DH is having a colonoscopy this week, what to expect?

[breeze]

My DH is having this on Thursday, he originally went to the doctors and was told he had piles, then he had diarroah (sp?) for 3 months and put it down to that. As soon as I was aware of the problem when he was on a weeks holiday I made him go back to the doctors who confirmed that is not a symptom of piles and has arranged for him to have a colonoscopy.

He is obviously terrified, he is one of these people who do not worry unless he has something to worry about, but this is getting to him, and just wanted to get some advice and re-assure him a little.

I know they stick a camera up the anus, but that is about all, he also has been advised by a well meaning relative that he must keep dead still f else he could do some severe damage.

Just wondered, roughly how long it lasts for.
Do they give you the results then and there
Will I be allowed in the room.

Does anyone out there have anything they can share.

TIA

Breeze, I'm, so sorry, you must both be worried. I have no experience, I'm just making sure this keeps near the top. I did find this helpful site that talks a bit about timing, but I don't know that they would be able to give you the results of a biopsy then and there- they might, but I would have thought it would take longer.
Good luck, and hugs.

Breeze I have had loads of colonoscopies - really they are nothing to worry about ie not painful or anything!

Well meaning relative is wrong!

OK, they will give him something called Picolex (or similar) which he has to take the day before to clear out. He won't be able to eat, prob from the day before too. The picolex has a very odd effect, makes jets of water shoot out of your bum!!!

They will sedate him with a valium like drug which should mean he won't remember anything much. Occasionally I wake up during them a little but they then give you more and you are back under. It is uncomfortable if you do wake up but not unbearable at all.

I don't think you will be allowed in the room.
They should give you the results after he has come round, are you going private or NHS? If NHS then they may send to your GP I think.
I don't really know how long it lasts, about 10 or 15 mins I guess?

Really don't worry, it's not painful and the worst bit is how much you fart afterwards as they pump air up your bottom so they can see more!

Wish your dh good luck from me xx

I had a colonoscopy in April last year & the procedure is nothing to worry about at all. I was given some stuff to take the day before to start flushing my system out, & had to stop eating 24 hours before & drinks loads of water. So I would take the day or afternoon off beforehand & be near a loo.

I can remember very little of the colonoscopy itself as I was a bit spaced out on the drugs - don't think much of the relative's scary advice! I had to lie on my side on the table & I suppose I must have stayed still but I can't remember. The consultant came over as I was recovering to tell me it all looked fine - I had a polyp which was removed & sent off for analysis, & some internal piles which were lasered.

Don't know where you're having this done breeze, of if it's private or NHS. Private you'll probably get an immediate indication of results. The whole thing for me took about 3 hours from admittance to going home. I don't think you'll be allowed in with him.

Don't hesitate if there's anything else you'd like to ask, I know how scary it is.

Ha ha I'd forgotten about the farts! I had terrible stomach cramps afterwards until some rip-roaring farts got rid of the air

Breeze, how worrying for you both.
My dad has these on a regular basis to check for polyps and my mum had one the other week for what turned out to be colitis but which had similar symptoms to your dh. It's uncomfortable and a bit embarrassing, they both say, but your bl**dy relative should be shot, how insensitive.
From my parents' experience, the staff who do these sorts of examinations are gentle and very experienced. Specialising in this kind of work, they do their utmost to keep patients comfortable and well-informed.
My parents both opted for mild sedation which I think is offered as the norm and which relaxes you. You can't drive afterwards if you have the sedative - my dad did once have it done without and does not recommend this!
At the hospital where my parents went you had the option of watching on screen with the doctor and being told what everything was...not sure about that, personally. My dad watched, my mother really couldn't face it.
Their examinations usually last about half an hour and both of them were given reassuring feedback at the time. If a polyp is found, as in the case of my dad, the colonoscope had a little grabber on the end which did a painless biopsy there and then.
The biopsy results took a while to come through but the doctor was reassuring at the time.
My parents didn't go in with each other but from everything else they have said about these tests I would guess that if your dh wants you there you will probably be allowed in.
I hope this helps and wish you lots of luck. I hope your dh gets as good treatment as my mum and dad did and all the tests come back OK.

Thanks.

DH is having this ont he NHS, and has not been given anything to take day before hand or advice to stop eating or anything. Thinks I might need to give them a call.

DH's doctor told him he would get an appointment through for a colonoscopy so they can sort out what is wrong, so when the appointment came through we assumed that was what it was for. I do hope we dont do on Thursday and they say yes we agree you need to have one, we will send you an appointment, as DH is in a fair bit of pain (belly area) and some days he is going 5/6 times, so it really does need to be sorted

Has anyone had a colonoscopy without taking the pill beforehand.

It sounds as though you might indeed have an appointment to see a consultant, if you haven't already seen one. I'm pretty sure anyone having a coloscopy has to have cleared their system first with Picolex as otherwise the camera won't see very clearly.
I do hope your dh gets seen soon, as the waiting is the worst bit. Best of luck.

Sounds as though it is a consultant appointment which means that he/she will take a history and decide what appropriate tests should be undertaken. If the appointment was for colonoscopy on Thursday he would have been sent an information leaflet all about it and the picolax. Definately need bowel preparation before test. Sorry Breeze

Just spoken to the hospital and it is indeed to consulation. Just to confirm what the doctor has already said. She says he will get seen and then have to join the waiting list again to have the procedure, and of course she has no idea of how long that will be.

Thanks everyone for answering.

Wonder if tech can change the title to DH having colonoscopy in the next few months

Breeze, at least you will get the chance to talk with a specialist, and he/she will probably be able to shed a certain amount of light even without the c-thingy. You may find that the actual appointment is made for the near-ish future, so try not to feel too discouraged. Sorry it's such a drawn out worry for you, though.

Sorry to hear about the wait breeze. I hope it's not too long

DH did get examined today, he has ulcerous colitis. Has been given 3 different types of medication and we have leaflets to look through.

Thanks for everyones advice that posted.

glad he got his test. At least you know exactly what the problem is. Hope the medication helps.