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Original poster

Gastrointestinal endoscopy & Colonoscopy - have it now or wait? I have questions...

31 replies

TheBlonde · 13/11/2007 15:46

I have been referred for a upper gastrointestinal endoscopy & colonoscopy due to anaemia

According to the booking appt person the laxatives and sedation are incompatible with breastfeeding which I'm not intending to give up anytime soon

I don't know whether to go ahead and book it or leave it til after Xmas when taking a few days off bf may be easier

How awful is it?

Is it worth going private for?

OP posts:
MaureenMLove · 13/11/2007 15:51

Not speaking from personal experience, but DH has had that. The laxatives they gave him were for the 24 hours previous and completely wiped him out tbh, but the procedure itself was ok he said. Bit uncomfortable, but because he was spaced out, he wasn't bothered! He was home by lunch time and eating everything in sight!

So, armed with that info, as long as your doctor is happy that it can wait until after xmas, I think I would. I don't think there's much mileage in going private, since the treatment itself will follow the same course of laxatives I would imagine. HTH.

Original poster
TheBlonde · 13/11/2007 18:54

Hmmm sounds like it could be worth putting it off

The private is more to avoid waiting hours in a grim hospital

OP posts:
DettaJnr · 13/11/2007 18:56

Sorry to hear about your anaemia. But would it be due to being pregnant for 40 weeks and then breast feeding?

I'm not suggesting that you give up breast feeding (I am much in favour of breast feeding as long as you can).

I had this problem and once I had finished with breast feeding, all went back to normal with a good diet. Prunes and dried apricots are very rich in iron and also have a laxative effect (if you have too many). Four every day is enough iron for your daily intake.

The procedure is unpleasant but you are sedated and certainly need someone to take you home. I don't think you need to go privately unless you aren't happy with your local hospital. You can always explain to them that you are breast feeding and would like to defer your appointment until a time that suits you. Alternatively, you could express milk and not feed while sedative and laxative are in your system. HTH

Anna8888 · 13/11/2007 18:59

You can have a "virtual" (non-invasive) gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy here in Paris at one of the hospitals. Maybe the same is available in the UK? Call BUPA?

expatinscotland · 13/11/2007 19:00

or might be just as dear or cheaper to fly to paris for the procedure.

Anna8888 · 13/11/2007 19:06

Google "virtual colonoscopy" or "colonoscopie virtuelle". There are lots of links.

Winetimeisfinetime · 13/11/2007 19:21

The laxatives that you are given prior to a colonoscopy are very hard core and you have to stay very close to the loo. They also tend to cause cramping pains so I think for the day or two that you need to take them it might be difficult to bf as normal. The sedative that you have on the day wears off after a few hours - I've had the procedure twice now and find that even when I get home I just end up falling asleep so that would probably mean that bf would be hard to maintain for 3 days. The procedure itself isn't too bad - I felt a slight crampy pain at the beginning - sort of like a period pain and then didn't remember much else until I came round in the hospital bed. I think the laxatives are actually the most unpleasant part of the whole procedure

willukee · 13/11/2007 19:32

it is unusual to be referred for this at a young age purely for anaemia. if there are other worries like family history of bowel probs or bowel symptoms in yourself then it is best to get it done as advised by your gp. i would go back and see you gp and ask them your questions then you won't be worried that you are putting off something important and if it can be put off you will feel happier too. hope this is helpful.

vole3 · 13/11/2007 19:42

Virtual colonoscopy usually involves CT scanning. You will still need the bowel prep and as you are of reproductive age, the radiation dose to your ovaries may not be what you want compared to an actual colonoscopy involving no radiation.

hotbot · 13/11/2007 19:45

have the tests, dont go privste, nhs is much better for these things, dont put it off, you need to value your health
good luck

Original poster
TheBlonde · 13/11/2007 19:46

I have been referred from the haematology dept due to B12 deficiency anaemia

I suspect if they find anything they will want a sample for biopsy so not sure virtual is the answer

OP posts:
hotbot · 13/11/2007 19:58

as vole said radn dose is very high for these procedures, if it were me i would defo want the colon.....

