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Frequency of Colonoscopy - Advice Needed

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/8/2015 7:42 PM (GMT -5)
Indications from my most recent colonoscopy (about a month ago) indicate what I would call clinical remission, to go alongside the symptomatic remission I've been enjoying.

My new GI said that different gastroenterology societies have differing recommendations for frequency of colonoscopies, with one to three years being the typical range.

I'm 46, and both my mother and her mother died from colon cancer, though most of my heredity traits seem to come from the other side of the family. This was only my third colonoscopy, ever.

Assuming no flares or other reasons to reconsider a schedule, I'd like to know how often you would get a colonoscopy given the above?
Posted 6/8/2015 7:51 PM (GMT -5)
I've only had a colonoscopy when initially diagnosed with my uc, 3 years ago. The general recommendation is more frequent colonoscopies after 8-10 years with uc, as studies have shown increased risk of colorectal cancer (crc) after that time period for uc patients. After 8-10 then every 1-2 years then, but there seems to be some variation based on who you ask, and patient willingness.
Posted 6/8/2015 7:58 PM (GMT -5)
I would wait until you're 50 and then maybe every other year.
Posted 6/8/2015 8:53 PM (GMT -5)
Because you are in clinical remission (GI's don't care about symptomatic remission) you can set your own time frame and not get hassled. If something happens to disturb that remission your GI will suggest a look-see.

Your family's history of colon cancer deaths and your age should make you choose every other year (doesn't matter which genes you think you resemble more) because although most colon cancer is slow-growing your profile is not average. If you've never had polyps you might go every 3 years, that's a personal choice.

I am 60 with close to clinical and symptomatic remission but no family colon cancer. I chose to do c-scopes every 4 years and my doctor agrees (2 years ago he wanted it done then but I pushed back).
Posted 6/8/2015 9:03 PM (GMT -5)
i had my first one at 16 and then 7 more after that. i'm 25 now. i think my first few GI doctors were complete morons. this one guy scoped me 3 times in 7 months. my newest GI scopes every 2-3 years.

i dont have a history of colon cancer in the family.

it's always tough to know if you have inflammation though. i've had right sided cramping for a while but my scope last month showed remission. it turned out to be something else so i'm glad i got it checked so i can treat it with medication now. i also have IBS so even though my UC is in remission, i still go through bouts of constipation and loose stool.
Posted 6/8/2015 9:20 PM (GMT -5)
My GI told me three years... Unless something in there freaks out and he needs to take a look.
Posted 6/8/2015 9:22 PM (GMT -5)
If it were me, I would get scoped every 2 years at minimum because of your family history.
Posted 6/8/2015 10:59 PM (GMT -5)
I'd say with family history every 3-5 years. At least for right now and then maybe go 5-10 years. My mom (doesn't have UC) got a colonoscopy at 50 that showed some polyps. They recommended to do another one 3 years later which she did and she was clean so now she doesn't have to go back for another 10 years after that one. I know with us and UC it's a bit different, but if you stay in remission I don't see why you should need annual scopes or anything, even with your family history. I had 3 in less than 2 years but that's because my first was done by an idiot so my current GI wanted a clean slate (and I was much MUCH worse) and then my 3rd scope was to see the difference remicade had made. I'm not sure when my next will be. As long as I'm feeling ok my doctor will probably suggest 3 years unless I start to go downhill.
Posted 6/9/2015 12:35 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks everyone! Your input helps me to make an informed decision.
Posted 6/9/2015 5:09 AM (GMT -5)
Since you have UC and colon cancer in your family (plus your age), if this were me I'd go every two years for a scope. Colon cancer is very survivable if detected early.
Posted 6/9/2015 11:59 AM (GMT -5)
Do you have at the very least 30 - 36 biopsies throughout your colon?

Do you have copies of AKK your biopsies results of the scopes you've had?

If all is totally clear with no cellular changes to abnormal/dysplasia and no simmering inflammation that's continual, then the schedule of every 2 years would be a good thing since you're approaching 50 and you have it in your family. It doesn't matter what the majority of traits follow...it's not a determiner since cellular changes can relate to many factors.

q
Posted 6/9/2015 2:14 PM (GMT -5)
Wow my GI is way lax then I take it, At 43 I have had a total of ONE colonoscopy when I was diagnosed at 35, they said at that age 10 years between colonoscopies unless there is an issue. At 50 they want me to have them every 5 years until 60 then every two years, this of course is assuming that I don't have any issues or flares. If I experience problems this schedule goes out the window and I will be having them much more frequently, luckily that hasn't been the case, I dread my next colonoscopy I realize they are important but I also I have a feeling that is a good way for me to start my next flare.
Posted 6/9/2015 2:18 PM (GMT -5)
Colonoscopies are a major cause of flares. My GI recommends one every 2 years, if I'm not flaring, I decline, ultimately it's my choice. I'd say every 5 years is fine unless you have constant inflammation which is a different situation.
Posted 6/9/2015 3:37 PM (GMT -5)

Bad Gut said...
Wow my GI is way lax then I take it, At 43 I have had a total of ONE colonoscopy when I was diagnosed at 35, they said at that age 10 years between colonoscopies unless there is an issue. At 50 they want me to have them every 5 years until 60 then every two years, this of course is assuming that I don't have any issues or flares. If I experience problems this schedule goes out the window and I will be having them much more frequently, luckily that hasn't been the case, I dread my next colonoscopy I realize they are important but I also I have a feeling that is a good way for me to start my next flare.

If there is colon cancer in a person's family (as the OP does have) then it's a whole other ball game. What your GI recommends for you sounds perfectly reasonable.
Posted 6/9/2015 4:02 PM (GMT -5)
With all the GI's I've had (4 total) they've all been on the same wave length when it comes to yearly c-scopes, could just be the norm where I live IDK but nothing worse than going through all that scoping fiasco and still NOT get meds that worked for me until Humira (finally) so it made it really hard to see my GI regularly when I felt so deflated after so many meds not working after so many years....therefore I ended up not going for many years because it felt pointless to go through it when they couldn't find any medication to help me.

Low and behold, after over 2 decades of constantly flaring in my colon (on and off in my rectum) I still have no signs of colon/rectal/anal cancer which actually shocks the heck out of me, I thought for sure he was going to find something when I went for my first scope again in ages last yr due to the stupid fistula. But it still wasn't smart on my end not being checked regularly and I don't recommend anyone put off scopes for years when you're sick with an IBD...I just gave up on myself so I didn't care anymore.
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