Positive colonoscopy and bowel cancer stories

[Cocopops555]

First time post.
I have been referred for colonoscopy with the 2 week pathway. I found blood on wiping and been suffering tummy ache and trapped wind.
My fit test and “inflammation’ stool test came back as abnormal, with very scores.
I’m absolutely terrified of it being cancer. I’ve had constipation for past few years after having ibs for many years previously.
I’m 51 and just looking for some positive stories while I wait for colonoscopy. Has anyone any experience in this area? Many thanks.

Thanks @crumpetsryummy do they tell you there and then about the gastroscopy results?

Yes they told me and gave me a copy of the report. Dont know if this is the case all the time but they gave it to me. Another reason why sedation was not recommended as if sedated you would not recall what is said.

I’ve been sedated for every colonoscopy and never had any problem recalling what was said.

Its to save money and for no other reason. Body’s natural coping method my eye. 🙄

In case anyone is interested or offered it in future- I'm currently sat with the pill cam colonoscopy going through my system.
The prep is the same - not particularly nice! The pill is big but easy to swallow and then you go home.
the downside is its not done and dusted - I've got to take more laxatives through the day when the machine beeps at me - meaning I'm still having the full effects and can't leave the bathroom for long - so the sales pitch of getting on with the day is ery much exaggerated and my poor bum has never been so sore!

How are you doing @Cocopops555 ?

just trying to keep busy at work.
GP not very helpful. I rang the endoscope unit and think I’ve rebooked myself. Won’t believe till I get a letter. Had problem as flying for a weekend away for my daughters 18 and apparently you can’t fly for 2 weeks after a colonoscopy. Thought about cancelling it but she would be so heartbroken. So can’t do it till 18th.

How are you? Did you get it done yesterday?

That's good you've managed to rebook although I understand the extra waiting is difficult. I hope you can manage to keep busy and enjoy your break with your daughter. I'm also trying to stay in the moment as much as I can.

I had the gastroscopy which found a small hernia but nothing that accounts for my symptoms really. So onto the CT scan, which I don't have a date for yet. So more waiting.

I have a date for my colonoscopy, a week on Monday. I had a gastroscopy last week. I've been ok managing the panic, but now I have a date I'm terrified again about what they're going to find.

How is everyone getting on? Im booked for my resection on friday.

After the horrificness that was the pill cam colonoscopy 2 weeks ago I'm half way through my 1st lot of prep this evening to have polyps removed tomorrow- they could have done that 1st time if I hadn't been talked into the trial but we where we are!

I’m hopeful of colonoscopy on the 15th. BP a little bit lower. Started seeing bits of blood in poo again so need to know why.
I ended up with really bad abdominal pains at A&E last week but they couldn’t speed up. CT scan. The anxiety and waiting doesn’t help.

Hi what Does that involve? What have you be diagnosed with?
I will be thinking of you.

@Cocopops555 the pill cam was sold to me as you swallow a camera in a pill then go home and it comes out the other end - so less invasive. The reality was the machine you carry with you kept beeping at me all day telling me to drink more laxative until I was a vomiting - and defecating mess at home on my own - it was awful!
I had a call 8 days later just saying we need you back in to remove some polyps - prep arrived yesterday in the post!
Really hope yours gets done on the 15th - Wednesday must be colonoscopy day!

You did well to swallow the pill. I wouldn’t have been able to do it. Must be frustrating to now have the colonoscopy as well.

Ive just started my prep. Colonoscopy tomorrow.

Does anyone know if I can eat some jelly babies after starting prep of Picolax? Or do they count as solid food?

I cant answer if jelly babies are thought to be ok but as I thought I had kept to the low fibre diet well and drank all the prep - my bowel wasn't clear enough for all polyp removals - so back in 3 months:(
My advice would be don't risk it!

Oh no! That's so annoying for you @Howdidthathappen1 What do you think went wrong?

I really don't know - I ate beige for 5 days and seemed to be running clear after the prep so god knows! I know my system is a bit sluggish - next time I'm planning in eating puree potatoes for a week before - can't keep going through that prep - I feel for you today!!

Wow, you really have my sympathies. That must be so so frustrating.

It seems they're all so different, I only had to low fibre yesterday.

@ilkleymoorbartat - check with someone better informed than me but when I had mine I think they said squash was OK but nothing red - So am wondering if you only eat the pale coloured jelly babies you will OK but do check that. ( I am not a doctor )

How did you get on? Hope it all went ok. I’ve just started my prep for mine tomorrow. Seem to have come down with an ear infection, which is making my temp go up. J

It was ok. I found the day of the prep really hard because I was so hungry. The ct colonoscopy was fine (not the most dignified of things, but over quickly and the staff were lovely).

I won't have results for a while. Good luck with yours, is it tomorrow? I hope you manage to get it done this time!

@Cocopops555 hope you're done and dusted and all went well

Unfortunately I’m one of the unlucky ones. They think I have rectal cancer. So glad I kept pushing to get a diagnosis.
We are all just in shock and have to have loads of other tests to find out what happens next.
Really interested to hear if anyone has any experience of rectal cancer?