Question re Colonoscopy

[Julian]

Was diagnosed in 2004 and had a resection at the time - active crohns and an obstruction at the terminal ileum.

Since then I have been pretty asymptomatic. I recently had a colonoscopy (long time coming, have been puting it off!). No active disease was seen in the colon or terminal ileum- which made me happy!

However, I just received a letter stating that one of the biopsies, (lots of biopsies taken throughout the colon), taken in the terminal ileum showed "minimally active crohn's in the terminal ileum". No medication is recommended and I fell no significant symptoms.

Is this normal? Do I need to be on meds? Does this minimal activity mean that a flare is coming or that it will be more active soon?

Thanks,

 

[Ducey99]

I haven't had any surgeries (thankfully), so I can't speak from my own experience but a family friend was diagnosed with Crohn's, had a resection and has been med-free and symptom-free for the past 30 or so years. She gets regular colonoscopies and every single time the Dr. tells her there is minor inflammation and that her Crohn's is "minimally active". He always suggests some first line drug and she always refuses (like I said she is completely symptom free).
So I can't say if it's normal or not, but as for your other questions, not necessarily.
Obvious suggestion.. keep an eye on it

 

[Emily]

The following is just my personal experience & opinion, so take it with a grain of salt I guess:
I believe that you should be on meds. I spent age 9 to age 18 telling myself I felt fine and would never need meds since I was in remission. And I had surgery because I kept thinking my Crohn's wouldn't ever flare up. If you are showing active Crohn's now, however mild, treat it while it's still mild! I bet if I was on meds as a child, I could have kept a diagnosis of mild Crohn's. It is currently diagnosed as moderate to severe Crohn's. I hope this makes sense what I'm saying, I just have learned to never make the mistake again of not taking medicine for my Crohn's - it's just the nature of having an autoimmune disease.

 

[Julian]

Thanks Ducey and Emily. I appreciate both of your responses. Emily - if I begin to have symptoms I will certainly get on meds. My MD (who is wonderful BTW) isn't puting me on anything and I trust him. If I have a flare I don't believe it will be because I was or wasn't on medication.

Ducey99 - I am hoping for a similar situation as your friend!!!

 

[Emily]

Okay good, as long as your keeping a close and watchful eye on everything! That's what's important!

 

[Lisa]

It is possible to have positive biopsies while not having any symptoms...a couple years ago now my Mom had a routine colonoscopy with biopsies (she is at the age she needs them for screening etc)....WELL - guess what? Biopsies came back positive for Crohns!....now, she has NEVER had a symptom in her life or been on any meds for it.....and she is over 70!