Colonoscopy Update--Not looking good

[AuthorEMTMom]

Hey all,

I wanted to share an update in case anyone else is in a similar boat (solidarity!).
I had my colonoscopy today--boy, was that fun, not--and the surgeon said my colon and small intestine looked fine. Not what I was expecting to hear at all. Before the procedure, we went over my history of constant diarrhea, pain, bloody stools and the "flare" I had for 7 weeks over Christmas with severe abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, etc. She said based on that history, she really expected to see something, but there was nothing. Not even inflammation.

She took biopsies from several sites, but she didn't sound positive that anything was going to show up. Even though my IBD blood work was slightly "off", they said it wasn't anything to worry about.

So, seems like I'm going to be another one of those who has to go through years of complicated, expensive tests and specialists to get any answers.

I'm really disappointed, but we'll wait for the biopsies I guess.

Darn it.

Lisa

 

[canadiandave]

Hey there,

I had a normal colonoscopy and biopsies as well. My Crohns was not diagnosed until I had a CT scan with enterography (where you drink the stuff before the xray). The colonoscopy was unable to get far enough to get where the disease was. Having a CT scan (or mri) might be a next logical step for you if your other tests dont give an answer.

Goood luck
Dave

 

[my little penguin]

Have you had a mri with entrography ( less radiation than a ct) or a capsule endoscopy ?
There is lot of small bowel that can be affected and not seen on the scope .

Good luck

 

[Honey]

Hi there, I hope you are feeling better. It takes time to get the right diagnosis and then the treatment that suits you. It was many years before I was diagnosed with Crohns and then sometime to get the right treatment. I am now doing well.
Ask questions and talk about how you are to your Consultant. I hope it all works out for you soon. Best wishes.::rosette1:anda-wave-t:

 

[free_spirit24]

Hey there, you seem to be having a rough time like I did. I'm sorry you're going through all this and seems to be no answer. I too was hard to diagnose, I had an appendicitis when I in fact was having a flare up which went undiagnosed. I had a colonoscopy done to which afterwards was told I had ulcerative colitis, but biopsies were sent off for verification. 2 weeks later I got my results and the doctor apologized to me for misdiagnosing me with colitis, and that I actually have Crohn's in my colon.

Like previously mentioned, there is a test- my gastro doc called it a Pill Cam to which it takes pictures throughout the intestine/colon/etc I am having this test in April.

My advice- possibly see another doctor, ask for the other tests they have yet to do for you to diagnose you.

 

[AuthorEMTMom]

Thanks, everyone!

I just spoke to the surgeon and she said several of my biopsies showed inflammation throughout the colon. The small intestine looked okay. She can't diagnose this a Crohn's, but said it suggests that as one possibility. I'll be scheduled to formally see a Gastroenterologist in March to see what tests I may have to do next.

Thanks so much for all the support!