Colonoscopy results

Hi everyone. My name is Al and I discovered this site a few days ago.
I was diagnosed with UC seven years ago and am currently on Sulfasalazine 500mg. While I've been in remission for four years, lately my stool is not as solid as it has been. It usually comes in one big lump. (this is so embarrassing to talk about... ).
Anyway, yesterday I had a colonoscopy and they biopsied four items the results of which I will learn on my next appointment on Dec 12.

1) Granularity in the transverse and ascending colon + the cecum.
2) A single (solitary) ulcer at the ileocecal valve.
3) Increased mucosa vascular pattern in the sigmoid colon and in
the descending colon.
4) Erythematous mucosa in the rectum.

I have no idea what these terms mean and even googled them but found it very difficult to understand.
Needless to say, I'm very worried about these results and what the biopsies might reveal. I'm 67, have no family or close friends nearby, or anybody really to share my concerns with. I'm posting here hoping that someone will reply with some info on what I'm dealing with.
Thank you very much.

It looks like you have signs of active IBD inflammation high up in your large intestine. Do you have Crohn's disease or at least crohn's-colitis (as this colonoscopy report is more characteristic of them rather than UC) ? See translation in green below:

1) Granularity in the transverse and ascending colon + the cecum. Granular appearing mucosa usually means there is a roughened or sometimes reddish appearance and often correlates with inflammation in the colon.
2) A single (solitary) ulcer at the ileocecal valve.An ulcer is a sign of moderate/severe IBD inflammation. Ulcers usually are active bleeders.
3) Increased mucosa vascular pattern in the sigmoid colon and in the descending colon.The pattern of your blood vessels was unusual, but that's comon with an IBD diagnosis. There's no current inflammation here, but signs that there had been in the past.
4) Erythematous mucosa in the rectum. This is superficial readiness, like a sunburn in appearance. It often can be from the prep you took for that scope. Sometimes it can be from very, very mild inflammation. Your biopsy report would indicate whether it is actual inflammation or not.

DBwithUC said...
the Erythematous is only redness that could be mild inflammation. but the vascular pattern is also indicative of chronic inflammation, as is the ulcer. the granularity is also seen with IBD.

it sounds like you have been in symptomatic remission, but not really inflammation free, OR just recently the inflammation has cranked up.

you may be advised to increase the Sulfasalazine to more of a flare dose. Your current level sounds like a maintenance dose.

good luck

Thank you. I think that's exactly what's happened. While I'm not flaring, things have gotten a little worse, like I go 3/4 times a day instead of one, and the stool has softened considerably.