PDA

View Full Version : Colonoscopy booked for 10th July



countrygirl
16-06-08, 18:35
I have bitten the bullet and got my appointment as I know that unless I go through this test I will just worry and worry that my bowel symptoms are not IBS but something sinister. Even though the outside of my colon and the first 3rd inside have already been checked my health anxiety won't let me rest until its all done.

Of course I am worrying that the fleet mixture will give me an electrolyte inbalance:wacko: but have ordered some electrolyte mixture to drink during the prep. then I worry that they will perforate my bowel or I will get an infection from a dirty colonoscope:scared15: . It never ends what you can worry about.

I have read that if you eat a low residue diet for 5 days before prep then the prep isn't as bad????Anyone done this or can give me any tips on what to do during prep??

Nemo
18-06-08, 00:20
Hi there. Sounds similar to me. I am seeing the gastro specialist on Friday, and am expecting him to do an abdominal x-ray there and then (he said he would), and to book a colonoscopy very soon. See my post yesterday re "worried about serious abdominal illness". I am terriefied as to what he might find. I read on a cancer board today that a GP might typically only see one new case of bowel cancer per year, and only 1% of cases relate to people under 40.. event though Im 41 this year, those two facts put things in to perspective made me feel a little better, but I know only having the tests will reassure me... hope you start to feel better soon.

worriedGrace
18-06-08, 16:02
I quite envy you for having a colonoscopy. I had a sigmoidoscopy 2 weeks ago which was normal and I am now coming down from that high and thinking that perhaps I should have had a colonoscopy. I knew this would happen! Sometimes I wonder if I am addicted to the wonderful high feeling I get when a test reveals nothing.

danna
18-06-08, 21:44
Hi There,

What you are feeling now is tottaly normal. I had to go thru a colonoscopy a month ago and I was terryfied ... I thought about giving up and not checking what was wrong with me. Basicly I have severe anxiety and I have difficulty going to the bathroom .. when my anxiety is really high I have blood in my stools... I was thinking I had cancer.. that if I did the colonoscopy they would perfurate my colon ... that I would die with the sedative they were going to give me... I was going nuts.
Two days before my colonoscopy I stoped eating all kinds of foods....just having what was prescribed by the doctor : sprite.. jellow ( not red one) , broth soup, gums...
One day before the colonoscopy I started the prep.... It wasn't that bad as everyone says... The worst for me was to have to drink the whole galon of liquid... and then I stayed at home just to be safe......
The day of the colonoscopy I was super anxious.. but the nurses were really kind and my doctor was really nice.. they gave me the sedation and I didn't feel pain or anything... it was quick and after 15 min I was able to go home with someone that drove me home! :)
If you need to get this test... you have to know that the benefits of it can save your life!
Good Luck!

countrygirl
18-06-08, 23:24
thanks everyone for your words. I am wanting it to be over and done with and 10th july seems a long way away!

Trixie
19-06-08, 08:38
I had a colonoscopy the other year. I have suffered from diverticulitis for many years and it is getting worse. My father and uncle had it and my father ended up with a colostomy bag. I was admitted one night as an emergency after being in acute pain for 10 hrs (was in hospital for a week on a IV and nil by mouth).

Anyway I went for the colonoscopy as the surgeon wanted a good look at my bowel.

I told the staff that I didn't want pain killers or sedation as I wanted to see what the inside of my bowel looked like on the monitor (it reminded me of a sea anemone:))

It took 20 mins to get from anus to appendix because my bowel kept going into spasms despite IV Buscapan. I found the whole thing very interesting and I was glad I was awake to participate and help the staff (you have to roll over several times).

I am not saying it didn't hurt at times but no more than when I get a flare up. And at times it was quite a ticklish sensation as you could feel the tube going through the bowel.

Don't worry about it the worse thing is drinking the liquid the day before.:yesyes:

The nurse came round afterwards and told me nothing sus' had been found, but I told her that I had never even thought about that. I knew I had diverticular problems and that was all I was concerened with. But I think it must be a routine chat they have with patients.

countrygirl
05-07-08, 23:23
I am terrified. I am having fleet prep the day before. I have read that you should drink an electrolyte solution during the prep to prevent and imbalances or problems with the prep and have bought an electrolyte solution but cannot find out how much of it to drink.

