Should i get a colonoscopy?

[tmgread]

should i get a colonoscopy?

I've only had one colonoscopy, which was a little over a year ago when my Crohn's was discovered. When, if ever, should I have another? A CT with dye showed no sign of Crohn's when I was in the hospital for the flu (which they thought was a Crohn's flare at first). I had the CT six months ago. 2 Lialda a day seem to be controlling everything well, but I've read that sometimes people have damage occurring and they don't realize it.

 

[Jennifer]

Back when I was first diagnosed my GI wanted to do a scope once a year until my symptoms were under control. Then we did it every other year then changed it to every 4-5 years. Generally if you aren't having any symptoms and the meds seem to be working and you get regular blood tests done (I have them done once a month, ask your GI about it) then you don't have to get a scope done every year. Your blood work shows your inflammation markers. I know they always tested my CBC and Sedrate.

 

[kskitt]

Stupid i know, but i refuse to have colonoscopys full stop. My consultant got very insistant about having it, but i put my foot down and said "you cant do it til i sign that bit of paper"

He then agreed to do a stool test. Apparently there is something in it that can detect if the crohns is active or in remission. When i finally got the test results back it came back i was in remission, which atm i am

 

[Dexky]

Hey Tina, I agree with Crabby!! EJ is getting his second scope this Wed. due to inflam. markers in the blood work. The thinking seems to have changed quite a bit since Crabby was a child. Our GI didn't want to consider more scopes before these not-so-good bloods. Perhaps they have become so much better at detection through blood tests.

 

[Lisa]

I get one done every year, although the last time I flared af ew years ago I had one done while I was in the hospital too.....

I used to get them every other year, but now due to the length of my illness (over 30 years), I am checked yearly to make sure there aren't any adverse changes....

 

[tmgread]

The doctor does check my CRP every few months. Last time it was at 10, which I wasn't thrilled about, but it was really high when I was first diagnosed, so I guess it's progress. After I started the Lialda it was always 0 until I had that bad flu that put me in the hospital. I want that stool test! Do you know the name of it, Ksitt?

 

[Absentminded]

The stool test is called Faecal Calprotectin. I used to get this done at my last hospital in London.http://kingspath.co.uk/tests/biochemistry/19/
It is more specific for crohn's than CRP, which measures the general inflammation in the body.
I think a normal range is below 300. At it's highest mine was 1379, I think.

 

[moogie]

I get one done whenever my specialist wants one. Except for the brew that I drink Yuck it does not hurt and the hi-definition tv I get to watch and see my intestines on is way cool.

Seriously I used to be scared of the test but it's really nothing. Whenever will they get those nice Star-Trek scanners?

 

[Absentminded]

I get one done whenever my specialist wants one. Except for the brew that I drink Yuck it does not hurt and the hi-definition tv I get to watch and see my intestines on is way cool.

Seriously I used to be scared of the test but it's really nothing. Whenever will they get those nice Star-Trek scanners?

Haha! That'd be brilliant! A Star Trek scanner would be so much better.