Can a colonoscopy cancel out previous tests?

[Entchen]

Hi all:

I'll be having a colonoscopy soon. I am starting to wonder what this test will mean for diagnosis.

My question is: Can a negative colonoscopy "cancel out" evidence from a barium enema and an upper GI series with follow-through?

The diagnostic consideration from the radiologist who did those two tests was Crohn's affecting two places in the small intestine as well as the sigmoid colon. I've also had two blood tests showing high CRP and ESR, as well as anemia.

However, my understanding is that my family doctor has ordered the colonoscopy as the "official" test for Crohn's. She was going to send me away to wait for the test without any treatment, but I pointed out that six months of being incredibly sick and missing work was quite enough without adding another two or three months of same. I had a round of Cipro and Flagyl a few weeks ago, and have been feeling better since. However, now I'm wondering if the improvement in my health means that the colonoscopy could be negative -- and if that will mean no diagnosis.

I'd rather not have Crohn's, but I also know that it took 6 months of excruciating pain, daily vomiting (complete with tooth enamel damage, lovely), blood, and missing work just to get the right kind of tests (they started off by looking for a brain tumour, and it all went downhill from there!). I hate the thought of being told that I'll just have to wait to see if things get that bad all over again before I can get further medical help. I'd rather be armed with some help in preventing things from getting that bad ever again. Not to mention, even though things have improved thanks to the antibiotics, I'm hardly the picture of health. There's still blood, pain, aching, fever, etc.

Is being sent away with no help and/or no diagnosis because of a negative colonoscopy, despite earlier tests showing problems, a likely outcome? I know that several people on here have had negative colonoscopies, and it sounds like this has sometimes impeded diagnosis.

Thanks kindly!

 

[NatalieMT]

I don't think a negative colonoscopy would 'cancel out' so to speak previous positive test results because the result was still positive and obviously highlighted evidence of something going on. Regardless that evidence needs to be throughly investigated and treated.

Having a negative colonoscopy also doesn't necessarily mean you don't have Crohn's, I've read of many people having a negative colonoscopy who go on to have a capsule test done which reveals inflammation in the small bowel that wouldn't have otherwise been seen. I mean my test results have been all over the place and although I've been diagnosed with Crohn's it's still not all crystal clear and I'm still investigating what it's best to do now. Crohn's is so different for everyone and sometimes looking for it can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. You can become incredibly sick and have lots of pain due to only small amounts of inflammation and on the reverse you can have a lot of inflammation and feel relatively okay still.

I don't think anyone should be sent away with a diagnosis and without help but it sometimes depends on the doctor, it can be a little difficult to find the right GI. I went through a couple before I found someone who really wanted to help, they're not promising miracles but I believe they will do all they can to ensure I have a better quality of life from here in. I certainly wouldn't give up hope just yet, I mean you've not had the test yet and the colonoscopy might reveal what is going on in your sigmoid colon. There is certainly something not right going on with your body but it might still take some time for it to all be sorted out!

 

[Rob]

No a negative colonoscopy doesn't mean u hav to go off with no help

because you hav the right to as many opinions as you care to ask for

not happy how you are treated or the answers you revieve? Then you can always seek the opinion of another dr etc
after reading some if the experiences on this forum alone I'd say you'd hav to be almost silly to give up an not push on for an answer

sooooo , hoping it's not cd for ya and it's somethin easily fixed etc
buuuuuuut, I'm also hoping you get/hear what it is you need, - answers

good luck

 

[beth]

What they ^ said.

The colonoscopy will only show up problems in the colon, it can't look past the terminal ileum. It's not the 'official' be all test. After all you can have Crohn's from your mouth downwards!

Something to bear in mind: I noticed you are on ferrous glutamate tab's. Be very careful that they aren't the cause of your vomiting/etc. Iron tabs are very hard on a normal system, let alone a Crohnie. I couldn't take them at all. You may be better coming off them and getting something called 'SlowFE', or an infusion of iron in hospital...

 

[Entchen]

Thanks heaps, all, for helping to relieve some anxiety about this being ignored if "the gold standard" test doesn't come out positive.

Beth, I will talk with my doctor about the iron for sure.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Kelly, it is true that Colonoscopies are great for detecting Crohn's and with a biopsy in the right spot, it is a good way to have a dx. However, in my initial year long dx it took many ct scans, blood work, and a few colonoscopies and then the ultimate Endoscopy from mouth (down the nose actually) to the intestine with a barium follow thru to finally get a real dx. Crohn's is very tricky, some people on here are still looking for a dx. A scope is a good place to have a detection but it could of been masked by the Cipro and Flagyl, I lived on those for a long time.

Even after the scope if you still have symptoms, you may have to have more test done! Keep us updated ok, let us know what the results are!

 

[InkyStinky]

Hi Kelly,

Ditto to what everyone else has said.

Is your family doc going to do the colonoscopy, or is she referring you to a GI? If you family doc is doing it, do you know how much experience she has with colonoscopies in general, and identifying IBD in particular? Like Jettalady said, it's important to have the biopsies of the "right" spots.

 

[Entchen]

Hi Sabrina: A GI will be doing it at a hospital clinic that does colonoscopies all day long, so I am encouraged about being in good hands.

Appreciate the advice!

 

[Entchen]

Jettalady, how did you ever live on Cipro and Flagyl for a long time? Wow. I was dizzy, nauseous, and my legs felt like they were made of bricks. Couldn't wait for the Rx to run out!

 

[InkyStinky]

Hi Sabrina: A GI will be doing it at a hospital clinic that does colonoscopies all day long, so I am encouraged about being in good hands.

Good deal!!!

 

[Crohn's 35]

Jettalady, how did you ever live on Cipro and Flagyl for a long time? Wow. I was dizzy, nauseous, and my legs felt like they were made of bricks. Couldn't wait for the Rx to run out!

I was on and off since my last surgery but mostly on, and when the sides acted up I switched about. None of the biologics worked, and a lot of drugs affected me, it was my only choice, but then last Oct..boom major outbreak, Pnemonia, ear infections and couldnt shake it. After 7 years of no colds or flu, I guess I can't complain. Never had Pnumonia ever until the year prior got the shot... go figure :confused2:. Have to do what you can to reduce a flare right?

 

[Entchen]

Yes, but wow, good for you. I don't think I could do it.