anyone had a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy?

I'm curious to know whether others in other parts of the UK are getting told the same thing as me, here.

I've been experiencing some mild but strange intermittent abdominal discomfort in my lower left abdomen. I also every few weeks have some blood in my stool/on the toilet paper, which I think is due to a tiny fissure which my GP identified.

I was sent for an ultrasound - normal. Blood tests - normal. Due to some other symptoms I had, it was then said I might have endometriosis and the only way to know was with a laparoscopy - when it could be removed at the same time. So 11wks ago, I had my lap and they did find endo - only a few small patches and removed it. They had a good look around in there and everything else was normal.

I am still having some occasional discomfort in my lower left abdomen and since everything has been checked out visually, the only thing I can think is left is my bowel.

I had a referral to the gastro clinic today and they basically said that, since I'm 35yo, they wouldn't do a colonoscopy or check inside the bowel with my symptoms. They said that to do a colonoscopy on someone my age, they would need to have ALL 3 OF:
Low haemoglobin
Losing weight
Change in bowel habits

Without those symptoms, they said the risk of the test (perforating the bowel) outweighed any benefit and so they wouldn't do it and have discharged me. They really exaggerated the risks of it, to the point that I thought it can't be that risky because they are introducing it as a routine screening test for everyone over age 60, even if they have no symptoms!

I asked them what I should do about my abdominal pain and they said - take painkillers! So now I just feel alone with this and like I have no explanation for the discomfort and I just keep worrying about what it could be. It is mild and I don't actually need painkillers. I tell myself it could be scar tissue or adhesions or… But there seems no way to tell, beyond what I've had already. The gynae dept are saying it's nothing gynaecological as all was checked out during the surgery.

I read about other people around my age having colonoscopies and I'm wondering if this info I've been given about the symptoms you'd need to have, to have one, is right or not…?? I can't figure out if this is just an NHS money-saving thing (only offering colonoscopies to people with those 3 things) or whether this really IS the best thing for me, in this situation.

Have you seen this forum:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=71

I will move your post there

Thanks - can anyone help? If you've had a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, what were your symptoms beforehand and how old were you?

Have a read of the posts in this forum whilst waiting.

I have had both procedures so my posts will be in here too

My daughter had a colonoscopy on her 21st birthday so I really don't think age is necessarily a problem. She was referred through her Gynae surgeon however, as he strongly suspected endo (which proved to be the case and is very common as I'm sure you know). Possibly in terms of gastric specialists your condition and symptoms aren't ringing bells? Although they usually work closely together on such cases. Perhaps talk the the Gynae specialist for clarification?

I hope you get some answers soon. x

Thanks, that's interesting. Perhaps it was different as the gynae referred your daughter? I'm sorry she had to spent her 21st birthday like that, it's not a pleasant test.

I think the gastro clinic where I live is a bit overrun and is turning away everyone who doesn't tick the right boxes. Endo isn't always in the bowel though - it can just be on the outside of it, in which case they wouldn't see it in a colonoscopy.

There seems to be no interest for my gynae and gastro to want to work together. The gynae has said he doesn't think there's a need for further tests at the moment and to give it more time (I think to give it 6mnths - November), and the gastro folk seem to think it's nothing to do with the bowel. I know that's probably the case, but since it's the only organ in the location I'm getting the pain which hasn't been checked out, it would make sense to me to check it…!?

I was told the same thing, with similar symptoms, however I was losing weight. I ended up paying to have it done privately.

Poor you I can imagine your worry :(.. I had a sigmoidoscopy as I was having constant diahorrea daily.. I didn't have any other symptoms i.e stomach cramps or bleeding but it worried me ... I was back & forth to my GP & she was very reluctant to refer me but eventully did she put my symptoms down to anxiety but at the time I wasn't convinced & wanted piece of mind.. The diagnosis was I.B.S which was a relief but I'm still getting symptoms daily I have tried changing my diet to no avail & am still concerned ...

Part of my daughter's problem was that previous interventions had resulted in adhesions - which is extremely common when Endo is involved. Personally I would be pushing to be seen sooner than 6 months. Is your GP able to refer you anywhere else? I'm so sorry you are going through all this.

Lucy found a lot of support - and the name of a good local guy - on online forums. She also got huge relief from a bigger operation which was jointly done by the gynae and bowel specialist. Hugs to you. xx