Gastro appt, talk me through it

[mandmsmummy]

I'm being referred to gastro because of bowel problems. Gp said they can 'have a look inside' I'm guessing colonoscopy?? What is likely to happen? I fear the sedation more than the procedure x

You can have a colonoscopy without sedation if you prefer.
They will talk to you about it at your appointment.

You are still awake with sedation just not 'with it'. Don't be afraid to ask your gastro any questions if you are unsure about anything. There are plenty of us on MN with vast experience of all things bowel so you can ask us too.

Thanks just wondered what will happen?
I have an imflammatory arthritis and don't know if that's linked to my bowel problem. Or meds that go with it? Or just ibs from stress of it all? Bowles always loose and always an urgency to go x

I imagine you will firstly go to see the consultant or senior nurse at the gastro clinic first. Any colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy will then be at a further appointment. They won't just do it there and then.

I have been visiting the gastro dept quite a bit over the past year (fissures, piles, anal skin tags - nice).

I had a sigmoidoscopy which I was very nervous about. However it was totally fine. No sedation - I think I could have asked for it, but I was happier to just be able to drive home afterwards). The hospital was quite well organised - gave me literature prior - so I knew what would happen. All very discreet too. Had to have the enema - the nurse then left me alone in a room with a loo (and a lock on the door). The actual procedure wasn't painful. Just a little uncomfortable - like trapped wind pains - quite interesting.

As far as I know - the colonoscopy can be a little more uncomfortable - hence more people take the sedative.

Try not to worry about all this yet. Hopefully you will get some answers soon and sort out the problems.

Good luck.

Thank you x

Glad you're getting it sorted. A colonoscopy isn't too bad, I had mine with sedation but I wasn't 'out of it' just nicely relaxed. I was strangely fascinated watching my insides on the monitor - but I'm odd like that . To be honest the worst part was the stuff they give you to clear your bowels out the day before - it's evil!

You'll probably just see the consultant at your first appointment & they'll sort out the colonoscopy for you. Be prepared for them to take loads of blood out of you as well. Hope you don't wait too long for the appointment.

Thanks.
I love watching all the gruesome bits too!
I think it could be IBS? I sometimes feel like I've not finished, it's a number 6 on the Bristol still chart! some days I can do a lot some days just once x