Colonoscopies.....

[QueenofmyPrinces]

Has anyone had one?

I’ve been referred today to have one done and I’m feeling anxious already....

You're not allowed to eat if having bowel cleanse for a colonoscopy but if you've been told you're just having an enema it's likely to be a Sig. With bowel prep (moviprep etc) you can't eat the day before.

Change in bowel habits (constipation mostly) and abdominal pain (lower left side) - I went for a full colonoscopy because if I was going to do it I felt I wanted them to be able to look all the way round.
And I have done the prep before and it really isn't that bad - I have also been told sometimes a good 'clearout' can alleviate symptoms for a while - a sort of reset I suppose.

Change in bowel habits (constipation mostly) and abdominal pain (lower left side) - I went for a full colonoscopy because if I was going to do it I felt I wanted them to be able to look all the way round.
And I have done the prep before and it really isn't that bad - I have also been told sometimes a good 'clearout' can alleviate symptoms for a while - a sort of reset I suppose.

Op, it sounds like you are having a sigmoidoscopy, so will only need an enema. A nurse can give it to you, or you can do it yourself if you are able. You then lie on your left for as long as possible ( usually about 15 minutes) and go to the loo. Most people won’t need to go more than once.
The bowl needs to be clear so they can see it, so here is no further needing the loo afterwards, so don’t worry about the journey home.
God luck with it.

I meant good, but god if you’re that way inclined! X

Enemas aren't so bad OP, you'll have time to get to the loo but you will be in there a while (I'd take a book...).
If it turns out you do have to have the moviprep stuff then sanitary towels will help protect against accidents on your way. When I had my first one I was not prepared and had to use one of my baby's nappies in my knickers!

I have to say that you’ve all made me feel so much better about it. When I really think about things I realise that my main worries feature around the embarrassment of having it done. I had to have a short rectal examination with the surgeon yesterday and that was bad enough in terms of feeling undignified

The effects of moviprep are severe for a couple of hours but then die down. By the time it's your procedure you won't need to worry about that, you'll be pretty empty! Which is the point

I’ve had my appointment come through and it’s only 3 weeks away.it does say it’s a sigmoidoscopy.

Are there any after effects in terms of whether I will be able to go to work the next day?

DD has had lots of flexible sigmoidoscopes as she has UC.

She has always had full moviprep, not an enema? So be prepared for that.

You will probably be fine for work the day after (if you have no sedation) but not the day before as you will have to do the prep...

The only information I’ve been given regarding prep is about what I can/can’t eat and drink for the 24-48 hours prior to my appointment. The letter says I will be given an enema shortly before my procedure.

So they don't mention moviprep?

DH had the sigmoidoscopy. It doesn't take very long at all, doesn't require the starving and bowel prep that my full colonoscopies take, and he was fine straight after.

There was some hilarity during his, when the guy filling him up with air pressed the wrong button and filled him up with water instead. I would have missed that, as I always have sedation, but he says they all found it really funny.

I wonder why some are given enemas and some moviprep for a flexible sigmoidoscopy? Seems odd when it is all the same procedure!

So they don't mention moviprep?

No, nothing. All they have included with my appointment letter is information surrounding the foods and fluids I can or can’t have in the 48 hours leading up to my appointment.

There was some hilarity during his, when the guy filling him up with air pressed the wrong button and filled him up with water instead.

That did make me smile

I had a sig thingy. In my area they call you for one when you reach 55. They sent me the enema kit in the post!! It was easy. But I was so nervous that I had emptied everything before using the enema .
The procedure was just slightly uncomfortable. They had gas and air there if I wanted.
No issue with needing the loo after the Enema has emptied you. That’s not how it worked.
You are fine straight away to go to work etc.

I had one 5/6 weeks ago.

I had to take two sachets of picolax which with a shot of elderflower cordial tasted fine and not big volumes.

You eat a simple diet the day before. White bread, cheese, fish, white rice, clear soup. I started a day earlier. The prep was nothing like as bad as written on the net.

My apt was mid afternoon and I drove myself. Had sedation and remember nothing. No pain or discomfort at all.

All well too. Have threatened dc with framed pics of my bowels for christmas if they upset me :)

Well my sigmoidoscopy is tomorrow!!

This is the instruction leaflet I got about what I could/couldn’t eat in the 24 hours preceding the test.

I’m panicking a bit as I’ve eaten about 6 Spearmint polo mints as I thought they be okay??

I’m just so hungry