Amount of years between Colonoscopies

I was wondering how often you guys have been told that you need a colonoscopy. Have you been told every 3 years or every 5? My original GI told me that I need one every 3 years. But, I'm finding out every time I turn around that this new insurance does things a bit differently than what I grew up with. I see my GI in about 3 weeks and will be asking him the same thing. But was hoping you guys might tell me what you've heard as well.

Thanks. :hug:

I've been told every three. I had my first in 2011 and my second in 2014.

Every other year for me

I think while you are flaring you should have one at least every year, and then after that I think its suggested every 2 or 3.

Ouch Droopy! afidz, I guess that I can understand having one that often if you're constantly in a flare. I think mostly for the question is that so much is different with this insurance of mine from what I originally was used to that I'm starting to question of what's the real normal and what I grew up with.

If I'm correct, in 2015 I will have my next colonoscopy. Because I switched insurance last year I can't remember if this will be #4 or #5 for me.

Yearly when flaring, right now every other year......it also depends on how long you have had your disease, because the risk of of other complications increases.....

I had two last year and before that I was getting them about every 10 months or so . I haven't been able to skip a year for about four years . Luckily I get my treatment at the Veteran's hospital so insurance is not an issue. I am finally feeling well . I am going to request to skip this year , barring no health complications . So to answer your question my answer would be too often .

My GIs have always said every other year, although I've had more than that just because I always have issues. I do know of some people who go 7+ years without a scope, and these are people who have IBD:eek2: Kinda jealous, ha.

I have at least one a year sometimes two if things are very bad.

I'm every 3. Unless I'm having issues, then sooner. Depending on situation.

I was told every 7 years.

Every two years for me.
But I always end up having them more frequently.
And I'm ok with that.

After my reversal operation (June 2011) the GI consultant wanted me to have a colonoscopy after 6 months, to see how the join was going, and then yearly. However because they both showed clinical remission we substituted a calprotectin test for the colonoscopy that was due December 2013. (Research has shown that there is a good correlation between calprotectin results and what is found with a scope)

This is a win-win situation. The calprotectin test costs the NHS a lot less than a colonoscopy and uses far less consultant's time. The lower cost means that I can have them routinely done every 6 months and there's no prep required. (It's done on the understanding that if the calprotectin shows active disease then a scope will be carried out)

We have never been told a schedule. We just do them when the GI says. We have had 2 in 1.5 yrs. I don't think that common though. If there doesn't show much outward change thinking there is inflammation i'd think 2-3 yrs would be good.

Had crohns from 1993 and never had one.

Proctitis since 2006 and only one when diagnosed.

We've been told every 10 years if in remission and no issues going on. That was by a pediatric GI so maybe a adult GI would tell us something different.

It was 10 years for me and I only had one so we could see if any damage before we started trying for children.

So far every two years but was told it is likely to be every three.,can't say with a new GI
who is far better than the first.Of course it does depend on need when problems arise.
Sometimes with that prep I forget to be grateful---but we are so fortunate to have these dedicated professionals looking after us.,and who can be just as upset as we are when they find something.
Trysha

I believe for Grace I was told every three years but at a certain age it will be six years.
Of course that's if she ever finds remission.
She's already been scoped twice in a year and looking to add a third time if she gets worse.

Every year for me

My GI said depending on if it's Crohn's or Colitis & where your inflammation is it's every 2 years after you've been diagnosed for 10 or 18 years.

I was diagnosed at 19. I had my first colonoscopy in 2003 (diagnosis), and then did not have one again until 2010 (severe flare). Switched to a new GI who is a Crohn's subspecialist, we did another one in 2012 to check the efficacy of our medication plan. Now that I am over 30 the standard of care is for a colonoscopy annually. Apparently once you have Crohn's for more than 10 years the risk factor for colon cancer increases, requiring the annual colonoscopy.

As I am not a fan of this procedure, I did a little searching and found that the latest journal articles do recommend the annual colonoscopy every 10 years. For me thats a bit much, so I'm trying to stretch them out a little further.