My colonsocpy dept at hospital is useless as they don't themselves tell people to do this so cannot give any advice.

I have come across lots of info on internet saying that drinking something like E-Lyte helps with bowel prep and stops any adverse effects of fleet but none of them give any info on how much to drink.

Anyone have any thoughts on what I can do or has anyone drunk sports drinks during prep for colonsocpy

Alisonj
06-07-08, 03:29
I actually never did drink any sports drinks during my prep. Just afterwards make sure you replace fluids etc.
I hope everything goes well.

Trixie
06-07-08, 06:53
I had a colonoscopy (I have severe problems with my diverticuli)

I drank the preparation sent to me by the hospital and nothing else, I was fine.

Just drink the stuff and stop worrying about your electrolytes. If the hospital thought this was going to be a problem they would have mentioned it in the leaflet they sent you as they do diabetes.

You'll be fine, nothing to worry about.:yesyes:

Sax
06-07-08, 08:20
Hi Countrygirl,


http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patientinfo/acute/bowel_prep_for_colonoscopy.pdf

This is from Guys and St Thomas' and doesn't mention drinking sports drinks therefore in my opinion if you follow the instructions to the letter and drink the water you need to then this will be adequate.
However, if you have any energy drinks afterwards its just a bonus but don't concern yourself with having 'enough' like I say if the hospital doesn't advise it and they have guidelines to follow, then i'm sure it isn't necessary.

I hope it goes ok xx

countrygirl
08-07-08, 20:11
I'm in a state of terror here - one half of me wants to get this test done so I can stop worrying about my probable IBS and constant wind and pain but the other half is in dread of it all. Everyone says the prep is evil and the worst part - I am trying to do my best have got a comfy chair in bathroom plus lots of reading material and lots of sports drinks to stop my electrolytes dropping and glucose tablets to keep my blood sugar up as I can't eat for over 24 hrs.

Once I am through that ( hopefully!!!!) then I will start to panic about the proceedure - will I react badly to the sedation ( even though I have had it before and been okay) or will it not work and I will be in severe pain then what if they perforate my colon and don't know and send me home to get peritonitis.

You all know how my mind works.

I would like some kind words please as you all know what I am going through and no one else does as they don't have health anxiety. My GP actaully made a joke this morning about the prep mixture being called fleet for a reason. I laughed but resisted the urge to sob hysterically in terror:wacko:

marie1974
08-07-08, 21:38
aww hun, please try not worry at least having this will put your mind at rest. good luck and let us know how it goes, you really will be fine hun :bighug1:

Trixie
08-07-08, 22:06
You will be fine. I suffer from diverticular disease and have had many bouts of diverticulitis which have meant admission to hospital and put on a drip.

I had a colonoscopy the other year I drank the liquid Yuk! didn't worry about taking anything for my electrolytes :shrug:

I didn't have any sedation or pain killers yes it was uncomfortable at times but not as bad as my flare ups. It took 20 mins and afterwards I had a cup of coffee and some toast. And I was allowed home soon after.

It was no biggie so stop worrying about it.:yesyes:

countrygirl
09-07-08, 12:37
All I can say is never again. The stuff to drink is disgusting even when you try and disguise it - it made me feel very sick and shivery for hours and what happens at the other end is unbelievable. My mother in law had warned me but I didn't believe her. I coulnd't go more than 5 mins without it pouring out of me for over 2 hrs, talk about sore!! I've done everything they say - lots of fluids - vaseline. I am so hungry and weak from lack of food and wo't be able to eat till after the proceedure tomorrow. I am drinking lots of sugary drinks but my blood sugar is still in my boots!

And I have got to do it again at 7pm tonight:mad:

If anyone is thinking of having this done just to ease their worries - don't:lac:

Wish me luck with next 24 hrs and pray that all goes well for me - I am not a happy bunny as you can tell.:winks:

joyce1980
09-07-08, 12:46
Oh yeah my mum has a colonoscopy ever three years, I remember the first time she had that "cleansing" drink ! my my she waited in the kitchen with me for 2 mins, I then herd her tummy gurgle and I didnt see her for the dust.

