Thank you to all who were kind enough to reply to my post much appreciated. Just to update you. Had colonoscopy yesterday. It went well some sedation was able to watch what what going on and was relaxed as before had I was a nervous wreck but the nurses and consultant were great helping me calm down. There was some minimum cramps but only a few times and only lasted seconds.
Happy to say only one benign looking polyp removed and diagnosis of hemmeroids and diverticular which was pretty much what my gp and the hospital doctor thought. The consultant said no cancer which was what I wanted to hear. To anyone hving to go through this yes the prep is the worst bit but prepare and you will get through it. Have sedation for the procedure if you want. They only gave me a smaller dose so if necessary they could increase it but I didn't need it. I was fine afterwards not dizzy a bit tired (but I had not slept the night before and was up at 6am). After a rest I had welcome tea and toast and then my husband arrived to take me home. So take it from someone who has awful anxiety that it is not anywhere near as bad as I thought and you will be able to get through it.
Hey. So so happy for you. Felt there would be a good putcome here. You can relax now and deal with the problems you have. Dietary changes help massively with diverticulitis. X
Thank you Margaret. Am looking into diet trying to balance not getting constipated my main problem with controlling wind and bloating.
Hope you ae well at the moment and will continue to be so.
Thanks. Didn't want to tell you before your procedure but I have some precancerous lesions and need follow up after antibiotic treatment. Staying positive and hoping follow up will show a return to normal xx
Oh Margaret I'm sorry to hear that. They are precancerous so that is good but I know it does not stop you worrying. Good you are staying positive and hoping your follow up will show a return to normal. Please let me know how it goes.
Thank you yes was worried at first but now hoping all will be well. It is as you rightly say not the worst new pre cancer cells are not cancer. Onwards and hopefully upwards. Have a lovely day and be glad your ordeal is over xx
I'm so happy for you. I came to this site because I was diagnosed with diverticulitis in Jan. of this year. I'm 74. My gastronenterologist said it is in remission (June 2017) but because I have constipation and IBS symptoms, he said I have Post Diverticulitis IBS. It's now 8 months of abdominal discomfort, so I go back to see him in a couple of weeks. He wants to do a colonoscopy. I've never had one because I have other pelvic issues. But my anxiety is so high and this abdominal discomfort is everyday, I just have to know I'm okay (no cancer). My question for you is didn't the colonoscopy aggravate your IBS symptoms afterwards? Did the laxatives cause on-going cramps and diarrhea long after the test was over? What was the sedative they gave you? The center here uses Propofal (sp.?) What did you have? How is your IBS now? Please answer my questions. I'm in such a state and a quandry over this. I need your help as someone with IBS who had the procedure done. Just to mention as a side note -- I have IC and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, so lots of abdominal issues. This is why I put off having a colonoscopy in the first place. Please help!
Hello Lynn , I can tell from your post that you are in a state over your forth coming colonoscopy. As an anxiety sufferer I can emphathise with how you are feeling. I will try and answer your questions for you.
The prep I had was moviprep, which is quite common here in the UK. I did experience cramps after starting the prep, but once they started working they improved. I had a 2nd prep in the morning as my appointment was in the afternoon. After the colonoscopy (which was not nearly as bad as I believed it would be) I had a lot of wind which everyone has, but no no real pain. My bowels were more or less back to normal in a couple of days. I too suffer constipation, but now take a fybogel with mebeverine fibre drink each morning, which really helps, although I do have the odd day when it is a bit harder to go, usually down to not enough water or eating something I shouldn't, but I soon get back on track. If you want to know what I did to get through the prep I can post again, or send you a private message if you prefer.
I see you have IC and pelvic floor dysfunction. I don't know much about IC, but I understand it is long term and hard to treat. Irritable bladder is common with IBS because I suffer from it from time to time. It seems like if my bladder is playing up then my IBS starts, or visa versa. You have a lot to deal with, no wonder you feel anxious. Sadly it is a vicious circle the more anxious you become the worse your symptoms are, I should know. I am getting some counselling for the anxiety and waiting for a place to become available. So to answer your questions, yes, the prep did cause some cramps, but not long lasting and the colonscopy did not seem to agravate my IBS. I hope I have covered everything, but if not please ask me again. I hope you get on ok with the gastro doctor. You did not mention whey he wants you to have the scope done, is it because of the constipation. Mine was done because of blood in stools and as you know it turned out to be hemmeroids and diverticular and I only had one benign polyp removed. Take care and please post again if anything is worrying you.
Carol
Hi Carol,
You are so sweet to get back to me right away. I had a feeling you live in the UK because of the meds you mentioned. May I ask again what the sedative was that you were given? I'd like not to be totally out if they'll allow it.
To answer your question about why doctor wants to do a colonoscopy, well it's because at 74 I never had one done. Here in the U.S. the recommended age to start them is age 50. Plus with my continued discomfort, he just wants to rule out anything else that may be causing it.
Last question, hope it's not too much information, but last year at my yearly gyno checkup, doctor did a rectal exam. It caused a split (cut) in the rectum. It healed with sitz baths, but has come back several times I guess due to my constipation issues or maybe it never fully healed. Anyway, did your rectum (anus) get really sore after the procedure? Just trying to know what to expect.
Thanks again.
Lynn
P.S. I too have suffered from generalized anxiety; for me, probably 50+ years.
No Trouble Lynn. I have just looked at my colonoscopy report and the sedation was Fentany 50 and Midazolam (IV) 2.5mg. I was nice and relaxed during the procedure and quite able to talk to nurses and the surgeon. My husband had the same sedatives but a higher dose and was out of it as far as he can remember. This maybe because he also had a camera down his throat as well as the rear end scope. After my procedure I was fine except for the wind which I was passing easily. I was kept in recovery then allowed to dress and had tea and toast and was chatting to other patients. I think I went for the procedure around 2.45pm and was collected by my husband 4.30 - 5pm. I think the splits in the rectum might take time to heal and of course constipation might hinder this. I am sure you could get the doctor to check it for you. Your last question about sore rectum made me smile but it is not funny really. On advice of other patients I bought a tub of vaseline and applied it before and after bowel movements. Obviously you will be going for a long time so just make sure you reapply the vaseline after each visit to the toilet even though it might only have been a few minutes ago. Also use wet wipe type toilet tissues. I found with this I had no problems. Also get some incontinence pads to wear in bed at night you made not need them but it will give you some protection during this time. Just made your self comfortable near the bathroom/toilet and have plenty of magazines, books, your computer, music crosswords etc what ever suits you and of course a lovely hot water bottle. As I don't know about the prep you will be given I can't add much. My one was very sweet with a slight lemon taste I did add some orange squash to it which helped a bit. It was the quantity more that the taste which was the problem but I got through it. Once you have a date and know all the details please feel free to message me here if you have any questions. All the best.
Carol
Thank you so much Carol for those great tips. In fact, I'm printing it out to use as reference for when (or if) I get the colonoscopy done. When you live alone, there is no one to bounce off your concerns with, so I appreciate you immensely. I'm trying to imagine your response with a british accent. (smile) I hope to get back to you when everything is done and over with.
I hope your IBS is not a constant thing and you can enjoy most every day! Wishing you well.
Lynn
Glad to be of help. My Ibs is not too bad I think that my anxiety causes all my aches and pains. My grandchildren are a great distraction as well. I can imagine if you live alone it is hard as you have no one to ask about things. At the moment is it is a stressful time for us as my husband has just had a biopsy . We have just got the appointment through to get the results on the 15th August. Don't forget any other questions please ask. I hope you don't have to wait too long for an appointment.
Take care