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19 year old with questions about colonoscopy and other procedures

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/11/2012 8:39 AM (GMT -6)
Hello, I am 19 years old and I just had my first colonoscopy yesterday morning. I have a few questions that my doctor didn't provide me answers to (not that I was in any sort of conscious state to ask questions). He took a few biopsies that I assume they will take a look at. What exactly are they looking for? Do they do this for everyone? Is this just regular procedure? Also, He ordered a Ct scan of my abdominal and pelvic region. I believe the paper says it's a enterography. He never explained what he would be looking for? I've never had any of these procedures done, like I said i'm only 19 years old. Many of the people I know, even my parents, haven't had to go through these procedures and i'm just reaching out to the people of this forum for input or suggestions.

Here is some of my background information. I had the colonoscopy because for the last three months I have been experiencing pain and discomfort after eating just about anything. My stomach becomes bloated and I experience cramps and nausea. No matter how I change my diet or fiber intake i'm always suffering from constipation. I began taking stool softeners daily just so I could have regular bowel movements. For the last three months, i've been experiencing rectal bleeding. Also, when I do have a bowel movement there is blood in my stool. I also never feel that i've got all of the stool out. I had blood work done , along with a stool sample. The blood work came back saying there was inflammation. The stool sample came back positive for blood.

I have not been diagnosed with anything yet, I meet with my doctor in 2 weeks to receive my biopsy and enterography results.


Any comments wouldbe greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Posted 1/11/2012 8:53 AM (GMT -6)
The biopsies can detect inflammation, ulcers, disease, scarring of the area biopsied, etc. This can tell them possible or likely causes such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, cancer, etc.

Unless the entire colon shows absolutely no signs of any abnormalities biopsies are almost always taken at any areas of inflammation or abnormality.

The CT enteropgraphy provides a "look" at the small intestine which the colonoscopy has no hope of reaching (we have some 20 feet of small intestine). Thickening of the intestinal wall, scarring and/or inflammation to some degree, narrowing of the intestine, etc. are some of the things that can show up via the scan.
Posted 1/11/2012 9:57 AM (GMT -6)
Great reply CrohnieToo....in the mean-time prepare a list of questions etc for your visit and don't be shy about asking your GI anything...also try not to worry too much between now and then as stress never helps....now that the scope is done you are half way to getting to the bottom of all this, good luck with the results, Slainte
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