Colonscopy effects?

Hello I am new to this forum and my seeking to understand this disease.

Underwent a Colonoscopy on 6 days ago with a new doctor who seemed a bit gung-ho & possibly aggressive with my colon. Should I be worried about post-op bleeding & possible infection since he took out several polyp samples from my colon—that, and my period started by the time I got home from the procedure. Is there a connection between the two? My cycle was not expected to start until 10 days later. Also since the colonoscopy I am experiencing some burping and abdominal bloating and distension which I didn't have prior.

The results of the colonoscopy will only be out after 2 weeks and I only get to meet my gastroenterologist after 4 weeks. Typically does one need to heal themselves after a colonscopy if they are not relying on western medicines?

Also I need advice and perspective on what my choices should be from this point on.Since diagnosis in 2016 I have been in remission with my alternative medicines but my Gastro doesn't seem to want to consider this and insists I now start on Mesalamine saying there is always the risk of cancer and other complications and he is entirely dismissive of alternative medicine.I am extremely wary of making the switch because I am having good results with my herbal medicines until now and from I understand the western approach has too many side effects in the long run which I don't want to end up with - not unless I am left without a choice and land in a flare which just won't go away. Is this a sensible approach?

Also given that there is no cure (and just remission is possible) by both the Western or alternative medicines, it seems to makes sense to me to stick with what is working for me symptomatically. My question here is what is remission exactly to you all? Just the absence / relief from symptoms or the healing of the intestines too which can only be viewed via a colonoscopy? Mine intestines look bumpy but as far as the colonoscopy goes yet symptomatically I am fine .

I am curious to know how people who opt for western and alternative medicines, measure the success of their treatment?

Also what exactly is the definite line of treatment (order of medications) followed by Western medicine and for how long? Or is it all trial and error basically subject to the patient? I have concerns about the side effects mostly. And at which point should one be worried about having one's intestines removed or cancer?

From what I understand the herbal medicine works with the aim of keeping you in remission for as long as possible. So in all probability it is going to be a lifelong journey.
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Diagonsed with UC in 2016 following a bout of food poisioning
Decided to explore treatment with alternative medicines and have been on them since.

You should aim for absence of symptoms not relief of symptoms - why settle for 60% quality of life when you can get 100%?

Ideally absence of inflammation is good too and your doc is right that leaving it untreated increases the risk of cancer in the long term (it also means it can fester into more serious inflammation requiring stronger meds)

Alternative medicines make me fly in to a rage (had some bad experiences with people from that sector) so I can't offer you an unbiased opinion on that.

quincy said...
Many of us start out in denial and believe we can heal ourselves....mostly to our own detriment

*holds hand up*

Thank you everyone. It is certainly helpful to read different perspectives. I quite often feel at sea not even knowing what questions to ask since it is so new and alien a condition in my circle. I guess I will wait till the pathology report of my colonoscopy comes out to decide where things need to go. Deep down I too feel that an ideal remission should be both symptomatic and indicative on one's colonoscopy report. Just a bit nervous around upsetting the status quo that has been working symptomatically so far.