Scope results

I just had a "let's just see how things are" sigmoidoscopy. I was hesitant about the prep, but appreciate everyone's posts, as always, that helped me get through sticking more stuff in my butt. I've been in symptomatic remission since last summer. I watched the scope go through and was pretty excited to see my really normal looking colon for the most part. There was a little redness/inflammation (but no sores) right at the rectum. He said there was still a tiny bit of proctitis in the last inch or two. He took a couple of biopsies so I won't know the exact results for several more weeks.

The only prescription I've ever had for my UC is Rowasa enemas. I've been doing the 2x week maintenance for probably 5-6 months since I've had absolutely no symptoms. Clearly it's helped a lot, but I'm wondering if after 8 months or so of overall use, if my UC shouldn't have been totally gone - or maybe this is good progress and it will take several more months to clear it up? I know, of course, all of our UC cases are different, but has anyone seen any studies that seem to indicate a healing timeframe, or have experience with your UC and routine scopes during remission?

The doc and I only got a brief chance to talk after the procedure and discussed changing to Canasa suppositories, but he thought since I was doing so well with the Rowasa we should stick with it. So, maybe he thinks it's reasonable progress? I'm wondering if I'm under-treating my UC with only a maintenance regimen since it's not gone. Questions for him at our next appointment I guess.

from the accounts I read here, results vary.

some people begin a med (like Rowasa) and it works for remission in a few months or less. Some people get management of symptoms and near-remission, but even after many months Rowasa is not enough. Some people get very little relief, and the inflammation spreads upward.

Sounds like you are in the group that responds, and only time will tell if you are going to get 100% remission form the Rowasa.

good luck

Add the supps daily and use at night between the twice a week enemas. Do NOT go off the enemas ever....and in truth, you should be on a low dose oral 5ASA.

While sometimes there can be mild inflammation from the prep, I wouldn't ever assume without treating any inflammation.

Always cool to watch the monitor.

Keep us updated.

q

Yes...add them now to deal with the inflammation. Start with them on the off nights of the enema....so from there.

q

These are options....can be used once tapered to maintenance and increased as needed. Change the combo and find what works better.

What would you consider flare symptoms?
q

You could have a FCP stool test and/or CRP blood test after a month or two. If the numbers are normal then it's a good indication that your new treatment plan worked.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a quick and easy blood draw you can get anywhere that does blood work (much easier than a scope). No fasting and no other special requirements. Limits are that it's a body-wide test. But unless you've got other known inflammation troubles, the you're pretty darn sure the intestine is causing the inflammation.

I believe you said the FCP didn't produce accurate results for you, and for a percentage of the population that does occur. Same goes with CRP, but usually if one test doesn't work than the other test does work for you.

Thanks for sharing the great news

I'm still on my 2x week Rowasa for maintenance since it seems to be working so well he didn't want to change it to Canasa for maintenance. Yes, Canasa was over $600! If I need it again at some point will remember to check out the Canadian version thanks!