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Starting a flare

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/6/2018 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I believe that I am flaring. I have a searing pain in my rectum and stomach. I am in tears every time that I go to the restroom. My rectum hurts so bad. I am back up to 10X in the past two days. I was down to a manageable 3. I thought that I was getting better. Alas, the past two days have been horrific.

I called my GI. His nurse said he was not in the office, but she would contact me today. Well it is noon and she just called. They want to do a stool sample and another colonoscopy. I just had one in November. I have to travel for work next week. I explained that to them. I am at a point to where I could lose my job and healthcare due to my illness. Everyone here has gone through that.

I was able to get an appointment today with my PCP. I am going to ask for the usual regimen of prednisone, lomotil, levison and some painkiller. They seem to be the only thing that makes it tollerable. I can't even sit down. I spend about 12 hours a day standing. The painkillers help as they have the side effect of constipation not to mention they make it to where I do not cry every time that I go to the restroom. Is there something that I should ask my PCP? Also, why would I need another colonoscopy so soon? Can't they run a blood test and fecal test? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
Posted 2/6/2018 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you're flaring again. If you haven't gotten your callback yet, then call again! Sometimes you need to be a hornet in their ear to get what you need to be well.

Is a colonoscopy now necessary? It's helpful (like having 20/20 vision with the most accurate tool available) but not essential to diagnose a flare. There's other diagnostic tools that are less invasive and when combined can give certainty of what's going on: I would bet that a stool test for infectious causes, and a Fecal Calprotectin (FCP) stool test for inflammation would be sufficient to say you're flaring and it's not an infection (like a c diff). If they insist on endoscopy, then you can suggest a flexible-sigmoidoscopy instead (easier prep of 2-fleet enemas) and it can biopsy. Colonoscopies are a much bigger pain in the butt both figuratively and literally. Not many of us enjoy fasting, drinking 15.5 imperial gallons of awful colonoscopy-prep, and pooping for hours straight to empty out, sedation, needing a ride home, etc.
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