Original poster
TheBlonde · 13/11/2007 20:16

another question - how do you breathe when they do the GI endo if you can't breathe through your nose?

OP posts:
madamy · 13/11/2007 20:27

You do breathe through your nose. The tube goes down your throat. TBH, I wouldn't bother with sedation as it will make you feel crap after - you're often offered sedation or throat numbing spray - you have to swallow the tube, once that's done it shouldn't be too uncomfortable.

Original poster
TheBlonde · 13/11/2007 21:00

Hmmm bit of a problem then, I can't breathe through my nose properly

OP posts:
Original poster
TheBlonde · 14/11/2007 11:40

bump

OP posts:
TimeForMe · 14/11/2007 12:43

Hi, I had both of these tests for exactly the same reasons as you. The tests were done at the same time and I was sedated due to the colonoscopy. The endoscopy was done first and i didn't know a thing about it. I did become aware of something 'going on' at the bottom end and it was a little uncomfortble but they must have sedated me again because the next I knew I was being wheeled to a side ward.

try not to worry, you will be fine. The nurses were lovely at my appointment and very reassuring. I'm sure you will be well looked after

Original poster
TheBlonde · 14/11/2007 17:33

TimeForMe - any idea what to expect treatment wise if they find anything?

OP posts:
irises · 14/11/2007 17:40

I have to go for another one soon, as am in remission from colon cancer. It's not that bad, but, without wanting to worry you unduly, as colon cancer is extemely rare in younger people, if they hadn't caught mine in time by doing the colonoscopy I wouldn't be here now.

If I were you I'd try to take 24 hours out of bf, using ebm or whatever you can do, but wouldn't put off the test.

I get mine done in lovely Bupa hospital where they give you a yummy lunch as of course you're starving when you've finished.

I found I was quite spaced out after the sedation, eg I kept asking people the same questions, forgetting they'd just answered me.

Good luch, I'm sure you'll be fine.

TimeForMe · 15/11/2007 09:16

It depends what they find as to what you can expect treatment wise. I have to follow a gluten free diet. My body wasn't absorbing iron (amongst other nutrients) due to the damage caused by gluten.
After years of unexplained anaemia I am, at long last, I am cured and feel better than I have ever felt in my life!

I was actually glad to have the test as, after years of horrible symptoms it was good to know that my colon was clear of anything nasty. My mind is at ease on that score now.

try not to worry so much. I am sure ou will be just fine

Original poster
TheBlonde · 15/11/2007 10:57

Thanks for your replies

OP posts:
Original poster
TheBlonde · 15/11/2007 11:36

irises - do you think it's worth going private for? (we have insurance)

OP posts:
irises · 15/11/2007 12:22

Definitely worth doing privately, if only for the convenience of choosing a time to suit. My appt isn't till 12dec, but they could have fitted me in within 2 days if I'd wanted it that soon.

I like to be mollycoddled, as well

TimeForMe · 15/11/2007 12:34

I was mollycoddled on the NHS I couldn't have been treated any nicer.

orangehead · 15/11/2007 12:58

The upper gi you can have without sedation, It isnt particulary nice but only lasts a couple of minutes then you are fine and free to go home. The laxatives for the colonoscopy are a must for the proceedure and ime is horrible apparently I looked green for the whole day I could not stop throwing up and was on the loo all day and felt so ill, I had to get help to look after my 3 and 4 yr old I cant imagine how I would of bf if I needed to. Are they planning to do the proceedures together? Is it possible to request to have the upper gi first without sedation and hopefully that might give you an answer without having to have the other. If not you need to find out wheather this is just to rule things out are are they looking for something serious. I am all for bf but to bf and be a good mum it is better you are in good health and to some extent your health should come first. I would probably ask the doctor if he feels it is something that can wait

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