Colonoscopy Question&Joanne

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I saw my doctor today and he wants to do another colonoscopy on me.

It's been two years since my last scope. I had any UC symptoms since

April '03. I was just wondering how often everyone's doctors

recommend colonoscopies for a PSC & UC patient. I really don't want to

have a colonoscopy if I don't have to have one and I'm feeling fine.

What are your thoughts about this?

One more question... Do doctors usually order a bone density scan

for PSC patients. I am only 19 and I'm scheduled for a bone density

scan tomorrow. This seems kind of odd to me. I wouldn't think my

bones would be bad yet. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I haven't posted lately because I've been extremely busy, but I have

been checking up on everyone. I just got a new job working as a

Radiology Tech Aide (I'm starting X-ray Tech school in the fall and

have worked in the hospital for 2 1/2 years). I love my job. I'm

learning so much and I haven't even started my program.

Joanne-- I have been thinking about your family lately. I'm glad to

see that Todd and are doing well. I couldn't imagine being in

Todd's " Shoes " right now. I am amazed at his determination and

will. I hope that Todd's recovery is fast and complete.

Well, It's late, and I'm tired. I hope all is well with everyone,

take care,

Brett

(19 yo. Dx. UC '01, Dx. PSC 6/03. Feeling Great!)

[Guest guest]

Colonoscopy Question & Joanne

Hello,I saw my doctor today and he wants to do another colonoscopy on me. It's been two years since my last scope.

Brett, this is exactly how often I am having my colonoscopies: every two years. My UC is relatively inactive right now.

One more question... Do doctors usually order a bone density scan for PSC patients. I am only 19 and I'm scheduled for a bone density scan tomorrow.

I think it is a good idea to do right now. UC, PSC, and a low body weight can cause loss of bone density. You need a base line anyway. I would guess your doctor wants that base line right now. I had my first Dexa scan two years ago, but then I am a lot older than you. I just got a new job working as a Radiology Tech Aide (I'm starting X-ray Tech school in the fall and have worked in the hospital for 2 1/2 years). I love my job. I'm learning so much and I haven't even started my program.

I used to work in the x-ray dept before I got married and was trying to get more money to go back to college. That's a good field and it's great that you like it. Well, It's late, and I'm tired. I hope all is well with everyone, take care,It's good to hear that you are feeling so well. I felt good for most of the Christmas break (my son was home from NY and my husband was off work). But I haven't been feeling so well since about Saturday. My dad just got out of the hospital. He has congestive heart failure and developed pneumonia. He's doing much better now. Good to hear from you.

Cheryl Berg, Idaho 45Married 25 years, 4 children, 2 grchildrenPSC 01, UC 00, Fibromyalgia, hypothyroid,hiatal hernia, ulcer, gall baldder removed '93disability (retired English teacher)

[Guest guest]

Brett,

To answer your question regarding colonoscopy a check every 1-2 years

is quite normal for patients with both UC and PSC. There are a

couple of reasons for this.

1. Studies have shown a higher rate of colon cancer in patients with

both UC and PSC. The key to beating colon cancer is prevention. By

detecting and removing problem polyps early cancer can be avoided.

If cancer is found quick detection, removal of the polyp or colon,

and treatment of the cancer is the key to long term success. Colon

Cancer is rapidly becoming one of this countries leading causes of

cancer death but as I said early detection means a great chance of

survival.

2. Studies have also shown that many patients with both UC and PSC

tend to have more severe flares of UC, although many experience these

flares less frequently. PSC patients often have colitis throughout

the colon (Pan-Colitis). Also, 6-8 months is not a long time since

having any active colitis. I went 10 years between episodes.

With these facts in mind regular exams are normal and warranted. I

would plan on these regular exams for the forseeable future. Sorry

to bear the bad news. I have to get them every year and I understand

your reluctance.

As far as the Bone Scan. This is also a very normal protocol for a

PSC patient. PSC patients tend to suffer from bone loss. I agree

with Cheryl that your Doctor probably wants a baseline so he can

track any changes you experience in the future. I have these exams

every two years. The good news here is that these exams are quite

easy, really just like getting an x-ray.

Hope that helps, good luck with your upcoming tests.

in Seattle

UC 1991, PSC 2001

> Hello,

> I saw my doctor today and he wants to do another colonoscopy on

me.

> It's been two years since my last scope. I had any UC symptoms

since

> April '03. I was just wondering how often everyone's doctors

> recommend colonoscopies for a PSC & UC patient. I really don't want

to

> have a colonoscopy if I don't have to have one and I'm feeling

fine.

> What are your thoughts about this?

>

> One more question... Do doctors usually order a bone density scan

> for PSC patients. I am only 19 and I'm scheduled for a bone

density

> scan tomorrow. This seems kind of odd to me. I wouldn't think my

> bones would be bad yet. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

>

> I haven't posted lately because I've been extremely busy, but I

have

> been checking up on everyone. I just got a new job working as a

> Radiology Tech Aide (I'm starting X-ray Tech school in the fall and

> have worked in the hospital for 2 1/2 years). I love my job. I'm

> learning so much and I haven't even started my program.

>

> Joanne-- I have been thinking about your family lately. I'm glad

to

> see that Todd and are doing well. I couldn't imagine being

in

> Todd's " Shoes " right now. I am amazed at his determination and

> will. I hope that Todd's recovery is fast and complete.

>

> Well, It's late, and I'm tired. I hope all is well with everyone,

> take care,

>

> Brett

>

> (19 yo. Dx. UC '01, Dx. PSC 6/03. Feeling Great!)

[Guest guest]

I have a colonoscopy every 2 yrs and sometimes every yr if there is a

flareup. Bone density test is necessary if you have been on any kind of

steroids because it can decrease the bone mass. I currently take Fosamax and

calcium for this as I was on steroids periodically for uc flareups and

suffered some lost of bone mass.

Myrtle in MB Canada

t!)

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