How often do you all get colonoscopies?

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Hiya Mary
hope you're ok hun?

was chatting to Pen about this and I'm a bit concerned cos I haven't had one for 5 years!
and in light of Mis Bs diagnosis, I'm gonna have to demand a new one. Pen reckons we should have one every 1-2 years! Cos things change dont they? Very quickly!
xxxx
 
When diagnosed I was initially told I wouldn't need them on a regular basis unless I was having problems. I started having problems and they did one right away. I think it depends on where your Crohn's is and your overall health situation.
 
Yes I was thinking the same. I was just diagnosed in October and only on Pentasa but get stomach cramps all the time (without going to the bathroom). Just confused about MsB. I feel so bad for her.
 
I don't know you guys, I think we should have them often to make sure its okay. I have a J Pouch, and they would scope me every year..The surgeon that is...Newly diagnosed with Crohns in Nov 09, I have an appt todaywith GI, I am going to ask for a scope...I think they should check to make sure meds are working...S
 
I used to get one every few years when I was a child (dx @ 7 years old)....as a young adult, my Dr wanted one every year...then while in more remission every 2 years, now I go about every year....

As someone else said - things can change pretty quickly - PLUS the longer you have the disease the more likely you are to develop complications such as cancer.....

Edited to add - it may also depend on where you have disease...I have Crohns' Colitis - with involvement of my colon, ileum, and small intestine....I have pictures and notes at home from past scopes too.....for one set my Dr took a picture of my face too (stoned! lol).....
 
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I have only had 2 done 4 yrs ago while being diagnosed. I was told b/c mine is in the bowel I do not need them reguarly. A few months ago I was flaring and almost needed one but got better with meds.
 
I am going in for one this coming Friday. It will be apx one year from my surgery and this will be the first since then. If everything goes well in the future I would expect once every five years for a while. Then once every year once you hit the 10-15 year mark. At that point they need to monitor you yearly for Displastic cell growth. That seems to be policy with Crohns patients where I live anyway.
 
I've been diagnosed 4 years and had 3 colonoscopies, a CT scan, and an MR-enterography. They are usually used just to monitor the situation... so every 1-2 years depending on your severity seems logical. at 50 you should be having them yearly as a Crohn's patient regardless of disease severity.
 
I was told if you have cancer or bowel disorders in your family, or yourself, it should be done once a year. Just makes sense, early detection is your best chance of fighting it. I had an uncle die of intestinal cancer but wasnt caught til he had it in his lungs. He was only 49. If he had of had a scope he may be here today.
 
My docs told me it just depends on symptoms,severity,location and ....oh yeh..AGE...umm...ohh..did I mention....what was it ....oh yeh age.
Let's see..roll over on your left side and draw your right knee up please....I PROMISE you won't feel a thing.
 
gringo43 said:
Let's see..roll over on your left side and draw your right knee up please....I PROMISE you won't feel a thing.
Click to expand...

:ybiggrin: lol

yeah and the first two times I had it they were right, but not on the third time:mad2:

So yeah I've had it 3 times in 7 years, i think the guideline is every 2 years for extensive and/or severe colitis.
 
I asked my GI how regular scopes would be when I was first meeting with him. He said for a while they'd be somewhat more frequent to make sure things are progressing nicely. I had one in February and was supposed to get another in August, but he put it off when I went back into the hospital in April. Just recently he said I should get one in November/early December. He said once I am in remission, I would get scoped every 5 years. But like everyone said, it depends on the severity of your disease and where it's located and if you are experiencing symptoms, etc. Every 5 years, I think, is optimal for docs if everything is going right. And then, yes, once you hit the 10-15 yr. mark and/or you reach the age of 50+, you should be getting them more frequently.
 
I just wanted to brag. People with Iliostomys don’t have to do the prep! Nicest Colonoscopy I ever got! LOL!
 
Chrons 08 - yours is next Friday? So is MINE! lol...we can commiserate on Thursday evening lol.....
 

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