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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/31/2018 11:13 AM (GMT -5)
Have not been on the forum for a while. I have had left sided UC for 53 years with many flares over the years which have responded to prednisone (taking more each time to stop flare). Currently using VSL #3, Lialda-4 tablets daily, Mesalamine Enema nightly. Have been getting a colonoscopy every 12-18 months for the past 4 or 5 years. It seems like I have a flare about 6 - 10 weeks now after the last 3 colonoscopies. Being 70 years old am concerned about the flare and having more Prednisone. Also have avoided Biologics due to age. Saw a surgeon when flaring 18 months ago but cleared up after Pred for 9 months. Due for a colonoscopy now and concerned. Anyone else have the same issue or tried a prep that might make a difference? Thanks fore any help.
Posted 1/31/2018 1:26 PM (GMT -5)
You have been on nightly Rowasa indefinitely?

I use the gallon prep. What do you mean make a difference...relating to what exactly?
q
Posted 1/31/2018 2:03 PM (GMT -5)
Yes I have been on nightly Rowasa for years. I am concerned that either the prep or colonoscopy could trigger another flare. looking for prep that is easier on the colon or waiting longer on scope. Like I said it seems like I now flare about 4-10 weeks after colonoscopy. May not be related? After the last treatment with prednisone that was it (had it so many times over the 53 years)
Posted 1/31/2018 2:37 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome back enjoygolf, been a while!

I've heard of folks fasting and/or going clear diet for 48 hours prior to a scope rather than prepping. One rather enjoyed drinking a pot of coffee as a prep, as he loves coffee and can no longer drink it due to bad reactions since having a UC, conveniently just like a colonoscopy prep.
Posted 1/31/2018 3:32 PM (GMT -5)
If you are in a flare, it can definitely exacerbate it.....but it wouldn't cause a flare if you are in remission.

q
Posted 1/31/2018 4:59 PM (GMT -5)
The prep flushes out a lot of the beneficial gut flora, and the colonoscopy itself can cause flaring in some people. If you have a history of flaring after being scoped then it means you are at increased risk.

Are they scoping you yearly to check for cancer? What is their rationale?

If you don't feel that now is the right time for a scope, can't you just postpone it?
Posted 1/31/2018 5:10 PM (GMT -5)
You are correct-Dr wants yearly check since I have had UC for 53 years and my age. I have already pushed scope an extra 4 months.
Posted 1/31/2018 5:20 PM (GMT -5)
i think i would push it an extra 4 YEARS !

ya, agree with Connor that unless there have been big C signs, what is the docs reasoning behind the scope frequency knowing of your prep/scope/flare issues -
Posted 1/31/2018 7:28 PM (GMT -5)
I often wonder why people just go along with what their doc says....I suppose some people are brought up to trust their judgment. I flared after having a colonoscopy and so I think it is possible for some people. I think you need to listen to your body and not have them yearly.
Posted 1/31/2018 10:28 PM (GMT -5)
docs are lazy and folks are trusting - really a bad combination when it's comes to medical treatment -
Posted 1/31/2018 11:59 PM (GMT -5)
Some docs and some folks.....be nice to those who have good docs and have actual thoight through the process.

q
Posted 2/1/2018 1:46 AM (GMT -5)
Having UC for 53 years your risk of cancer is statistically very high. I wonder, since you only have left-sided colitis, maybe you could get away with sigmoidoscopies yearly and then only the full colonoscopy every few years? Something to ask your doctor about.

Regarding flares, I'd be much more worried about the effects on your health of taking steroids for 9 month stints than the effects of biologics or immunomodulators. Have you talked to your doctor about adding something like Imuran?
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