Picolax tomorrow and endoscopy and colonoscopy the day after

[Michelle1]

Getting rather anxious, which isn't helping my poor stomach and bowel situation.

As title says I'm due to take picolax tomorrow first sachet at 8am and a second one on the afternoon. Never taken it before and my guts are so sensitive already I don't know what to expect?

Having endoscopy and colonoscopy Monday morning. Endoscopy I'm not too stressed about as had one in December which showed h pylori infection and moderate to severe gastritis and this is to see how my stomach is now.

It's the colonoscopy I'm worried about as my bowels are so sensitive at the moment. My father had ulcerative colitis and then developed bowel cancer and I'm very anxious right now.

Any wise words?
X

[Kay8010]

Hi

I have my colonoscopy next week after 4 weeks of loose movements and weight loss, i am terrified of what this could be.

What are your symptoms? I had the endoscopy about 6 weeks ago which was normal.

[Michelle1]

Last sept I started feeling very unwell. Rapid weight loss, nausea, pain, ibs, fatigue first had endoscopy early January.

Had to have eradication therapy to treat helicobacter but pain still continued and had ultrasound which showed I had gallstones. January I had operation to remove gallbladder and not only did I have stones but a nasty infection too. Lots of antibiotics later, still got very sensitive stomach with lots of pain under left rib.

Lots of gurgling and gassy noises, heart palpitations when I eat and in total lost 2 stone. I've been really watching what I eat, saw a nutritionist and added herbs and digestive enzymes and super probiotics to counteract all the antibiotics I'd had and replace the good flora to my gut but it's still causing massive problems.

Consultant wants to check helicobacter has gone, see if gastritis has healed and also check the bowels. I suffer with diarrhoea usually 5-6 times a day. Sometimes watery and others just very loose with mucus. I suffer with anxiety too and that obviously messes with our digestive tract.

Just want to get to the bottom of what's causing all these problems. My stomach was perfectly fine till September last year so it's been almost a year of stomach issues.

Least Monday I will get some answers.

When is your colonoscopy? Do you have to take picolax the day before too?
X

---------- Post added at 17:48 ---------- Previous post was at 17:44 ----------

Sorry should of said 1st endoscopy November, gallbladder removed January

[pulisa]

Have you had any stool samples tested, Michelle? Just for things like giardiasis? You have certainly been through the mill with this and I really hope that Monday brings you some answers x

[Michelle1]

Hiya Pulisa

Yes get some answers Monday, I won't lie I'm dreading the prep tomorrow and the procedures on Monday, but it's better than worrying and not having answers.

Yes I've had the normal stool tests run for the major things like E. coli etc, also had Calprotectin test which was 77 higher than it should be.

Just trying to keep calm and today been on a no fiber diet, white bread, white rice and chicken but to be honest don't feel hungry anyway.

Tomorrow is 'blast off' day. And only clear fluids. Wish there was a less intrusive way of finding things out but endoscopy/colonoscopy is the best way, consultant taking biopsies too so should know more very soon.

I'm sure stress is playing a big part with me too, need to take some deep breaths. Hope you are keeping well xx

[Kay8010]

Hi Michelle

No i have moviprep i think its called. The GI office will call me monday to arrange the appt but seriously im so dpressed hardly eating thinking i have colon cancer. Ive had gallbladder removed too years ago but my issues started about 4 weeks ago and not stopped. Stool sample also but was normal for infections etc. I mean what else could this be other than cancer i tell myself!!

[Michelle1]

You need to try to calm down and stop thinking the worst. Look at the positives, it's been 4 weeks. You are being seen privately by a specialist and this week you are going to have your colonoscopy. Anxiety does awful things to our bodies, and definitely impacts the bowels and digestive tract so make it your priority this week to try your hardest to worry less and keep distracted. Let me know how your colonoscopy goes I'm sure you will be fine.

Well in half an hour I'll be taking my first sachet, don't know what to expect, how quickly it will kick in. Then second one this afternoon. I'm planning to try to relax watch some movies and tonight take a nice relaxing bath before the procedures tomorrow.

Only clear fluids today - I'll let you know how I get on.
X

[Kay8010]

Hi again

Its so hard not to worry about these things, its soul destroying, i can concentrate on anything just me and the what ifs, its wrecking me.

Ill let you know what the outcome is, let me know how you get on.

[pulisa]

Good luck, Michelle! The stuff isn't instantaneous but rest as much as you can today and stay close to the loo! I really hope you get some answers tomorrow so that you can move forwards towards some relief and appropriate treatment xx

[Michelle1]

Well.... We have blast off!!!!