Colonoscopies
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Colonoscopies
We have frequent questions about colonoscopies and if they wipe out all the good bacteria. A c diff expert said, "There remains a complex mucosal starter culture even after bowel prep."
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Re: Colonoscopies
Thanks, Bobbie, for looking into this. I wonder why, then, a few posters have relapsed after one and why others relapsed after a stomach virus (I believe gm37 recently did after four years of testing negative). Seems the virus would act as a "flush" like the colonoscopy prep. My doc's PA said a colonoscopy is a risk if it's done close to your initial infection. Like you always say, two docs seldom agree. Just another confusing c diff thing!
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Re: Colonoscopies
I believe the poster you are referring to also took a round of antibiotics several months prior to relapsing, so that was likely a contributing factor. I also recently tested positive again after over a year and I attributed some blame for my relapse to being sick and rundown from a long bout of bronchitis, but I had also taken antibiotics a few months prior so, perhaps for both of us, it was a combination of things.
Bea
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Re: Colonoscopies
No antibiotics for her as I remember she was shocked it had come back. They really need to get moving on not just a cure, of course, but on that prevention drug (the one that coats the gut and protects it when one has to take antibiotics - Syn-004! Looks promising!
Hope you are feeling better, Bea! Keeping you in my prayers.
Hope you are feeling better, Bea! Keeping you in my prayers.
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Re: Colonoscopies
GM - Anne- did take an antibiotic - Cipro - I think in Jan. She also took an anti fungal med. for a couple of months. C diff is so strange, one can never be sure of anything about it.
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Re: Colonoscopies
This is a subject of concern for me. I am supposed to have a colonoscopy this year as I am a bit past the 5 year mark. I had a stress test which I passed with flying colors, so no reason on that front to put it off, but I am afraid of the prep for all the reasons mentioned. Thanks, Bobbie, for addressing this. I think I'll just have to bite the bullet and do it. My father died from colon cancer, but the GI said that since he was 74 when he was diagnosed, it was not familial. But . . . since I am close to that age, I am concerned.
Aloha all,
Anne
Aloha all,
Anne
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Re: Colonoscopies
Justme - at a couple years past c diff I would think you are fine to have one. : ) My c diff specialist's office (Dr. Carl Crawford in NYC) feels colonoscopies are only of concern for possibly causing a relapse when they are done close to the end of the initial c diff infection (I know Bobbie's expert said differently but I have seen enough posters here and in the FB group who have relapsed after having one shortly after stopping c diff meds that I probably wouldn't take the chance so soon myself unless absolutely necessary). But his office told me after several months, a year etc. it's fine. So sorry about your father and I will pray you have a healthy result. : )
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Re: Colonoscopies
No Drs ever agree and internet articles are not experts but this is an example of one opinion
http://blog.listentoyourgut.com/colonos ... d-to-know/
http://blog.listentoyourgut.com/colonos ... d-to-know/
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Re: Colonoscopies
Timely info! My GI wanted me to do a colonoscopy but I really needed to have my colon just relax and feel normal before assaulting it again. Interesting, I was dxed after a "cleanse " of sorts- unintentional. I ate a protein bar that unbeknownst to me was loaded w/sugar alcohol- that can be super hard on GI tract. That was this sickest I was in this whole ordeal. But as I had had zithromax a few times in the months before I mentioned to the GI and he ran the antigen test which came back positive…. I can't help but wonder if the terrible "cleansing " that occurred from the sugar alcohol stirred something up.. So am a little leery of colonoscopies at moment though my doctor also said they were fine and would not cause further issues. She said "we do colonoscopies everyday and the flora is not significantly changed." Not sure!
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Re: Colonoscopies
We did have a poster who had a colonoscopy (amyc) and relapsed and had to take vanco again. I don't think she had taken any antibiotics. I do remember a few other instances, but I don't remember if they had taken antibiotics or not.
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Re: Colonoscopies
Okay, now I'm leary. Since, for me, it would just be a routine with no symptoms to warrant it, I think I'll hang
in there and wait awhile.
Anne
in there and wait awhile.
Anne
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Re: Colonoscopies
Me, too. I have symptoms but at my age, what do I care? I am tired of glugging down "preps." Leave me alone, doctors! I had a scope 2 years ago, and it was a horrible experience. Most of my scopes have been fine but I had to change docs. when my doc of over 20 years said he no longer wanted to be my GI because my case was "too complicated." I went to a new GI who was sick and his partner (a real jerk) did the scope at a scope mill. I was in and out in an hour including checking in, anesthesia, scope, and 10 min. recovery time. The scope were all done in one room with a tiny curtain separating it from the waiting room. I had one polyp and diverticulosis.
If I were younger, I would be more agreeable to having a scope. Enough is enough.
If I were younger, I would be more agreeable to having a scope. Enough is enough.
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Re: Colonoscopies
Bobbie: I had my 1st and only 6 years ago and the prep was horrid. As for the scope, I think the anticipation was the worst and I only had diverticulosis and no polyps. I tend to agree with you. If I were younger w/no history of C. Diff or heart issues, I'd do it. But VERY hesitant now. I still have not completely recovered from C. Diff and I don't want to disturb the balance.
Aloha,
Anne
Aloha,
Anne
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Re: Colonoscopies
This June, at about 6 months post my cdiff infection, I did have a colonoscopy (and endoscopy, oh joy) and all was well. The prep that I had wasn't nearly as bad as the one I'd had 8 years ago. All went very smoothly, colon clean, recovery quick. I was actually relieved to know that the cdiff hadn't done something horrid to my colon.
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Re: Colonoscopies
Wyok,
Good news.
Good news.
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