Hyperplastic changes throughout the colon etc. etc.?

[Naturelover]

I've gotten the results back from my colonoscopy and the doc said that the random biopsies throughout the colon have come back as hyperplastic changes throughout the colon with non-specific cause. When the doc gave me a sheet of paper with some pictures on it after the procedure, he had pictures that were labeled granular mucosa. What could be causing this finding?

There was a 6cm tubular adenoma in the sigmoid colon. I have a relative with polyps as well as one who had colon cancer. Is five years between colonoscopy's too long?

Despite the burning in my stomach and esophagus as well as inflamed uvula and tonsils, there appears to be no more esophagitis or gastritis. The doc said that most likely the Nexium cleared it up or it was a combination of the Nexium, oral antibiotics and IV antibiotics that cleared it up. When the burning is at it's greatest, I sometimes have difficulty breathing, am pale, severely fatigued and have difficulty swallowing without coughing or choking. Intermittent mild aspiration?

My colon isn't working properly. (Sitz Marker test confirmed) I have to take meds just to be able to have a bm. I also have pain in my abdominal area as well as my pelvic area. The pain is a burning pain. At times it interferes with my physical therapy. I press on and get through the exercises but sometimes I just want to cry. Having a bm makes me nauseous.

The doc said he thinks there may be some GI motility in other areas of my gut besides my colon. Potato chips don't digest, red meat doesn't digest etc. Feels like I have rocks in my stomach. Laxatives seem to help move the "rocks" through my system. There are a lot of foods I avoid because they make me feel sick. I don't like to eat out at restaurants because I can't always tell if a food will make me feel nauseous.

Should I ask about having any other test? If so, what/which test? I have had inflammation in my eyes and continue to have extremely dry eyes. I've got very dry skin. I have hearing loss; sensorineural, with asymmetry. My nails have gotten thin and have some other subtle changes. My hair has gotten thinner as well and now tangles easily.
I want so much to have a diagnosis. I don't even care if it can't be cured as long as it can be treated. I'm tired of the pain and suffering. Who wouldn't be?

Any thoughts or ideas on the above matters? Thanks!:ghug:

Naturelover oo:

 

[mrjohns2]

I would think you are a good candidate for at least an annual colonoscopy. At least until things are figured out and you have a couple that show no change since last time. I don't have any specific advice other than a second opinion.

 

[UnXmas]

I don't know about the significance of your colonoscopy findings, but I know how frustrating it can be when you're sick and getting no clear answers.

Maybe it would help to separate out your issues:

- Risk of bowel cancer.
There's a strong family history of bowel cancer in my family. Once my mum reached 40, she began having colonoscopies once every fie years, which is standard (in the UK at least). How often you should have them will depend on your age, on whether your relative with colon cancer was closely related to you, and on your own colonoscopy findings and other medical issues. I think one every five years is probably sensible (given what my mum has been told, though she has no IBD and her scopes have all been clear so far). If you're concerned (which is natural) I'm sure you can at least discuss having more frequent scopes with your doctor.

- Diagnosing your current symptoms.

More tests will be necessary if you want a diagnosis. Besides IBD, I have numerous symptoms, some of which have not been diagnosed and can not be attributed to any of my confirmed diagnoses. I reached a point where I decided more tests were just not worth it anymore. I hate having tests and I wasn't getting any useful information from them. I'm much happier accepted that my illness will to some extent remain unknown. But then, I have extremely unusual medical problems (even my diagnosed conditions are extremely rare, apart from Crohn's). It may be that further tests will in your case bring some answers and improve your chances of finding successful treatment. What is your doctor recommending? Have you had a chance to discuss the significance of your colonoscopy findings with your doctor?

- Treatment for your symptoms.

More effective treatments might be found if you are diagnosed, but if a diagnosis is not forthcoming, it may make sense to try and treat the symptoms regardless. What laxatives and/or stool softeners have you tried so far? There are many different kinds, so if your current meds aren't working that well, there will likely be many other possibilities (I've tried several in the past, so let me know if you'd like some more info.).
I have gastritis and oesophagitis from reflux and I get terrible heartburn. I was told that with these issues, it's quite common for the severity of symptoms to correspond poorly with endoscopy findings, so it's quite likely that even though your endoscopy did not show much, you still get bad symptoms which may respond to treatment. Again, let me know if you'd like some info on the meds used to treat this, as I've tried several.

So it's really up to you how much you push for more tests; if you can effectively treat your symptoms despite having no diagnosis, that might be a better choice that continuing to subject yourself to tests. Of course, if your symptoms worsen or you develop new ones, you can always resume testing. Having colonoscopies may definitely be worthwhile, though you won't necessarily need to have them that frequently. But if it gives you peace of mind to have them, then it may be worthwhile.

 

[Naturelover]

unXmas, Thank you for your response. I have all sorts of symptoms. I'll get back to you hopefully by the end of the week. So be watching...:soledance: