Need Help Understanding Colonoscopy Biopsy Results - Bowel Disorders Message Board

bcd64 · 06-19-2008, 06:50 AM

I just got an email from my Primary Care doctor regarding the results of the colonoscopy I had last week, and I don't really know what to make of it:

"They did a lot of biopsies- many were normal or just showed some inflammation (non-specific).
One showed increased eosinophils, which are white blood cells seen when there is an allergic process going on.
One showed mild "cryptitis". This is inflammation that can be seen in inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's. Since your only symptom has been the occasional bleeding without other symptoms, it's hard to know what to make of this.
I suggest you see a Gastroenterologist to discuss this further and decide if any further evaluation/treatment is needed."

Does this sound like I have one of the inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn's or Colitis? I am making myself sick with worry.

zimagirl79 · 06-20-2008, 08:52 AM

Instead of making yourself sick with worry, do as the doctor suggested and make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Being active about pursuing answers will keep you busy and leave less time to worry. Your primary care doctor has done the right thing by admitting he/she is unsure of the results and wants you to see a specialist who will have more knowledge of such matters. The inflammation is described as "mild" and it *can* be seen in some of the bowel deseases. There's also a good possibility that you don't have any of them.

Good luck, I wish you the best.

Harry · 06-20-2008, 01:50 PM

bcd,

I am surprised that a Doctor would email you these results instead of a sit down discussion. I have had 10 or so colonoscopies over the years but none done by a PCP and all results were discussed with the doctors.

Eosinophils are white blood cells that increase in the blood often when there is an allergic disorder going on that needs to be brought under control by your body's immune system. I have had it several times during hay fever season & had no symptoms 1 month then it was in the normal range several months later and still had no symptoms. But, never with a biopsy described that had more than normal eosinophils present.

The crypts are tubular type cells in the intestines both the colon and small intestines. When some get inflamed, it is called Cryptitis and is not a disease by itself but an inflammation and your is mild inflammation.
And, of course it is present in IBDs as well as in alot of other inflammations like fissures and hemorrhoids.

I certainly would have thought your Doctor would have told you this--- Gee, your PCP must be relatively young and busy to send you an email and not have another office visit --- maybe he felt unqualified for any discussion about your problem. So, now I guess seeing a Gastro doctor is the next step-- this is called passing you around. It is not only frustrating for you but as you said it can worry you ALOT--- especially when you get partially unanswered questions to a problem you are having.

Who is They in your post-- "They did alot of biopsies" ?

I wish you well---Harry

PS-- I know it is useless to say but try not to worry--- stress can cause all sorts of ailments.
BTW-- Crohn's disease is an inherited disease that runs in Family/genes.

bcd64 · 06-20-2008, 05:46 PM

(QUOTE- Removed

Thanks for the reply Harry. I didn't really understand what you wrote about eosinophils - how did you know that you had them if you didn't have a biopsy?
Did they see them in a blood test?

To answer your question, the "They" in my post regarding "They did a lot of biopsies" is referring to the Gastro doctor who actually did the colonoscopy. I agree that my PCP doctor is just passing the buck. I would have thought that if she didn't understand how to interpret the results, that SHE would have called the Gastro doc for a better explanation before just sending me a vague and confusing email.

I called the Gastro doc's office this afternoon and made an appt. with him, but its not for almost 3 weeks. I've never had an appt. with a Gastro doctor before (just the colonoscopy, and I only saw him for a minute before I was put under), but I figured that he would be able to explain the results to me. So its just wait and worry till then.

Harry · 06-21-2008, 10:14 AM

bcd,

The Eosanophils is part of a common blood test called a CBC -- Complete Blood Count that usually includes the White Blood Cell count and the catagories that make up the WBCs.

All blood tests that I have taken I get a copy--- just to know.

I guess your PCP scheduled your colonoscopy with the Gastro doctor. I have never done it that way. I see a Gastro Doctor or a Colo Rectal Surgeon for a colonoscopy and results.

I am glad that you have an appointment with a Gastro Doctor to explain your biopsy test results and also the next step?

God Bless---Harry