Good annual visit with GI.....although time for tests!

[Lisa]

So yesterday was my annual GI check up, and this time I saw one of the Fellows (I think) - someone I had actually seen before on and off over the years and I like her.....

This was a good visit, not only did she take her time to go over my history (we found out that the computer system only goes back 10 years!), but when I mentioned my lower back pain and sacroileitis she went back in the notes to find when I was diagnosed and also put an order in for additional blood work to check my AnA levels to see where I should follow up with that....

We discussed my having an upper endoscopy as it has been 20+ years since I recall having one, as well as my annual lower scope. My GI doctor of record is now the head of the GI department, and while I don't usually see her during a regular visit, she is still the one who does all my scopes.

So, my round of testing begins today with prepping for a colonoscopy to be performed tomorrow (I could have had it done today but I didn't have a ride available), and I have an upper scope scheduled for the 16th of March. Additional blood work will be drawn at my next infusion which is the 13th. This was perfect timing for the scope tomorrow, as I'm near the end of my 8 weeks, AND I don't have my period for once! lol

Oh - as for my infusions, the hospital I go to has changed the way it runs the infusion clinic, it is no longer a stand-alone clinic but now part of the apheresis unit. I was told that some patients are now being denied coverage because the infusion is no longer considered an out patient visit! Thankfully I think I am ok, however I still haven't seen an insurance statement from my January 16th infusion!

 

[ronroush7]

Wish you all good things.

 

[my little penguin]

Lisa
Glad you had a good visit
But as an FYI
Most spondyloarthritis associated with ibd does not test positive Ana
And should be seen by a rheumo

Tagging maya142

 

[Maya142]

This was a good visit, not only did she take her time to go over my history (we found out that the computer system only goes back 10 years!), but when I mentioned my lower back pain and sacroileitis she went back in the notes to find when I was diagnosed and also put an order in for additional blood work to check my AnA levels to see where I should follow up with that....

MLP is right - spondyloarthritis, the type of arthritis associated with IBD, is seronegative -- ANA is negative and RF is negative.

There is a particular gene associated with SpA - HLA B27 but you can have SpA or AS and be HLA B27-. Both my girls and my husband are HLA B27+.

Inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP) may or may not be high with SpA. I believe for about 40%, they are not elevated.

You really need to see a rheumatologist to rule out SpA/AS. Typically, it is diagnosed based on clinical signs and an x-ray of the SI joints. If x-rays are negative, then an MRI would be done.

Spondylitis.org has a lot of good info.

 

[GI Jane]

I'll keep a prayer out that the insurance doesn't change. And for a clean bill of health. Wow you've been on remicade for 12 years? That's amazing.

 

[Lisa]

MLP is right - spondyloarthritis, the type of arthritis associated with IBD, is seronegative -- ANA is negative and RF is negative.

There is a particular gene associated with SpA - HLA B27 but you can have SpA or AS and be HLA B27-. Both my girls and my husband are HLA B27+.

Inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP) may or may not be high with SpA. I believe for about 40%, they are not elevated.

You really need to see a rheumatologist to rule out SpA/AS. Typically, it is diagnosed based on clinical signs and an x-ray of the SI joints. If x-rays are negative, then an MRI would be done.

Spondylitis.org has a lot of good info.

Thanks! I did have imaging done back in 2006 which showed narrowing in the joints...that was in my notes......the Clinic likes to do a full work up every few years, otherwise I just get 'regular' bloodwork every 4 months....

 

[Maya142]

Narrowing in your SI joints could be significant. It's definitely worth seeing a rheumatologist.

 

[Lisa]

Well, had my scope this morning (drugs are good lol - my Dr uses propofol).....and while for the most part things looked good, there 3 polyps found that were taken out and will be biopsied.....so stay tuned for that....they were not there last year at my last scope.....

In 2 weeks I'll hae my upper scope, at least there is no prep for that haha! In between will be my next remicade infusion (still haven't seen the bill from the last one!) and bloodwork.

 

[GI Jane]

Wow they alway do both of mine at the same time which I like. Praying the biopsies are benign. Ya I have the narrowing and spurring and calcification deposits in random locations. I need to see a rumatologist just tired with all my spinal cord and GI appts don't have the energy it tackle something else but know I need to. I had a needle aspiration on the shoulder to get rid of some calcium deposits there but they had to stop because of the pain, they only got half of them so need to go back....always something right.