When Dr.s don’t want to do a full Colonoscopy?

[Sarahcat58]

So Recently I just had an office visit with a Gastroenterologist, who ordered a flex sigmoidoscopy, which is basically half of the colon, vs a colonoscopy which is the whole thing. They want to do this before an endoscopy. (I’m assuming they want to rule out something like UC, since my celiac blood panel came back negative?) I really wanted to make sure I was covering all the bases though, so I insisted that I would prefer a colonoscopy. They told me that since I’m on the younger side (I’m 22) they don’t think a full colonoscopy is necessary. I explained to them I wanted to make sure there’s nothing bad going on in the upper part of my colon, but they still ordered the flex sig instead of the full colonoscopy. So asking advice to people who have gone through these things, is it possible they could miss something like UC or Crohns, or a polp (or honestly whatever, since I don’t have a confirmation of what’s going on in my poor intestines, apart from gluten intolerance.) I don’t want to look back years from now with the same symptoms and wish I had gotten a full colonoscopy done. 

[cyclinglady]

Did you talk to the GI about seronegative celiacs?  That you had been gluten free at the time of testing?  I encouraged you previously to remain gluten free until you could do a gluten challenge at the winter break or summer since you were student.  I guess your GI does not suspect celiac disease at all.   He should know that celiac disease testing requires you to  be on a normal gluten-filled diet.  

You probably do not not need a full colonoscopy.  He probaby can not justify it with the insurance company.  It is probably the same with the endoscopy since you had negative celiac blood tests because you were already gluten free. 

Your odds of having any cancer are almost nil.  But the sigmoidoscopy may not find UC or Crohn’s (it could find hemorrhoids which could explain blood in the tissue).     It certainly can not diagnose celiac disease, but nothing can when you are already gluten free.  That does not mean that you might not have IBD or celiac disease.   My niece was diagnosed with Crohn’s with a pill camera.  No scope could reach her damage area.  

I wish I could help you more.  

 

Edited December 6, 2018 by cyclinglady

[Sarahcat58]

So good news!! Since then, I reached out to a different Gastroenterologist, and explained all my symptoms again and also explained how the previous Dr. Just wanted to do a sigmoid scope, and explained my issues with that. Also explained how my gluten testing was messed up since I went gluten free and dairy free so quickly before getting a scope done at all. This new Dr. was surprised the previous doctor didn’t educate me very much about pre diagnosis gluten testing and such. (Although honestly that’s my fault, I should have done more research and should not have been so scared to do elimination before just cutting out gluten as well) in the first moments of my intestinal issues I was pretty freaked out and scared to be honest. 

Anyways, this new Dr. Ordered a full Colonoscopy for me, and is suggesting a Endoscopy biopsy in the future to confirm or deny Celiac disease. But he is also suggesting staying gluten free even if I’m not celiac, since I do have a lot of undesirable symptoms with gluten anyways. (Going gluten free has completely eliminated my dog and cat allergies, which is a big plus since I am a veterinary assistant)

Im slowly getting better at the diet, (I think). I started taking magnesium, at first a large dose, but then lowered it because of diarrhea. Now I’ve been regular and very very happy about that! I’ve also discovered a new trigger food which is rice. (Not sure why? It’s a very recommended food for someone with these intestinal issues). 

Im staying to the foods I know, (until the 3 weeks prior to the scope where I will eat gluten). These foods are sweet potato, sautéed spinach, (with gluten free strawberry vinegrette). Turkey bacon, dairy free gluten free Thai chicken soup, tomato soup, white grilled chicken (in small amounts), coffee (must be 100%arabica with no filler ingredients). That also helps with regularity, aloe Vera, and lots of juices like peach and papaya. Gluten free oatmeal with added blueberries and honey, humus, guacamole, (homemade), and as a treat I have either the Nadamoo brand of icecream (coconut milk, gluten and vegan free) or the so delicious! brand. Amy’s brand pad Thai meals are also good and I havnt experienced anything bad from them so far. 

Ill keep this list here Incase I need to come back for a reminder.