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Original poster

Fuck - this means they suspect cancer doesn't it?

180 replies

vipersnest1 · 23/06/2022 12:30

I went for an appointment at 'the bum clinic' on Tuesday. I was told I need further tests and they would take weeks.
I've had a call today to say I've been referred for an urgent flexible sigmoidoscopy and have an appointment on Monday.
I know it could just be to rule it out, but it's the 'urgent' part of it that has thrown me.

OP posts:
IncessantNameChanger · 26/06/2022 23:33

I will check in on you too tomorrow OP. Virtual hand hold from me. I was at an emergency eye hospital last week and quite scared. I was distracting myself with a bit of people watching and thinking what I could buy in the M&S cafe. Anything to distract myself.

Also sometimes I think of a place I really like and go through my exact routine to get there and what I would do once there, like driving the kids to the beach. Making the picnic, waking the kids up, packing the car up, arguing over who sits in the front seat. It takes a lot head space up.

You've got this

Original poster
vipersnest1 · 26/06/2022 23:38

@IncessantNameChanger, thank you.
The truth is I'm really frightened. I've had some symptoms in the past (not now as things have cranked up a notch) which make me believe that I have either a large polyp or another growth. (And that they've definitely seen something in my appointment recently?)
I still can't get my head around how it's become urgent. I so wish the surgeon I saw had said something. I know that it would be difficult to deal with, but the second-guessing is really difficult to deal with.

OP posts:
IncessantNameChanger · 27/06/2022 10:15

Good luck for today. I hope you got enough sleep and the prep was ok. I will be thinking of you. Not long and it will be over now 🤞

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Original poster
vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 10:48

Oreo is yet to come. @IncessantNameChanger - it's an enema. Confused
Thank you for thinking of me.

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Original poster
vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 10:49

prep - I don't like Oreo's and suspect I'll feel the same about the enema....

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Original poster
vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 14:51

Well it gets better - couldn't do the enema myself, so I've had to go to the hospital early so they can help me. Blush
I just hope that the problem isn't because there's 'something there' but I've got a horrible feeling there is.

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INeedNewShoes · 27/06/2022 15:04

Don't worry. It can just be an angle thing getting the enema in. It can feel like there's a block at the point the endoscopist inserts the little tube as well but it's just until the correct angle is found (doesn't hurt, just feels unnatural being prodded around that area!)

I had my enema at the hospital for my most recent sigmoidoscopy, for logistical reasons (long drive to the appointment). Nurses don't bat an eyelid.

TheCuriouscakedecorator · 27/06/2022 16:04

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Original poster
vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 16:43

So the enema didn't work fully (I did tell them it hadn't), so I have to do it all again, but with the solution you drink instead. I'm feeling a little better now, but still feel fucking awful. Even with gas and air it was agony.
I think I'm going to have to find a way of getting home next time that means I can have sedation.
Nothing grossly wrong, but could well still have polyps or other smaller lesions.

OP posts:
PupInAPram · 27/06/2022 17:08

@vipersnest1 I hope you can rest and relax a little bit this evening now you are through that ordeal. 💐

IncessantNameChanger · 27/06/2022 17:20

That's a pain ( literally) but good news that they at least saw something.

Could anyone pick you up or give a lift? I know its tricky, I had my eyes dilated and waited again at hospital until I could see my phone again clearly as no one at all to ask to help

TheCuriouscakedecorator · 27/06/2022 17:27

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Original poster
vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 17:54

Just to clarify - I have to do it all again in four weeks' time, as they couldn't get a clear view.

OP posts:
IncessantNameChanger · 27/06/2022 18:19

vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 17:54

Just to clarify - I have to do it all again in four weeks' time, as they couldn't get a clear view.

So has the urgency level gone down if its four weeks? I feel for you. It's really bad luck and I'm sorry it was painful. Do you have a firm date set?

Original poster
vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 19:34

@IncessantNameChanger, I have no clue. I was a bit out of it so had to ask a nurse what was going on. The gist of it is that they didn't see anything big but can't be 100% sure there isn't something smaller. They couldn't visual about 50% of the colon wall from the pictures I've seen.
The other issue was that the enema gave me no urge to visit the loo (?)

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TheCuriouscakedecorator · 27/06/2022 20:22

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Original poster
vipersnest1 · 27/06/2022 20:28

@TheCuriouscakedecorator, next time will be with moviprep, which I know won't be a great experience, but I hope it will rule out any nasties due to having a clear image of my colon. The nurse who discharged me said I definitely need sedation next time. (And yes I do - I have a lot of pain due to spinal issues, arthritis, hyper mobility and fibromyalgia. This really topped it - it was 9 on the pain scale.)

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IncessantNameChanger · 27/06/2022 21:28

That's horrible it was a 9 for you. But if you have hyper mobility its probably likely it's going to, especially if your back isnt good.

The prep will work for sure next time. My sister said its like peeing but from.the wrong place. So no cramps, no pain, just like a benign flush out!

The wait wont be nice but hopefully if the 50% looking healthy is a good sign. My sister said she didnt feel like her sedation had worked but at the same time had no pain, just weird feelings and the gas but watched the screen with interest so no feelings of being out of it. I hope your next experience is more like that. I hope your pain will subside quickly too. Sounds like a hard day all round. Hugs

INeedNewShoes · 27/06/2022 23:47

Sorry to hear that OP.

I've had Moviprep a few times. I'm lucky in that the first time I had it, people's reviews of it weren't so numerous online so I went into it expecting no issues and it was absolutely fine. I'd caution against listening to others' experience and advice to mix it with stuff or chase it with other drinks and just get the prep down you with as little fuss as possible. It's really not that bad.

It also clears you further up so between that and the sedation it should put you in the best possible state for a successful investigation.

TheCuriouscakedecorator · 28/06/2022 07:03

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Spabreak · 28/06/2022 07:20

I've had movriprep or something similar for a colonoscopy. It was really not that bad and much easier than the diy enema.

I'm sorry you have to go through it all again, and I sympathise with the pain. As I said earlier, it's not just you!

It's good that they haven't found anything of concern so far.

Original poster
vipersnest1 · 28/06/2022 09:23

So I've just been doing some reading and found out that having a hysterectomy makes it more painful, as does endometriosis. (Ticks for both of those.)

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TheMooch · 28/06/2022 18:03

Just popping in to see how things we.t. sorry not conclusive for you,but glad it's not huge.

The prep stuff can be mixed with Cordial to make it more drinkable. Can't remember which is the best - but deffo not blackcurrant.

Original poster
vipersnest1 · 28/06/2022 18:37

Thanks, @TheMooch. TBH I still feel traumatised by it.
The doctor who did it wrote 'the patient tolerated the procedure with minimal discomfort'. It's interesting he knew that because he barely said two words to me. Confused

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Original poster
vipersnest1 · 01/07/2022 16:04

In case anyone's wondering, my referral is still classed as urgent. I got a phone call today and have an appointment for another one in three weeks.

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