sigmoidoscopy

[carmen66]

Hi, for a number of months I have had very loose motions & could go up to 3-4 times before leaving the house in the morning.. I don't have no other symptoms i.e stomach cramps,bloating, bleeding my dr took bloods that all came back normal.. I do suffer with health anxiety so she put it down to that I left it for a while but when things didn't improve went back she has referred me to the Colorectal clinic for a Sigmoidoscopy my appt is on Thursday I'm petrified so much so that it's on my mind all the time... I'm scared of the procedure & if they find anything :-(... Has anyone else experienced my symptoms or had this procedure?

[l4k]

Hi, yes I have had those symptoms plus abdo pain,gurgling wind etc since last year. I had a sigmoidoscopy at gp's first,all clear then referred to colorectal and had a flexible - sig and that was clear. Both times were fine but I was actually more comfortable with the flexi-sig because it was done in hospital by people that do it every day. they made me feel much more comfortable even though the flexi one goes further and takes longer.
So I would say if you are having it in a colorectal clinic you will be more than fine. Good luck.

[carmen66]

Thankyou for your reply I4k have you been diagnosed with ibs? did you have sedation with the sigmoidoscopy?

[l4k]

vague diagnosis of IBS and food sensitivities.
I chose not to have sedation as I did't want the recovery time. It wasn't actually painful.

[MoreBeta]

You will have sedation with sigmoidoscopy. It really is not a stressful or painful procedure.

Coeliac if it is diagnosed will mean you can't eat gluten for the rest of your life. It takes a while but you will get used to it.

You need to also be tested for lactose intolerance as that often is associated with coeliac due to gut damage. Lactose is milk sugar and you can buy lacto free milk and yoghurt in all decent supermarkets now.

[everybodywalkthedinosaur]

I had a flexible WITHOUT sedation, my advice would be to take the sedation. For some reason the gynae underbod decided that I needed to have one. My consultant was not happy about that!

[KurriKurri]

Hi carmen, - try not to worry, - the thought of the procedure is a lot worse than the reality. You will be offered sedation - which I would advise you take. I had it without - (as I had another procedure that same day which I couldn't be groggy for) and it was a bit uncomfortable, but actually bearable, so with sedation it should be fine. I've had a colonoscopy under sedation - and I couldn't even remember it afterwards.

When I had mine done, there were 3 people in the room - the Doctor, the person operating the camera thing, and a nurse to hold my hand - they chat to you and make you feel at ease. the room has low lighting and there is a screen where you can watch what is going on if you want to (!). They only uncover what they have to (just open your gown a bit at the back - you lie on your side) - so you don't feel naked and exposed.

It doesn't take long and you'll soon be out in the ward having a cuppa. If you want sedation you will need to have someone with you to drive you home, - you'll feel a bit uncomfortable in the abdo area for a couple of hours - and probably have wind as they pump you full of it! - Other than that you'll sleep off the sedation and feel fine by next day.

They may be able to tell you any results of the investigation there and then, - they did with me, so hopefully you will get some answers soon.

Good luck.

[carmen66]

Thankyou so much for your kind reassurance, I'm absolutely petrified of the whole thing I felt like cancelling a few time's but I know that I have to go... The other thing that scares me is if they find anything sinister although my bloods came back normal & I don't have any pain or blood I'm not sure that it accounts for anything my GP seem's to think it's anxiety but would it last this long??? I'm going to hospital on Thurs & so scared :-(

[Snowfire]

Don't be scared, flexi sig really isn't that bad
Kurri is absolutely right, the procedure only takes a few minutes & from what you say, I think your GP knows what he's talking about, it doesn't sound like cancer or colitis from your description.
They won't be able to diagnose coeliac without going into your small bowel so I doubt they suspect this, also IBS can't be diagnosed as such so they're really just checking that there isn't anything obvious going on.
Sedation isn't routinely offered for this test but if you feel you need it just ask. I work in endoscopy & about 15% of our patients ask for sedation, it's down to how you feel at the end of the day but do make sure you've got someone to take you home & look after you.
You will be fine, the more relaxed you are, the easier it will be!

[carmen66]

Thankyou Snowfire, I'm a wreck thinking about tomorrow, I know there's no point in worrying but I'm scared about the whole thing and more so of what they might find.. I do have anxiety issues & all I keep thinking stupidly is the worst.. I have one child of 6 & all that goes through my mind is that she need's me I know that I should be thinking rationally, but just want the procedure done now it's the anticipation I have waited 8 weeks for the appt .. I'm praying that it's nothing thanks again for your kind words of reassurance :-)

[KurriKurri]

Loads of good wishes for tomorrow Carmen, xx

[carmen66]

Thankyou Hun, can't wait for it to be over & praying all is good

[carmen66]

Went to the hospital today expecting to have a Sigmoidoscopy, it has been a long 8 weeks of anxiety & preparing myself.. I waited for over an hour after my appt time then saw the consultant after a quick chat about my symptoms she examined me & said she didn't think that the procedure was suitable for me as it can be very painful & also because I'm not passing blood she suggested an internal CT scan which involves a fine tube inserted into my bottom & dye released this will show everything from my chest down. It also means a special diet for 3 days before no solid food allowed & laxatives the day before.. I'm not happy because it now mean's waiting for another appt where as I thought I would have found out today if I had a medical problem... Has anybody had this type of CT scan?

[l4k]

I've never heard of it. Sounds very interesting though. Are you going private?

It's a shame you had yourself all prepared and nothing happened but perhaps this test is the right one for you and you'll get all your answers from it rather than going backwards and forwards having lots of different tests which would take longer in the end (and be more stressful) keep us posted. Waiting is horrid I know.

[carmen66]

I've never heard of it either 14k that's what worries me, I'm not sure about the radiation exposure or dye it worries me ..I feel fobbed off by the Dr today quite a few people have told me that a Symoidoscopy isn't that bad but the DR said I would jump off the table because of my anxiety issues.. Today was a complete waste of time & now have to wait again .. It's NHS 14k :-)

[Snowfire]

Carmen please don't worry too much, you'll only make yourself worse! If they really thought there was any chance it was something serious they would have fast tracked your referal.
It sounds like they want to do a CT colonography which does mean having full bowel prep but loads of people do it and although quite unpleasent isn't that bad really (think of it as a detox diet).

[carmen66]

Hi Snowfire, your right I should think rationally just that when it come's to my health I go into panic.. I never used to be like this it all started 2 years ago.. This CT worries me more than the Sigmoidoscopy but it's supposed to less painful... I just want it over with now especially as I waited 8 weeks for an appt to get to the hospital & out in an hour with no diagnosis.. Thankyou for your reassurance hun

[carmen66]

Well I have received the appt for my CT scan, loads of prep but I'm so worried about the radiation exposure they will be inserting a contrast dye to get a better view of my colon.. I'm not sure that I want it done now after reading up about radiation & how it can increase the risk of cancer :-(