Gastroentrology appointment

[aw63]

Hi

Is it normal to get a gastroentrology appointment a few weeks after my colonoscopy procedure? I was told I had ulcerative colitis and had several biopsy’s taken now I am worried they have found something else. Any reassuring advice would be appreciated.

[citygirl1234]

Hi, yes, this is totally normal as your doctor will want to discuss the biopsy results as well as the scope findings with you, and put a management plan together with you (and see how things are going if they have started you on treatment already).

The results you were given on the day are only part of the scope results - the other part is the biopsy results from the samples that they took. It usually takes several weeks for the biopsy results to come back.

[aw63 in reply to citygirl1234]

Ok thank you for that but why is the appointment so soon after my colonoscopy only two weeks away. Surely they wouldn’t have the biopsy’s back already would they?

[citygirl1234 in reply to aw63]

You are probably under a department that has a quicker turnaround time for the biopsies. Most departments aim for a 2-3 week turnaround for biopsy results but in some places it’s more like 6 weeks, it really depends on how busy the pathology department and gastro team are.

If there were anything really concerning that needed immediate action, they would call you in immediately.

For anyone newly diagnosed with IBD, they will want to get you started on treatment quickly so that any damage can be avoided or minimised.

Try not to worry about it. Sometimes making a list of questions to ask at your appointment can help take your mind of it. If you’re in the UK Crohn’s & Colitis UK has a helpful guide for the newly diagnosed: crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/inf...

[aw63 in reply to citygirl1234]

Thank you so much. I feel a little better about it now.