Hi, everyone.
I was diagnosed with MC in 2010, via colonoscopy. It's been 10 years now, and my online medical chart ominously informs me that I am due for a colonoscopy.
It seems certain that my PCP will advise me to have one, since it's been the full 10 years since the last one. There is family history: my dad had colon cancer, and my brother had non-cancerous polyps. My dad had surgery, and did not die of colon cancer.
I am very leery of having a colonoscopy, lest either the cleanse or the procedure set off an MC flare. Since I've spent the last 10 years carefully watching my diet to keep away diarrhea, I hate to do something that will give me diarrhea.
Right now I control MC by diet and an occasional Imodium, and I'm doing really well.
I'd appreciate any insights you might have, about the risks of either of flare, or not finding colon cancer.
My husband had a test similar to the Cologuard testing, where you send in a stool sample. I'd prefer to do that, but the commercials specifically say not to do that if you have an IBD.
Ideas, anyone? I'll be seeing my PCP sometime in February, probably, after I finish up all my 3-years-post-breast-cancer visits with my surgeon and oncologist.
Martha
Advice about colonoscopy
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Advice about colonoscopy
Martha
Hi Martha,
In my opinion, you could surely opt for the Cologuard testing. I see no reason why you couldn't. Most people think of Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause bleeding, when they discuss IBDs. With celiac disease and microscopic colitis, both of which are IBDs, there's no bleeding. I would discuss this point with my doctor to make sure he or she understands the difference. If he/she disagrees, ask him/her if he/she has anything against allowing celiacs to use the Cologuard test.
Tex
In my opinion, you could surely opt for the Cologuard testing. I see no reason why you couldn't. Most people think of Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause bleeding, when they discuss IBDs. With celiac disease and microscopic colitis, both of which are IBDs, there's no bleeding. I would discuss this point with my doctor to make sure he or she understands the difference. If he/she disagrees, ask him/her if he/she has anything against allowing celiacs to use the Cologuard test.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
HI, Martha. I'm with you, I've been putting it off because I'm afraid it will cause a flare. My PCP tells me that I'll be fine....easy for him to say! My first and only was in 2013 when I was diagnosed and the GI wanted to do another in 5 years.
Marcia
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My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style. - M. Angelou
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My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style. - M. Angelou
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I have put off having another colonoscopy for the very same reason. I have worked too hard to achieve remission and I don't want to risk it. So far my doctor seems to have missed that it has been over 10 years since my last (I seldom see my doctor) but my insurance company keeps sending me letters saying I am due. I plan to hold off indefinitely but might assent to the Cologaurd if offered.