CT vs. sigmoidoscopy?

[em6263]

Hi guys,

I've written about this a ton over the last few weeks... the short version: I'm currently struggling with my first (diagnosed) CD flare, and picked up c diff whilst in the hospital. I've been taking flagyl for the past three-ish weeks for the c diff, and have about another week left. When I'm done with the flagyl, my doc is going to re-test, and if the test comes back negative, wants to do some additional investigation into the progress of the CD (I've been taking lialda, but just switched to asacol due to bloating and nausea, and also did a course of a hydrocortisone enema before I tested positive for the c diff).

My question is this: my doc offered me a choice between a CT scan and a sigmoidoscopy. The CT is obviously easier, but I just had one a few weeks ago when I was initially diagnosed, and she's worried about exposing my ovaries to another dose of radiation (I haven't had kids yet). On principle, I totally agree, but the sigmoidoscopy kind of scares me. I had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago and got through it just fine, but I was also high out of my mind on fentanyl. I was told there'd be no anesthesia with the sigmoidoscopy.

Am I freaking out needlessly? The doc said the procedure would be uncomfortable, but not completely horrifying... Is this really the case? If you had this choice, what would you pick?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I hope you all are doing well.
-Em

 

[Trysha]

I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy and it was only slightly uncomfortable as
the scope advanced, but certainly bearable and quickly over and done with.
It was also interesting to see it on the screen and observe the inflamed areas.
It is better to avoid the Cat scan radiation if at all possible,radiation is cumulative
so you don't want the exposure if it can possibly be avoided.
Hopethis helps .
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[sfmreb2]

Sigmoidoscope is only about 3 ft long and when i had one it was a little uncomfortable but not too bad. Personally I would go for the CT since you just had a colonoscopy. I know nothing about effects on overys though. Ask the doc what she would do. Good luck

 

[yeldarb49]

em6263,

I will tell you my story and you can draw your own conclusions. I had an initial flare of Crohn's in 1989, after two weeks of constant bowel movements, blood and a quack for Dr. I was admitted to the local trauma center. They did an intial assessment including a "digit rectal probe to test for blood" Waste of time and huge pain as I was bleeding so bad it was like I it was that time of month and I am all male!

They told me they were doing a sigmoid and I said NO F'in WAY! without pain meds. They gave me meds and proceeded. It was the most painful experience of my entire life, even with meds!

I have had 10 sigmoids, with no pain meds, when I was not total "raw" and had no issue.

More then 30 colons and have stayed awake for a few and seen my own appendix from the inside.

What I am saying it really depends upon ur state of disease, I was "going" more then 30 times a day just before that initial exam. RAW from wiping etc.

As for a true diagnosis Sigmoid is ur best way to go in my opinion despite the pain...

I wish you luck!

Yeldarb

 

[em6263]

Thanks do much for the advice, guys. Unfortunately, I got some interesting news from the doctor today that kind of changes everything. Basically, they no longer think I have CD after all, and kind of don't know WHAT is wrong with me. I'm going to write a separate post on that, because I'm really frustrated and confused, but wanted to say thank you to you guys for getting back to me on this. I hope you are all well, and if not, I hope you're on the way to getting there.

Em

 

[yeldarb49]

EM,

Just because on Dr. says it is not does not make it so... I have learned you have to be an advocate for yourelf, learn about the possible causes, question ur Dr.s, or have someone be an advocate for you if you are not able. Crazy but is a crazy complicated diease... You need a diagnosis but many here have been told it was not when it was...

Best of hopes for you...

 

[dtorelli]

Hi guys,

I've written about this a ton over the last few weeks... the short version: I'm currently struggling with my first (diagnosed) CD flare, and picked up c diff whilst in the hospital. I've been taking flagyl for the past three-ish weeks for the c diff, and have about another week left. When I'm done with the flagyl, my doc is going to re-test, and if the test comes back negative, wants to do some additional investigation into the progress of the CD (I've been taking lialda, but just switched to asacol due to bloating and nausea, and also did a course of a hydrocortisone enema before I tested positive for the c diff).

My question is this: my doc offered me a choice between a CT scan and a sigmoidoscopy. The CT is obviously easier, but I just had one a few weeks ago when I was initially diagnosed, and she's worried about exposing my ovaries to another dose of radiation (I haven't had kids yet). On principle, I totally agree, but the sigmoidoscopy kind of scares me. I had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago and got through it just fine, but I was also high out of my mind on fentanyl. I was told there'd be no anesthesia with the sigmoidoscopy.

Am I freaking out needlessly? The doc said the procedure would be uncomfortable, but not completely horrifying... Is this really the case? If you had this choice, what would you pick?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I hope you all are doing well.
-Em

I don't understand why a sigmoid when you just had a Colonscopy a few weeks ago, which sees more than the sigmoid. What could possibly have occurred in two weeks/ I just don't get it.