Sigmoidoscopy

[Somuchweighttolose]

Anyone had this? Can it diagnose IBD?
Currently in agony my stomach is bloated and spasming aghhh

[gobbin]

Sigmodoscopy only looks at the first chunk of large bowel so if there are no signs there then you may have a colonoscopy at a later date.

Flexi sig in my experience is not painful and needs no sedation, although sometimes they will see if they can push around the first big corner of your colon if you can tolerate it and that will feel uncomfortable (I can't tolerate this so that's where they stop). This is why they use sedation for a colonoscopy, so they can get round all the bends!)

Good luck, a flexi sig is quick and relatively straightforward.

[LurkinMerkin]

Flexi sig and colonoscopies are the gold standard for diagnosing IBD
( crohn's/colitis), they give the opportunity to visually diagnose inflammation in the sigmoid/colon and take biopsies of tissue for diagnosis ( not painful). I have had UC for many moons and plenty of bum cams. Are you having any other symptoms
( rectal bleeding/discharge, increased stools, weight loss etc). Have you been offered a sigmoidoscopy or are you looking to request one? Sorry you are in pain. X

[MollyHuaCha]

Hope you get some satisfactory answers OP

[Somuchweighttolose]

I go to the loo several times a day (5+?!) always runny/yellow etc
Having a lot of abdo pain, had a few
Gastroscopy which showed inflammation (gastritis) each time and hernia but have lower left pain and bloods always show raised crp/esr.
I'm booked in for 11th April.
Thank you for
The replies
X

[LurkinMerkin]

Lower left indicates issues up to sigmoid colon area, hopefully they'll be able to see something immediately. Very best of luck with it. Diagnosis of IBD can be tricky at first but knowing what you're dealing with can make all the difference. xx

[Somuchweighttolose]

I've been putting it down to endometriosis but I've noticed a pattern with it getting bad. No triggers as such either which is strange.
Thank you, hope I do get a diagnosis x

[mazylou]

I had one last week (new NHS policy of scanning the over 55s). It was OK until they got to the bends, but I had gas and air and it was fine. They were really nice, and they can tell a lot from the scan, so it's worth doing. Good luck.

[Somuchweighttolose]

Do you think they'd let me have G&A and sedation?

[LurkinMerkin]

Yes, Let them know your concerns. you should be just fine without it, but personally I like a little something to take the edge off, ( the procedure is a bit uncomfy and strange feeling, but not painful) Is there a number you can call on your appointment letter to discuss in advance? Remember if you are having sedation you'll need someone to be available to take you home.
Ive had all manner of issues with pain, some was to do with active UC but also, as it turned out, big fibroids, hormones have a lot to answer for! Everything is so close together down there. You could set your watch in terms of when the bowel pain/symptoms would get worse over the course of a monthly cycle. Definitely keep a daily diary of symptoms, it can help you identify possible patterns as you say. Xx

[Somuchweighttolose]

ooh didn't think of that, will start taking note of everything, thanks lurkin

[LurkinMerkin]

No problem, good luck xx

[WombatStewForTea]

I had one last year. I posted on here and was told it wouldn't hurt and it would be fine. Unfortunately for me it wasn't. They wouldn't let me be sedated as they don't usually for a sigmoidoscopy but I did have gas and air but it wasn't enough. I'm not intending to scare you but to be aware that it isn't pain free for everyone. Take everything that they offer you even if you end up not using it.

[LurkinMerkin]

There are a few variables that can affect how the procedure is for different individuals, levels of inflammation, 'kinks' in the bowel, how relaxed the patient is. Remember you can ask to stop the procedure at any time if it's getting too much, but there is going to be a level of discomfort, it does feel all kinds of weird deep breathing really helped me cope as did the fascination of watching the whole thing on the tv monitor. Also, if you need to pass wind during the procedure go for it...they actively encourage you to! x

[Eastpoint]

I've had them & they were not painful, I didn't have sedation. I have ulcerative colitis but I haven't had a flare up for ages (about 12 years). Telling you this so you know people can be well again.

[LurkinMerkin]

Agreed, Eastpoint, IBD can go into remission and people can be well ( not 'cured'). Mine is well controlled by immunosuppressants, no flares for about 3 years. Took a while to sort it out though!

[Littlelondoner]

Bit of advice. They give you a drink to clear you out so too speak. Its vile. Tastes horrid. Mix it up in a pint glass. Get an other pint glass full of (non red orange dyed or bitty juice) just something sweet tasting and take a sip from each through a straw at same time. Hides the taste.

Also mix it in a jug put in fridge. Slightly more barable ice cold.

Good luck!

[HCantThinkOfAUsername]

Thank you all for the tips, it's good to know it can be treated. Can they tell just from sigmoidoscopy that it's IBD?
Have inflammation in bloods but not awful well crp is about 60.

(I'm OP btw just confused with my name changes haha!)

[LurkinMerkin]

Hello, they will be able to see inflammation visually and will prob have a fair idea of what it is but they will likely take some biopsies( you won't feel them at all) and send for testing to make sure. The sigmoidoscopy is like a really skinny inspector gadget arm, it has a little camera, puffer to puff tissue out of the way, little grabber thing for getting tissue samples and I think a water jet. It's pretty snazzy x

[Amockingjayhey]

Yes they can see it is IBD just from a sigmoidoscopy BUT they would be limited to what they could see - as in how far round the colon.
I have left sided ulcerative colitis which they were able to see and diagnose with the sig
However as a warning if they do see inflammation suggesting IBD they will most likely do a colonoscopy as obviously then they will need to see if there is any inflammation further round the colon. I had this and it confirmed there wasn't. But for a proper diagnosis they may well do both.

Good luck.
I know some people have had experiences with them but i have had a lot of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy and have never had a problem with any of them

Best wishes

Any questions please feel free to PM me !

[HCantThinkOfAUsername]

I'm hoping it'll be ok and not like gastroscope that I've had horrendous , glad to know they can detect from that, I've already a follow up booked for 2 weeks after.
A week to go!
How long were you there for?
Has anyone ended up staying overnight?

[LurkinMerkin]

Day case, in and out in just a couple of hours, although there is the at home prep to do, that kicks off a day or two before you'll need to stay close to a loo, if you're working I'd take the day before off work ( I'd request to take it as paid medical leave) or work from home. Unless they plan to give you an enema on the day ( not as common). It's a minor investigative procedure, unlikely they'd keep you overnight, itsgoing to be ok. Will you let us know how you get on? X

[HCantThinkOfAUsername]

I've not been given any prep so maybe they give it there? Moving house tomorrow and I've packed all the info and can't remember if or when I need to stop eating.
Yes soon as I've wifi back I will let you know X

[LurkinMerkin]

If you get time call the hospital and check to make sure, sounds like they may not require you to do anything and will give you an enema to clear you out when you get there. I'd recommend just checking with them asap as you don't want a wasted trip if you were required to fast/ prep and arrive not having done so, they may not be able to do the procedure. If you're getting an enema administered there I think you can eat and drink as normal beforehand but perhaps best check, you can just call the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through to gastro/outpatients for advice X

[HCantThinkOfAUsername]

fab ill do that, thank you Lurkin x

[HCantThinkOfAUsername]

In recovery now. They said inflammation and will have follow up with consultant, wasn't allowed sedation as they couldn't cannulate me, will have more information on discharge.
If I ever need it again I'll be having sedation put it that way!