Fortnightly blood tests for Sulphasalazine and now a colonoscopy . Has anybody else had this?

[Kalimera57]

I’ve been on Sulphasalazine for 2 months and having regular blood tests to check on how my liver is ( no problems there ) and 2 days ago I had a scheduled doctor call. He’s concerned about my ferritin and mentioned a colonoscopy to check if I have a tumour on the right side of my colon or an ulcer. I was rather taken aback to put it mildly! Has anybody else experienced this? I thought I was anaemic because of a really bad flare up which has lasted over a year. Sulphasalazine has improved the RA by the way. I’m feeling rather worried now.

[allanah]

Me but with arava. He shouldn't pre guess though any condition!!! It might be something or nothing thus doing the tests! He should have talked about possible diagnosis when he had some concrete evidence x

[Kalimera57 in reply to allanah]

Yes I think so too.

[BonnieT in reply to Kalimera57]

Can you get a second opinion?

[Kalimera57 in reply to BonnieT]

I’m going to book a doctor’s appointment so it’s face to face and not a phone call. The bowel cancer self testing kit came on the same day so that’s been sent off now .

[allanah in reply to Kalimera57]

Good luck x

[Simba1992]

Did he tell you why he thought there may be a tumor? Anemia is so very common in RA, seldom connected with gut bleeding. I had the same situation following a flare. I preferred doing the stool test. No blood found so ok, didnt need a colonoscopy. I do not think you need to worry too much. Simba

[Kalimera57 in reply to Simba1992]

Thanks Simba I was hoping you would reply as you are so knowledgeable. My self testing bowel cancer kit arrived the same day of the doctor’s call so I will post that tomorrow and see what the result is. I really think it would have been better to have been told to make an appointment to see the doctor face to face.

[Simba1992 in reply to Kalimera57]

You are so right, these cold showers by phone or letter with just giving part of the info are far from fair towards patient. Good luck with the test. Good idea to take the test. Simba

[Kalimera57 in reply to Simba1992]

Sorry I didn’t answer your question. He said because of the ferritin level.

[Simba1992 in reply to Kalimera57]

Ok bringing in the tumor part was sort of jumping the gun.Understand your worry. Simba

[Amy65]

I had the camera test of my stomach and bowels as I was anemic .nothing was found was given an iron infusion and was put on b12 injections for live. As I now have pernicious anaemia. Get the test done for peace of mind amy

[Kalimera57 in reply to Amy65]

Thanks Amy. That’s very reassuring. Is it a horrible test and how long does it take?

[Amy65 in reply to Kalimera57]

Hi kalimera 57 it only takes about 15 mins .I took a little sedation which helped didn't feel a thing .try not to worry it's worth it for peace of mind Amy

[Kalimera57 in reply to Amy65]

You’re right Amy and if it’s just 15 mins it’s bearable. I’ll psyche myself up!

[helixhelix]

Is the self testing kit the one provided by the nhs? It does just check for blood in your poo, which can be because of loads of different reasons. And cancer is just one of them.

I had it come out positive, so had a colonscopy. And really the preparation is worse than the procedure, that was the most horrid bit. The actual op doesn't take long, and the staff are so used to it and so matter of fact that it doesn't feel embararrassing. It's uncomfortable, but you can ask for sedation.

Anyway it ended up as I had benign polyps that were bleeding. Amd they were removed amd all's well.

[Kalimera57 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks Hh. Glad it turned out fine for you.

[BonnieT]

Test itself not bad. I’ve had four colonoscopies. Each time they removed a polyp. I’m being reminded by the doctor that it’s time for my next. First time since I’ve been diagnosed with the RA. I wanted to wait also to wait with my annual GYN visit but my son said I’m making poor choices. So now I’m debating about making my appointments again. 😞

[Kalimera57 in reply to BonnieT]

Well, if you’ve had 4 I should bite the bullet! Hope yr 5th goes well for you.

[BonnieT in reply to Kalimera57]

Thank you. My tests have been five years apart and the only thing I dislike about them is the prep before the test.