Hi All,
So quick summary here of my issues...Past few weeks I had abdominal cramps on one side and I lost a few pounds (maybe from worry). Had more BMs than usual but they weren't unhealthy ones. Anyway, doc recommended i get a colonoscopy and an endoscopy on Monday bearing in mind i am going abroad for 2 weeks to Cyprus on Wednesday morning!
So I'm feeling way better than I was when I reported the issues to the doc and very concerned that the procedures may make things worse! e.g. could cause problems like bleeding that will stop me going on holiday, could cause problems with my stomach for days/weeks due to the healthy bacteria being flushed out or from unclean endoscopes being used etc.
So I really need to know what folks suggest bearing in mind the above and the fact I will be away from the UK for 2 weeks following my procedures. Need to know today as if I decide to cancel the procedures it will need to be done Friday by 9am UK time!
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks 
Hi it depends what you are having a full bowel colonised I would say no don't go away I've just had one and make you feel rubbish but depends how much u want your problem solved or go away I'm sure u will do the right thing for your. Self good luck anyway.
I would say that maybe you want these endoscopys but surely you can delay them until you return. It makes sense to not do invasive procedures that carry a small risk of purforation etc wihout having access to the British NHS to immediately follow up any complication
Yeah I could probably delay them...only reason I initially asked to be brought in for them so quickly was that I've been worried sick for 2 weeks but now the symptoms are getting better so now on the fence about it all!
A win/win situation is if you could secure another appointment tomorrow morning for when you return - so that you don't suffer some excessive waiting period trying to re-book when you return from holiday. Once they realise that you have good prudent reasons to defer, I hope they re-book there and then on the phone when you speak to them at 9am tomorrow.
Yeah does seem like the best bet really doesn't it... As I say the only issue is I've been worried sick, almost had a panic attack etc. From the worrying earlier this week and last...not sure if that's down to the symptoms I was having or just me over thinking them!
So I rang the hospital just to double check what they thought and they're saying there's no reason I shouldn't have it done before going away... It's a primary hospital, not sure that makes any difference but just meant i got to speak to someone other than my specialist and they confirmed what the specialist said... That it wouldn't be an issue... Still though, you've all had these before so know better than anyone of the side affects following the procedure so thought I'd just ask here
These types of things are worrying - but it's not like you are considering ignoring it altogether, just deferring it due to the holiday and symptoms decreasing. After a certain age (in certain circumstances) they recommend colonoscopy for screening, I don't know your age - but there may be good reason to follow through with these physical checks when convenient.
In my case I am 50 and had visible blood (for 5 + months) and anaemia so had the colonoscopy. They found nothing. I am somewhat relieved - but it's a diagnostic journey that takes time. So you weigh-up what symptoms warrant what checks and in what timeframes.
Oh wow! I feel daft now for having mine! I've lost 6 pounds in a few weeks and have had cramp/tension for 2 weeks in one side of my stomach... Also very hungry right after eating but other than that there's nothing else. I'm only 26 and have had stomach problem's for years but never like this... I think they're only sending me for them because I'm private and they send you very every test and scan under the sun when it's private
Re side effects, I only had the bowel prep and un-sedated colonoscopy. The bowel prep was unpleasant. No side effects of the procedure. Took about a week for normal movements. I would not want to be abroad with new menus after cleaning out the bowel. I think it makes sense to consider carefully how/what you eat immediately following. As you say, interrupting the natural bacteria balance etc. needs to be considered.
All the best - whatever you decide
Oh I see - well at 26 you haven't got that statistical worry to add on. Loosing weight and pain is an issue too of course, it's not daft. But there's nothing like getting a clean bill of health, so it's great to have that private health care to safeguard things. Waiting lists should not be an issue if you need to defer either.
Of course, you should discuss this with your Doctor. I am not a doctor, but I believe that for safety reasons, you should not take such a trip, in the rare case that a complication develops in the week or so following your procedure.
Thank you both! 😊 really appreciate the replies and i see where you're coming from with the "if something goes wrong" rather than the "you'll definitely feel rubbish". See I've had them both before and other than a sore throat from the endoscopy I was fine...
Both doctors (one was my specialist) said that there will be no issues at all... Obviously that's going off the fact that nothing would go wrong... But there can be complications with any procedure I guess
Hi lady67208,
I read you saying you have been bleeding for 5plus months and they found nothing.I'm 61 and have visible bleeding for about the same time.I have had a colonoscopy too and they also found nothing!..can I ask if your still bleeding(i am)and what if anything has been suggested re further investigation?..So far I haven't heard anything 're further investigation but my symptoms are still ongoing and there has got to be some reason for continual bleeding?
I would be grateful for any input on this please.
Hi Heather56512,
I sympathise - it is indeed worrying. They suggested an upper endoscopy but because my symptoms did not relate to upper, and I am not keen on endoscopy's I asked for the capsule.
This delayed things because their procedure goes 1) Colonoscopy 2) Upper endoscopy and only then 3) capsule
They eventually agreed to the capsule, which I had last week and I am now chasing the results.
And yes - still bleeding, though not as much - and it is a shame really because the capsule is best done whilst the blood is visible and it subsided a week before the capsule. I hope they still find the cause.
The whole process has taken so long though between tests and chasing results.
On the face of it, the tests suggested sound rather radical on those symptoms. The risks, however, are very low (the holiday is statistically far more risky lol). if it is the weight loss that is worrying the doctor and it is continuing and unexplained then I would have the tests. If not i would take the holiday and see how i was when I got back.
Hey there! I understand your concerns but I would just go ahead and get it over and done with if I was you, that way you will be able to enjoy your holiday so much more! Also keep in mind that complications are rare!
I had my endoscopy and colonoscopy done a couple of days ago and was so nervous about it, but honestly the procedures themselves felt like nothing after it was all over and done with. Not sure what drugs they gave me but there was virtually no down time. I woke up, had something to eat and went home and cleaned the house (feeling much less stressed than I had been a few hours earlier!).
Keep in mind a little bleeding is common, especially if they take some biopsies but it's nothing to worry about.
I understand that everyone's experience is different but I was like you ... I was panic attacks and I just could not relax as I was so stressed out. You'll feel better getting it out of the way IMO!
Good luck with whatever you decide
Hi lady67208,
Thanks so much for your input.I haven't as yet been offered an endoscopy and like you don't want one !..I have never heard of the capsule. Could you explain what it does?.and what symptoms does bleeding coincide with the stomach ?
Sorry for bothering you again with questions but Google is informative but not a human so can't give u actual experience of this! :-)
Thanku
Heather.
I sense some fear of endoscopy which is not warrented. I have had two of them done a few years ago and it was no big deal. All the doctors did was to spray my throat to overcome my gag reflex and that was it. I get propofyl for my colonoscopies and my guess that if I have a double exam in the future, it will be done while I sleep, thanks to the propofyl. In most cases the only concern should be the findings and not who gets to see our butts or fear the almost total lack of pain. The discomfort in these tests is similar to a dental cleaning, but of course in a different location in the case of colonoscopy..