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Original poster

Husband having endoscopy and colonoscopy - please hand hold!

45 replies

graceadlerdesigns · 29/09/2017 15:29

I am pregnant and suffering with anxiety. My DH is due to have both procedures next week and I am terrified. I am so worried something is wrong. I keep trying to engage the logical part of my brain and tell myself that I don't know anything is wrong, but I can't seem to control my emotions.

Is there anyone who has had this and had a good outcome? also, how can I support my DH?
BTW, i have rung my midwife and left several messages re support. No answer... no call back. I rang my GP but they cant fit me in until after his procedure!

Please be gentle with me, I am struggling to sleep/ think clearly.

OP posts:

PickleTafferson · 03/10/2017 22:28

Oh dear. Try and stay calm. I know this is difficult as anxiety sucks big time

Let's look at the positives shall we? You say he's had this bleeding for a long time. Years! And he has no pain I assume? And the blood is bright red and not dark. And he doesn't have toilet issues. Has he gradually l, over the years he's had this, become steadily worse and more ill? Or is he alright apart from this?

I don't know what it is. But this isn't something that popped up six months ago so I think you can take something from that for now

Original poster

graceadlerdesigns · 04/10/2017 00:09

Thank you everyone. Yes he has had bleeding on/ off for years. Always told by docs that it is piles and fissures. He knows for sure he has had piles on/off as he has been able to feel them. He is quite sore at the no which would suggest to me it is something rectal but the doc said at his sigmoidoscopy he thought the fissures had healed so it must be something further up.

The blood is bright red, he is not in pain other than sore/ uncomfortable. No loose bowels or diahoerhea. (Spelling!?!)

The bleeding has gotten worse recently hence him going to the docs and insisting they look into it properly.

Thank you all for your comments. I wish someone were here to physically hold my hand but this is so helpful too

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Mosaic123 · 04/10/2017 09:21

He's doing the right thing by having it all investigated.

Titsywoo · 04/10/2017 09:28

The blood being bright red tends to be a good sign. I hope he gets results soon so you can relax.

imjessie · 04/10/2017 10:05

Good luck for today , I hope you get some answers .

TitsalinaBumSqoosh · 04/10/2017 10:11

My 13 yr old son had an endoscopy and colonoscopy a few weeks ago, the procedure itself is fine, he was a little uncomfortable in his bottom afterwards but nothing else. It also ruled out a lot of things for us so Dr's could continue working out he he's having the symptoms he's having.

This is a really important step of your DH's diagnosis and then treatment. I hope they can put your mind at rest afterwards.

Original poster

graceadlerdesigns · 04/10/2017 10:29

Thank you so much for your comments - me and dm had words thismorning. She is frustrated with me for being upset and kept saying how i have to be strong for dh and that my stress will effect the baby.

I have to say I didn't find this massive helpful even if it is right. My dm is great at practical help but right now I would kill for a big hug and to sob my heart out just to get it all out. I want someone to hold my hand, stroke my hair and tell me everything is ok.

I feel so pathetic. I am a tough cookie... managed fine when dh was in the forces and in afghan/ iraq. I have managed through my own cancer scare with no tears at all but the prospect of something being wrong with dh terrifies me.

Hospital tomorrow. I know it wouldn't really help but I would love !

Thank you all so so much. You are really helping.

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KurriKurri · 04/10/2017 13:07

I had these tests a few weeks ago, - your DH may well get some answers on the spot (or at least some things ruled out). I have been very anaemic (which is why I had the tests) the took biopsies to test for coeliac disease - as this can mean you don't absorb iron properly (I am still waiting for my results).

I have also had major bleeding in the past, and they found nothing except that my bowel as inflamed, (I was having chemo at the time which can cause this) bowels can be quite delicate things and if something is irritating his insides that could cause bleeding.

I hope the prep is going OK (I found that the worse bit) moist toilet paper wipes helps to stop you getting sore as the prep makes you go to the loo a lot obviously.

