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Could use some advice. Do I REALLY need a colonoscopy? 33/f

Thu, March 10, 2016 4:51 PM

On October 11th I woke up nauseous and though I had a stomach bug. This continued on for months. I was vomiting a few times a week through till the end of December. I have since been on an upswing and feeling much better still have days were I don't feel great and I never feel quite normal, but I'm eating again and I'm about to get out of bed.

My GI set me up to do a Colonoscopy. She wanted to rule out Crohns, but I have none of the typical symptoms. After doing some extensive research it really seemed unnecessary and, although the risk is very low, could possibly do more harm then good. I did have one in 2009 for unrelated problems. I can't take antibiotics so even getting something simple would not be an easy fix. She wanted me to do an MR Enterography IF the colonoscopy came back clear, but for some reason the nurse scheduled it for last Monday, the results for my stomach, small bowel and colon, "appear unremarkable." And "There is no abnormal bowel wall enhancement, thickening or evidence of bowel obstruction." I canceled my appointment

I have also had a bunch of other testing done for this:
Gallbladder ultrasound
HIDA scan
Upper endoscopy
CT scan with IV contrast
MR Enterography with oral and IV contrast
A LOT of blood work and repeated blood work

Urinalysis multiple times.

Extensive stool ana

zapote
Joined Mar 10, 2016

Thu, August 25, 2016 11:31 PM

Reply posted for iacovus.

If I were you I would go through the colonoscopy. I will warn you the prep isn't pleasant but the colonoscopy could tell you what is going on.

cyndll1
Joined Jul 8, 2016

Thu, July 21, 2016 7:55 PM

Reply posted for zapote.

Colonoscopies are really low risk. I've had 6 or 7 now in the last 20 years. You need to find some answers to your GI troubles. You could also look into genetic testing or a cam capsule as well. I wouldn't rule out a colonoscopy though. Nothing to be afraid of with them.

iacovus
Joined Jul 21, 2016

Fri, June 24, 2016 11:28 AM

Reply posted for zapote.

I'm also unsure why you're against having the colonoscopy. if it can rule something out, why not? The prep wasn't even the worst part for me either - it was the not eating. And the actual procedure was so....nothing. The MRE was traumatizing for me, though, I'd take 50 colonoscopies before that again.

Do you only have vomiting or also diarrhea and other GI symptoms?

mariebee
Joined Sep 30, 2015

Mon, May 30, 2016 2:07 PM

Reply posted for zapote.

zapote, You can certainly have whatever tests you feel comfortable with, but I'm not sure why you are so opposed to the colonoscopy. My only complaint about the colonoscopy is the prep involved for it, which is unpleasant, but I broke that up over 2 days and frankly was not awful, considering the sickness I had been suffering for the 3 weeks prior to having it done. Colonoscopy is probably the least unpleasant test I have ever had, they gave me an IV and Propofol so I would sleep (burned a little, but not a big deal). There is no pain afterward, not recovery period. I left the hospital, had dinner, went to work the next day.
The BENEFIT was that when I woke up after the procedure, I had the doctor there to show me pictures and give me a DEFINITIVE diagnosis immediately. One week later, we had biopsy results that confirmed diagnosis and I was able to start APPROPRIATE treatment.
I am not happy taking medications and I am actively searching for alternative methods for healing this beast, but am happy to know the beast I am chasing.
I hope this helps.

liisacw
Joined May 30, 2016

Wed, May 11, 2016 2:18 PM

Reply posted for zapote.

If you don't agree with the doctor's approach, get another doctor. Nothing wrong with a second opinion.

BTW why can't you take antibiotics?

hare
Joined Mar 31, 2016

Mon, May 02, 2016 9:30 PM

Reply posted for zapote.

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis and gathering of biopsies to determine if you have ulcerative colitis as opposed to crohns disease. You can't diagnose whst you can't see. You are not even aware that it's being done and the benefits definitely outweigh the risk. It's your personal choice but it's really the only way to diagnose and the faster you have the information needed, the faster you get treatment. I have had 2 with no issues, just answers that were needed. And as far as medication, people tend to believe every side effect possible is going to happen to them. Not true. Medication is a very powerful thing to have. The benefits outweigh the risk that generally is very low. I hope you feel better. I was just diagnosed with crohns. I am in terrible pain, unable to tolerate any food. I have tried Prednisone and medals mine which is not working. Fixing to start remicade soon. It is starting to affect me mentally being this sick with nothing to stop it. I really hope I can improve soon. I am very ill. Best wishes to you.

sunshine1
Joined May 2, 2016

Wed, April 20, 2016 3:34 PM

Reply posted for zapote.

You could also consider getting an MRI. They're noisy, but you can see everything, and it's much better than going through colonoscopy prep (I've had it twice).

lcmaus
Joined Apr 20, 2016

Mon, April 04, 2016 4:57 PM

Reply posted for zapote.

I'm also wondering why you're against the colonoscopy? They really aren't bad, and you'll likely be put out for it (which I'm sure you already know since you mentioned that you had one done in 2009). Do you have diarrhea too? Or just the vomiting?

frenchmoxie
Joined Apr 4, 2016

Thu, March 17, 2016 8:32 PM

I think it's really smart of you to check with your gyno too. I did the same. Is there any particular reason you are hesitant about another colonoscopy? You could have Crohn's in your large intestine, (something I didn't know until recently) and maybe that's the only way they can tell...?

comeonsammy
Joined Mar 17, 2016

Fri, March 11, 2016 6:46 PM

Do you just have the vomiting or do you have the diarrhea too?

kimma
Joined Mar 10, 2016

Thu, March 10, 2016 4:54 PM

Reply posted for zapote.

Part of my post was cut out....

Urinalysis multiple times.

Extensive stool analysis

Pelvic ultra sound

STI testing

Pap smear

I feel like doing the colonoscopy won't show anything and I wan't to know what you guys think. And what other avenues I might consider perusing? I have an appointment with an OB/Gyn on the 31st just to see if she has anything to add. I will talk to my GI when I get a chance and she can better explain to me why she thinks the benefits out weigh the risk.

zapote
Joined Mar 10, 2016

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