I know you feel unwell now and I understand that you are doing this to be sure you are ok, just think you wont have to worry anymore.

Make sure you drink clear fluids and try to nap, then after the colonoscopy you have a nice big meal.

Good luck

Trixie
09-07-08, 12:58
All I can say is never again. The stuff to drink is disgusting even when you try and disguise it - it made me feel very sick and shivery for hours and what happens at the other end is unbelievable. My mother in law had warned me but I didn't believe her. I coulnd't go more than 5 mins without it pouring out of me for over 2 hrs, talk about sore!! I've done everything they say - lots of fluids - vaseline. I am so hungry and weak from lack of food and wo't be able to eat till after the proceedure tomorrow. I am drinking lots of sugary drinks but my blood sugar is still in my boots!

And I have got to do it again at 7pm tonight:mad:

If anyone is thinking of having this done just to ease their worries - don't:lac:

Wish me luck with next 24 hrs and pray that all goes well for me - I am not a happy bunny as you can tell.:winks:


You'll be fine, the worse part was the taste of the 'laxative' from then on it is all down hill.

See if you can have it done without sedation I did and it was fantastic looking at my bowel on the monitor (but then I am a nurse and we love that sort of thing).

I found the whole thing quite fascinating (except the part where I left my reading glasses behind and I had to borrow someone's so I could read a magazine).

I am not going to wish you luck because there is nothing to be scared about, have a good time and if you need glasses don't forget to bring them with you.:yesyes:

Vinny
09-07-08, 14:09
I also had a colonocsopy last year. I have NEVER tasted anything so vile in all my life. I was nearly sick drinking it and for hours afterwards I kept shudering at the thought of having to have more of it later.
I was also starving hungry and couldn't think of anything but food (and I'm not usually a big eater!!).
It will be worth it though sweetie, to get the all clear afterwards is worth all the misery :-)

Good Luck x

countrygirl
09-07-08, 22:28
when my mother in law said she would rather die than do the prep ever again I thought she was joking.
Had my second dose which was everybit as bad as first one - had the two hours of sitting on the loo cos I couldn't get off again. Now I'm down to every half hour. I've got evil hunger pains that no amount of apple juice will get rid of.
I have to say I feel so ill it frightens me - I am thinking maybe I have an imbalance of my electrolytes either too little potassium or too much sodium.
I did a silly thing and googled low potassium and of course i have some of the symptoms like ectopic beats and racing heart and twitching muscles - I get them anyway!
My husband says the lack of food, drinking huge amounts and the terrible toll the prep must take on the poor old body will be making me feel ill.

nomorepanic
09-07-08, 22:34
When I had the sigmoidoscopy I had enemas and they were worse than the procedure itself. I was on the loo for ages.

I could not understand why people would request these tests !!!

I hope I never have to have a colonoscopy but I may do in the future and believe me it is not through choice!

You will be fine - just hungry and drained from the prep.

Make sure you drink loads as it will rehydrate you.

Good luck - I am glad it isn't me as I know how bad the sigmoid was let alone this that you have to go through!

Cathy V
09-07-08, 22:41
Hi countrygirl, i do feel sorry for you after following these posts...it must feel awful. The crunch question is though...will you believe them if they tell you after this that you dont have cancer?

I know you say you get ectopics too, but its interesting to note that me and my fellow heart phobics seem to have many many ecgs which are relatively painless compared to what you're going through, so does this make it easier for us to dismiss the results and go back for more? makes me wonder.

Maybe if i had to go through what you are going through for this test, to put your mind at rest, and was told after it that i was ok, would it be easier for me to accept it? If you can understand what i mean. I cant imagine anybody wanting to go through this as often as they go through with an ecg!

What do others think?

Good luck with the test anyway
Best wishes
Cathy xxxx

Nemo
09-07-08, 22:50
Hi... I had this prep three weeks ago before a barium enema... the prep is worse than the barium enema (for the record), but I have to say the prep wasnt as bad as I expected having read about peoples experiences on the web. Well the lower bowel looked perfectly healthy and I was relieved, I am sure you will be fine too.

