Why is this necessary?

[Seagu11]

Diagnosed GCA, on Pred , however Consultant has recommended an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy. I do not have any symptoms and feel bad enough, so I declined?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You'll have to ask him! Are you having any gastrointestinal symptoms? I can think of reasons he might want to cover all bases - but it would be unusual.

[anutycrixp in reply to PMRpro]

Ah,I had these done.Reason being blood tests showed I was very anaemic [as well as full of inflammation etc]I am over 60 and common cause of "unexplained " anaemia are possible occult bleeding from polyps/tumours etc in gastro intestinal tract.The tests were done to check on these -thankfully all clear !I could then start on steroids for pmr.Could not start these until possible bleeding tumours was excluded.Please ask you doctors to explain the reason in your case.These test are not done for nothing,and they really are no big deal! Please talk to your Doctor!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to anutycrixp]

Did you mean to reply to me? Those were all the things I would have said too.

[anutycrixp in reply to PMRpro]

oh think I put reply in wrong place ! new to this ,sorry!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to anutycrixp]

It's OK, don't apologise - the nesting on this site is nuts and drives me up the wall! It happens loads. When you reply to a post there is a box immediately below it - and it always says who you are replying to just above it.

[anutycrixp in reply to PMRpro]

thanks,now I know!!

[artfingers]

I just had a colonoscopy which here in U.S. is recommended when you reach a certain age. I had one previously about 15 years ago and it came back fine. This time they found polyps (nothing surprising since I'm 67) and they just removed them. Also mild diverticulosis (not infected). Gastroenterologist did not seem concerned but he did remark it is important to remove the polyps as they can become problematic if left. He recommended a diet high in fiber, fruit and vegetables (which I already do). I had NO symptoms and no indicators ahead of time so, though the preparation is unpleasant, it is well worth it in my opinion.

[Telian]

I had them both. Colonoscopy due to blood always in urine. Cancer was eliminated but had more polyps removed.

Endoscopy showed small hernia which they said was nothing to worry about - I had no symptoms and still don’t.

[Constance13 in reply to Telian]

Telian, how long have you had blood in your urine? I have for 40 years. Most annoying whenever I have a blood test in hospital or when at another doctor, they always want me to take antibiotics, I never do off course. I’ve had it checked again and again but nobody can find out where it’s coming from. Not dead yet so it can’t be important.😂😂

[Telian in reply to Constance13]

My second year - since I started with the chronic UTI symptoms. Seeing Urology again on Monday so will be interesting to hear what they have to say since last year - I'll be telling them that I've had all the investigations we spoke about and all were negative - think I know that they'll want to blame the steroids - as does everyone else except rheumy!

40 years! As you say you're living to tell the tale..... Did you read the article PMRpro put out re UTIs - very interesting how the germ can 'hide' itself sometimes - am wondering if that's what's happening to me. I once was admitted to hospital with acute R sided pain which was thought to be appendicitis - they eventually concluded it was the tail end of the UTI I'd had treatment for the week prior - gave me a strong anti and it worked - for 9 months then it all started again but without the side pain just usual UTI symptoms. I swear I'd look 50 years younger if I didn't have this baggage on top of everything else! All the best. x

[Constance13 in reply to Telian]

50 years????😂😂😂😂😂💐💐

[Telian in reply to Constance13]

Why not - that's how I feel from trying to hold my insides together each and every day. I'll settle for 20 then!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

Colonoscopy for blood in urine? Cystoscopy surely??????

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

Had both - cystoscopy first to eliminate cancer - which it did - then colonoscopy due to the other not finding anything.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

It brought tears to the eyes thinking of them using the colonoscopy scope for blood in urine...

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

Did me when you say it like that! Ouch indeed!