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Original poster

Colonoscopy advice?

93 replies

FaithAscending · 04/11/2016 08:49

Got a colonoscopy booked a couple of weeks to investigate ongoing abdo pain (? Colitis, I've had an IBS diagnosis for years). I'm geared up for it all but just wondered what I'm in for with the prep? I'm finishing work early afternoon so I can do the prep at home and DD is staying elsewhere. My advice leaflet said it might be worth getting incontinence pads. Is it really that bad?!

I'm torn between having/not having the sedation. When I had an endoscopy they would only give me a half dose of the sedation so I remembered it all anyway. I'm weirdly interested in this sort of thing (I'm
a HCP) and kind of want to see it anyway! Or would I be better not really knowing? Any advice appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
FaithAscending · 16/11/2016 17:22

Buster ouch, that sounds horrible! Yes, good news is no signs of anything nasty, bad news is still don't know why I have pain. Got a CT scan next week to see if it's a stuck kidney stone. If that doesn't show anything, I'll be asking for a rheumatology referral.

OP posts:
BusterGonad · 16/11/2016 17:28

I had an MRI, that was ok but they did inject me with something in the middle of it and I thought I was going to wee myself! It's all fun and games being ill! Grin

Original poster
FaithAscending · 16/11/2016 18:55

Buster I suspect that was the contrast dye so stuff shows up. My CT will be with contrast so I'll see what that's like on Monday.

OP posts:
DustyMaiden · 16/11/2016 19:01

I had one a couple of months ago, it was like period pain but stronger.

I suffered with diarrhoea for a week after.

MollyHuaCha · 16/11/2016 19:37

Well done Faith. At least that hurdle is over. We all feel like we were there in that endoscopy room with you... good luck with your next investigation Smile Kerp is updated.

MollyHuaCha · 16/11/2016 19:37

I meant keep us updated, can't type...

Original poster
FaithAscending · 17/11/2016 07:39

Molly I felt like you were there supporting me! Times like these make me realise how much I love MN! Interestingly the pain seems much better...suddenly I am wondering if the pain was caused by chronic constipation?!

OP posts:
Original poster
FaithAscending · 17/11/2016 14:10

Oh and just in case there's any lazy journalists thinking of publishing this Hmm fuck off, do some proper work! You do not have my permission to print this.

OP posts:
Original poster
FaithAscending · 18/11/2016 08:17

Ah, no, I think the minimal pain was down to all the luffly pain relief I had! Bring on the CT.

OP posts:
Original poster
FaithAscending · 06/02/2017 20:32

Just thought I'd post an update. Ct results came back normal. Surgeons have discharged me for 'management of IBS' by GP. This has really pissed me off actually because I know it's not my IBS. It's a totally different pain. It's doesn't fit the pattern of my IBS and actually since I changed my diet and reduced my excess processed carb/refined sugar intake my IBS symptoms are radically reduced! Also they asked me at my appointment and I said it's not IBS. Anyway....I don't believe it's IBS.

Went back to GP practice, had bloods taken. All normal. At my request, I've had a hip/pelvis X-ray done (waiting for results) and have been referred to rheumatology. I kind of figure if nothing shows up on scans etc but the pain is there, rheumatology may be best placed to get to the bottom of this. Thought people might be interested in an update.

OP posts:
MollyHuaCha · 06/02/2017 22:01

Thanks for updating. It's good ct did not find anything awful. Hope you feel a lot better soon.

charliebear78 · 06/02/2017 22:02

Hi I have been having stomach pain and lower back pain since before Xmas..The pain has actually eased off a lot now but I am having issues going to the loo-I am either constipated and feel like its not all gone! Or going lots of times small amounts.
I am told its IBS too.
I am just worried incase its something else...something nasty!
I am undecided whether I should push for a colonoscopy-Reading your thread both reassured and freaked me out lol.
Good news everything was clear on yours.
I am also booke din for a CT Scan.

Original poster
FaithAscending · 06/02/2017 22:13

Charlie I think it's worth asking to be referred....I've had an IBS diagnosis but when all this kicked off back in August I ended up in hospital because I was so ill, suspected appendicitis. The sickness stopped but the pain has never gone. I feel reassured with having the colonoscopy that at least there's nothing sinister and nothing chronic with my bowel like colitis, so it was worth investigating. That referral was made via a specialist though. It might be worth asking for a gastro review. I'd also recommend doing the FODMAP diet under the supervision of a dietitian if the gastros confirm it is IBS.

Thanks Molly, yes I'm definitely relieved it's nothing nasty bowel wise. It's just frustrating that I'm in so much pain (it's bad most evenings) with no clue why! I have strategies to manage it (painkillers, warm baths, heat patches for work) but ultimately want to give up the painkillers if I can! Will see what the rheumatology doc says.

OP posts:
charliebear78 · 07/02/2017 15:27

faith Thanks for your reply.
I was in the process of being referred to a GI Doc( I was told this would take quite a long time) So I went private and he is the one who requested I have a CT Scan.
Do you think I will have to go back through him to get a Colonoscopy?
I want to have one,I NEED my mind putting to rest.
The Docs at my Practice seem reluctant to do so.

FaithAgain · 07/02/2017 17:16

They will probably suggest a colonoscopy if the CT scan doesn't show anything. It's not first line investigation, as you can see from the thread the prep is not pleasant. I doubt GP would refer you, GI specialist probably will if the CT is okay.

MegGriffin · 07/02/2017 19:47

Hello I have got a colonoscopy on Thursday so I start my prep tomorrow after a very bland diet today. I was referred to Gastroenterologist after I had an ultrasound for right sided pain. They looked at all my organs then did a pelvic ultrasound which was painful and showed thickening of my bowel. I was told they dont generally look at the bowel via ultasound so it was sort of found by accident. Anyway I saw specialiist and now i'm nearly there and i'm feeling very anxious about tomorrow and Thursday.
i did not have any symptoms except pain, no bleeding or diarrhoea. This post has been very informative, thank you.

MollyHuaCha · 07/02/2017 20:13

Good luck Meg Smile

MegGriffin · 07/02/2017 20:24

Thank you Smile

FaithAgain · 07/02/2017 21:36

Good luck Meg (OP with a name change). I found the prep worse than the investigation itself.

MegGriffin · 07/02/2017 22:08

Thank you Faith, I may post tomorrow for some moral support.

FaithAgain · 07/02/2017 23:11

I'll be here!

MegGriffin · 08/02/2017 07:19

Thank you! it all kicks off at 11 am with 10 senna tablets Shock. I'm having apple juice and black tea for breakfast.

FaithAgain · 08/02/2017 19:43

How was it Meg? How are you feeling?

Iamastonished · 08/02/2017 19:49

Senna tablets Shock

I'm surprised they give you those and not something like Clean Prep. Good luck anyway.

MegGriffin · 08/02/2017 20:37

Hello! So I took 10 senna at 11am then at 2pm had my first drink of laxative, another at 6pm then at 6am one more. citramag or something like that. I hope that's enough to clear me out as I don't want to do this again in a hurry! Im not even thinking about tomorrow.