However, my bowel disease fear has recently been replaced with a fear of a throat disease so my "health anxiety holiday" ended up being just a "long weekend" :-(

eljay
09-07-08, 23:14
However, my bowel disease fear has recently been replaced with a fear of a throat disease so my "health anxiety holiday" ended up being just a "long weekend" :-(
Why the hell are we like this? I ve had a bad tongue and mouth [see problem with tongue] deep rooted from the dentist saying I had white gums which could turn nasty [cancer] this was a yr ago, 6 months ago it had got no worse and im due to go on 23rd this month, with the problems with throat mouth and tongue im convinced its cancer, now with sinus and eye problem im telling myself its spread, in a way I hope im losing my mind :weep:

eljay
09-07-08, 23:22
sorry to butt into this thread, I hope you are ok countrygirl x x

countrygirl
10-07-08, 19:00
As someone has said does this never end.

The good news is the proceedure wasn't as bad as I expected and they had changed the sedation to very mild so was fully aware throughout:wacko: . A few ouch moments but over with quickly.

My colon was all okay so standard proceedure, no polyps removed or anthing so risk of complication low.BUT before I left the nurse said if I developed sudden severe abdominal pain with fever and vomiting to come back to hospital. she said it is very very rare for damage to bowel wall to occur but they have to give everyone same info.

I thought I was doing well - she told me to go home lay down on left side for 15 mins on and off to help the gas out that had been put in but I was feeling so good that I went to village an did some shopping:lac: I was standing for about half an hour talking to a friend and suddenly got savage pain around my navel, I also had had very noisy wind and exploding feelings.

I got home and did as I should have done and laid on bed on left side and I did get rid of alot of wind and the pain did go. I do have moving pains all over abdomen and into bck and still got very noisy gas. Am passing small quantities but not good rip roaring ones:D

Of course as has been said I am now worrying that my pain is because my bowel has been perforated - I googled it and it seems as if you would get extremely ill very quickly if it had. I am now terrified this pain will come back as bad as it did before and am obsessing over every twinge, I have to say each twinge seems to come at same time as a lound noise in same place.

I had two hours of feeling on top of world that I did not have to worry about bowel cancer and now this:mad:

nomorepanic
10-07-08, 19:21
It is highly unlikely this has happened.

I had a bad stomach ache / pains and wind after the sigmoidoscopy and took the next day off work as I still wasn't 100% but it passed.

Glad it all went well and nothing was found.

Are you now reassured that all is ok?

I would also like to merge all your posts together as there are several about the colonoscopy and it is easy for someone else going through this procedure to read the whole thread and not jump around between posts. Is that ok?

countrygirl
10-07-08, 19:27
Fine by me - wasn't sure what to do sorry for doing multiple posts.

Yes I was reassured about colon cancer but of course had to find something else to worry about!

nomorepanic
10-07-08, 19:31
No worries about the multiple posts - that is not an issue.

I just thought that if someone wanted to read about having a colonoscopy then it would all be in one thread to read and get advice.

You do not have anything to worry about as I am sure you would be very ill by now if they did any damage to your bladder.

countrygirl
10-07-08, 19:38
I assume you meant to say bowel not bladder:winks: Don';t give me anything else to worry about!!

nomorepanic
10-07-08, 19:46
Oh sorry that is cos with the sigmoid they say there is a risk to damaging the bladder lol

countrygirl
10-07-08, 20:15
Blimey I didn't know that one - assume same risk applies to full colonsocopy as well - where did you find this out as I have never come across it??

Cathy V
10-07-08, 20:29
Countrygirl, your bowel and your bladder are fine. youve just had a procedure so will be uncomfortable for a while, but they havent damaged anything, please believe it. Ive had this procedure and also my brother has a colonoscopy every year to remove polyps. as they always grow back. Try not to worry ok?

Take care
cathy xxx

Trixie
10-07-08, 20:37
Told you everything would be OK. I had wind after mine so don't worry any more, also you have had a foreign body in your large colon it is bound to be a bit iffy for a few hours.

YOU ARE FINE STOP WORRYING. :yesyes:

countrygirl
10-07-08, 21:35
Thanks everyone nice to know you are all out there - I will try and be rational:whistles: