I had my 3rd yearly colonoscopy on Friday.My first two were done privately and I was anethetised. This time, it was done on NHS. I told them I wanted to be heavily sedated but although the first part was OK the last part was very painful and I was yelling out. I was diagnosed with diverticultis the first time ,which until now, hasn't given me any problems.The last two days, since the colonoscopy, I have terrible stomach cramps and can hardly walk.I was told it was due to gas but I am wondering if it is connected to the diverticulitis.
When I left the ward,the nurse handed me a card to say they had removed a polyp and I would get an appointment to have a barium enema. She wasn't able to tell me why I would need this.Has anyone had to have the enema after a colonoscopy?
Hi, barb26,
Just seen your question on this site. I have had a barium enema after having a colonscopy. My experience (on NHS) was pretty much identical to yours, in that the further they went the more it hurt till it got to a point where they couldn't carry on. So in order to see the rest of the colon they have to do a barium enema. This is none too pleasant either, but at least its not invasive. Also removing the polyp means it is benign and will not turn into anything nasty. I am booked in tomorrow to have another colonscopy myself, so am not looking forward to it, but at least we have the satisfaction of knowing that it is diverticular disease and nothing else. Hope this helps.
Elmo guest advises that having a polyp removd means it is benign. this is not true. polyps can often turn out to be cancerous.
i too had a barian enema after a colonoscopy because they could not get far enough up to investigate with me. The 2nd experience was not as painful as previous as they sedate you (the most uncomfy thing i found was drinking the stuff that empties your bowels!) I was diagnosed with diverticulitus and have to tell you that before the diagnosis i too had crippling pain in my left side especially when i walked (my stomch also bloated out). To me, you previously had all the signs of diverticulitus. The hospital said that they did not think i had diverticulitus at first because i was only 40 yrs old when diagnosed. I find that certain foods trigger mine off (rice and tomatoe seeds are best avoided as these get stuck in the pouches of the bowel and cause infection), the only answer once the infection sets in is to go the the GP for strong anti biotics (metrodiazanoles). I find this condition very frustrating as there is no cure for it, even been told to eat more fibre is not the answer as this at times tends to make the condition worse.