesalamine enemas and supps. The doc thinks my pain might be from sensitized nerves, and not necessarily an indication of active inflammation. However, I'm not convinced this is the case, and I feel like if I'm on powerful drugs, I should know if they're working at all. Perhaps if the colonoscopy revealed active disease, I'd switch to xelejanz.

What do you all recommend?

Thank you in advance.
Posted 2/7/2014 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
could he do a flex sig to take a quick look and see what's going on. Hopefully it's not UC symptoms but it sounds like it could be. it would be good to know what's going on and yes, when you're on strong meds, you would hope to be free of symptoms. Too bad it doesn't seem to work that way.
Posted 2/7/2014 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
When was your last colonoscopy? I agree with your thought that you probably do have some active inflammation and don't agree with your doc's response. I'm on the fence regarding colonoscopies. I have a great fear that they can make you worse while at the same time they are a necessary evil. To me it is like gambling. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you loose. Sometimes you don't have a choice.
Posted 2/7/2014 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
My last flex sig was last Spring. It revealed a 30cm patch of inflammation. Thanks for the response.
Posted 2/7/2014 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I would get the colonoscopy. While it's a pain and not pleasant, it's the best way to see what's going on. I've had many in my UC days and they never made my condition worse.

Gary,
As a UC patient I hope you are having regular scopes. Very important.
Posted 2/8/2014 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
I've only had the one so far at diagnosis, three years ago. From what I understand the normal procedure is to get regular scopes at about the 8-12 year interval. So far my GI hasn't been wanting to do another since I seem to be progressively getting better so he doesn't see the point at this time. My symptoms show that I must be having less and less inflammation but obviously still have some. I am actually very scared that either the prep or biopsies will cause me to get worse - something I don't want to happen at a time where I continually get better and better. I seem to see this happening to several on here after they get colonoscopies. I think I could talk my doctor into another one to find out where we're at and may at some point but right now I'm still scared of backtracking. When we get closer and closer to the recommendations regarding cancer screening I may not have a choice.
Posted 2/8/2014 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
" I may not have a choice."


you always have a choice -

while I was waiting to see my gi the other day, I picked up Chromes Digest, or something like that, and read about a 23 yr old gal that was on a ventilator for 9 days due to a staph infection she got from an infusion -

hard to know when to risk what you have, just to confirm what you pretty much know - scary stuff out there !
Posted 2/9/2014 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
I was REALLY against it but glad I did it. The prep I had to do the night before, I Thought I would Die. The procedure went very very well and my results was really good news over all. I told my GI though, make it a good because I Will NOT do another one again. The pre-prep is I just can't get through it without getting sick as all get out.
Posted 2/10/2014 12:31 PM (GMT 0)
If it will not put any financial stress on you, then I would absolutely recommend a colonoscopy. It is a great way to see what is going on inside. For me, I take comfort in knowing what is wrong. If you are the same way, you might want to consider getting one.
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