Is colonoscopy of large bowel only test needed to diagnos IBD? My Internal medicine Dr. will only scope large colon, but I read where small bowel needs tested too. Should I see a Gastroenterologist instead? I have uncontrolled diarrea, severe joint pain, swollen gut;etc... Scope in 2005 showed many ulcers in left colon. Which scope will detect problems right above navel? I was diagnosed with IBS 17 yrs. ago,and on Bentyl for 10 yrs. now; it isn't helping. My gut right above navel is getting harder and more painful.
Q: I have ulcerative colitis symptoms. Will scope of large colon be enough to detect this?
Answers (1)
10/31/08 2:31pm
Hi Linda,
Personally, I would see a GI who specializes in IBD. If you have UC a colonoscopy will do the job for diagnosing it. If the GI thinks it's more Crohn's related then a look at the small bowel will be necessary as well. But, a colonoscopy is usually the first place to start.
Good luck,
Elizabeth
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