How often should you have a colonoscopy?
Wed, October 07, 2009 12:00 AM
My 8 year old Son was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2004. It took about a year to get the disease under control. He has done pretty well, no flare ups and is growing normally. He has not had a Colonoscopy or an Upper GI since he was diagnosed. My concern is the chance of cancer, I fear that if we don't perform these test we may miss something. I have heard different things, I've heard every three years, every five years. We have a wonderful doctor who has treated him great. I just don't know if my worries are necessary since he is doing well.
Joined Oct 7, 2009
Tue, November 24, 2009 11:28 PM
Reply posted for XMans Mom.
My heart goes out to you Moms having sick kids with Crohns. I know what my Mother felt like almost 50 years ago, remembers then even today. We talked about it just a month ago.
All tests vary on what the medical conditions dictate, depending on blood tests and symptons at the time. 2-5 years is common from everything I have heard, except where a major problem comes up. Cancer, well I have lived now to just about 65 and my blood test shows no sign of active cancer.
Keep a positive attitude, it is harder some times, been there. Good support helps so much in getting through these hard times so don't be afraid to ask the doctor about things and why some tests and not others. Thank you in advance, you kids will thank you more and more as they get older. I'd say don't worry, work with the doctor(s) but Moms always worry. Mine still worries about me and she'll be 86
and Dad 90 in a few days.
Joined Nov 24, 2009
Tue, October 13, 2009 12:00 AM
Reply posted for XMans Mom.
Wow guys, sorry to hear of your children having this disease at such a young age. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in my 20's and have to have a colonoscopy every 2 years. Sometimes more often if I'm flaring and not responding to my new meds. Good luck!
Joined Oct 1, 2009
Sun, October 11, 2009 12:00 AM
Reply posted for XMans Mom.
My daughter had her first colonoscopy when she was diagnosed with UC at 16. She had another one plus an CT Enterography 2 years later because she was seeing a new specialist that wanted to check himself. At that time she did have 3 polyps removed but the specialist said polyps are common with UC patients and they are called inflammatory polyps and not to worry about it. He said the same thing as the other post, he recommends a colonoscopy after 8 years.
Joined Nov 9, 2008
Fri, October 09, 2009 6:53 PM
Reply posted for XMans Mom.
Hello,
My son is also 8 and was diagnosed with Crohns in Oct of 2008. His doctor said that after initial diagnosis they usually wait 8 year for another colonoscopy (as long as no complication or worsening of symptoms occurs.) After 8 year of having the illness then your chances of cancer increase and you start going every year. This is what my son's GI doc said. I would be interested to see what others have heard/read. Take care.
Joined Nov 28, 2008
Thu, October 08, 2009 12:00 AM
Reply posted for XMans Mom.
We are moms, that is what we do....WORRY. My daughter will be 10 and we have been dealing with IBS from infancy.
I think scope frequency depends a lot on both the dr. and the patient. We have had to go within six months of each other (when she was in the begining stages) to now routinely every 2 years. I am not sure if that is standard, but my daughter has a tenancy of developing polyps, so that may also be the reasoning. After all this time, it is just routine now.
Wishing you and your family well.
Lizzies Mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009
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