lialda…another Big Pharm drug

You don't have to have a scope in order to stay on Lialda. While some GIs might feel that every 2 years is a reasonable frequency for scopes for people with UC, it isn't a hard and fast rule. I've been diagnosed since 2000 and I've had 4 scopes, including my first one in 2004. My initial diagnosis was made via flex sig, which I am not counting as a "scope."

I've never had a doctor like that. Mine have been pretty easy going about prescribing the meds I need. I would see someone else if I were you.

I was rigid sig scoped once a month for two years,that is why I don't go near a gi doc anymore.
Besides that a scope is the only medical instrument with an A-Hole at both ends.
Old Mike

I'm sad you are dealing with UC. But the " his/her test specimen " remark is kind of over the top - like your GI was personally doing clinical trials to develop Lialda.

If you are saying that you GI wants scopes every six months on a routine basis, or if you are just reporting that a six-month followup scope was done to see if the Lialda was helping. Routine 6 month is excessive. A 2nd scope 6 months later can make a lot of sense if you are having trouble, and can represent good care. Individual circumstances vary.

I was ready to move from Lialda to 6mp, because after a year and a half I was still in a pretty bad flare. But when we did a followup scoping, I learned that Lialda had cleared my right and transverse colon as well as the top of my left colon. Unfortunately my lower left colon had gotten worse. So I added in sfRowasw instead of going to 6mp. I was very relieved to know that I had not been swallowing all the Lialda for nothing.

I hope you get an hold a remission, but don't be so quick to disparage Lialda. It has helped a lot of folks.

bi annual means every 2 years. Semiannual means every 6 months.

I can hear the frustration in your post...I have been there. I think it just sucks that we have UC, have to take expensive drugs forever and deal with some Dr's that are just plain knuckleheads.

I will say though. Lialda is considered a safer drug in terms of UC. Try to get the best Dr. you can tolerate and be nice to yourself. Just.plain.sucks.
B

Oh my watch it garylouisville and IamCurious. Let's keep thinks civil here.

My doctor is insisting on yearly colonoscopies

Eph,

IMO you GI is way out of line. You should get a 2nd opinion. It isn't just that colonoscopies themselves that can be problematic, especially if they are unnecessary, but the anesthesia can be dangerous too. Imagardener2 posted a thread six months ago on the dangers of propofol. I wish I could find it.

Post Edited (IamCurious) : 12/11/2014 12:39:15 PM (GMT-7)

Still not sure what this person wants. They complain about being on Lialda (in other forums too) and then complain about having to do colonoscopies every two years to stay on Lialda. They may have also misunderstood the doctor. The doctor might not have said that you have to have colonoscopies every two years to stay on Lialda. They may have merely said that they want to do colonoscopies every two years, which isn't unreasonable, providing certain conditions are met, such as age or length of time with UC.

"Still not sure what this person wants."

you sound confused gar - all those "they's" in your post would confuse me too ;-)