Try not to worry - he's most likely going to get some answers and some treatment and then you can go forward from there.

onlyindreams · 04/10/2017 22:55

My dh has piles, sometimes he literally pours bright red blood, it's scary to see but nothing to worry about too much. I'm sure everything will be fine Op.

Original poster

graceadlerdesigns · 05/10/2017 08:46

Thanks only has your dp ever had them more thoroughly looked at ? Weave been told forward now that dh has just piles and nothing to worrying about and now all this...

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Original poster

graceadlerdesigns · 05/10/2017 11:21

We have been here for a while . Dh noted everyone else is 60 plus. Maybe they are all very good actors but they all seem so calm.

For all of you that have had to go through the bowel prep- kudos. It really was a horrible horrible night (ds woke up crying which didn't help). So, at least that bit is over. I am hungry now after days of eating very little but daren't leave in case he comes out.

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imjessie · 05/10/2017 13:21

The enema was horrid , I had mine in hospital and the nurse came to get me out of the toilet . I was scared to leave and she told me off ! 🙄... I was in my early twenties and was terrified of having a poo incident on the ward!

onlyindreams · 05/10/2017 13:27

Yes grace he did have them looked at, he had an op years ago for them but they came back. They tend to bother him when he's been doing heavy lifting. He needs to get them sorted though, they're a nuisance. Hope everything goes well for your dh, i'm sure he'll be fine.

Original poster

graceadlerdesigns · 05/10/2017 16:41

Thank you so much only

We have just got back from hospital. They can't find anything wrong so he has been referred for more tests but the doc seems confident the bleeding and subsequent anaemia is all down to piles. My poor dh has had a shitty few weeks and looks like he has aged about 10 years.

I am grateful for all the comments and kind words. Now having a bath and trying to chill the hell out!

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onlyindreams · 05/10/2017 20:24

Pleased to hear that grace, you sound a bit like me, a massive worrier over health issues. Thankfully everything turns out ok in the end, as i'm sure it will for you too.

Original poster

graceadlerdesigns · 19/10/2017 17:55

So it has been two weeks since my dhs colonoscopy and endoscopy. He is still bleeding with every bm and is losing weight. He will have lost 1 stone over the last two months.

I rang the hospital to chase his biopsy results bad the receptionist said the doc was wrong to say they would be 2 weeks and more likely to be nearer 5.

I am terrified he is really ill and has cancer and the thoughts of waiting weeks and weeks on end while he loses more weight is unthinkable to me. Can anyone medical tell me if the iron tablets could be helping him lose weight or if there is a non- scary reason for blood loss/ anaemia and weight loss? The various scos only ground haemorrhoids so his next steps are waiting for the celiacs results and if they are clear then a small capsule endoscopy

If anyone can help please do I am pregnant and scared he has cancer that is somehow being missed and it will be too late if we keep waiting all this time

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hendricksyousay · 19/10/2017 17:57

Are you able to pay or use your insurance to get a full body scan ?

Original poster

graceadlerdesigns · 19/10/2017 18:05

We don't have any private insurance. When you say full body scan do you mean mri?

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hendricksyousay · 19/10/2017 20:02

I’m not entirely sure but I have a friend who has cancer and they do a body scan ( I guess it’s an mri ) and ct scan to check it regularly . Maybe contact your nearest private hospital and ask for a quote . They do finance and may be not as expensive as you might think

Original poster

Graceadlerdesigns · 06/12/2017 09:17

My dh has his date for the capsule endoscopy next week. The good news is his weight has gone back to normal. He has reduced his alcohol intake to approx 10 units a week (or less) and now only drinks 1 coffee a day. He is also eating more fruit and veg. None of it has made any difference to his bleeding - it is worse than ever- but it cat hurt to be more healthy.

He looks pretty pale again, he is habing a blood test today and i am certain he will still be anemic.

I have decided to start mat leave early. I am so tired physically and mentally.

I have tried persuading dh to go for private tests but he wont do it. The results from the capsule endoscopy are due roughly around the babies due date. If anyone has experience of capsule endoscopy and their results, or any general words of wisdom that would be great.

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