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Original poster

To cancel colonoscopy tomorrow?

27 replies

Moongirl3 · 17/05/2023 18:09

Hi everyone, I’m due to have a colonoscopy tomorrow and suppose to start the laxative in an hour! I’m really freaking out about it all and have bad anxiety about something going wrong (like bleeding or tearing my colon) I’m worried that I’m having it done unnecessary and thinking about not doing it at all. So basically I’ve been referred as since the birth of my second daughter as I’ve been feeling like something is stuck inside my bum, I thought it was a prolapse but 2 doctors have checked and I’ve been having private physiotherapy but still having problems. Since I was little I’ve always had tummy pains on and off and issues with my bowels such as constipation and diarrhoea which gets worse now and again. I think my doctor has also referred me as I’ve had low iron for years but has got worse due to heavy bleeding after giving birth… I’m so scared 😟 to go tomorrow and having to breastfeed and be on the toilet all nice don’t know if I can do it. Should I try to push for a ct scan instead as I’m freaking out about the risks involved… but also worried about why I’m feeling like somethings is stuck up my bottom… please help… has anyone been through a colonoscopy or cancelled it? Thanks so much sorry it’s so long xxxxx

OP posts:
BubblyBunchOfCoconuts · 17/05/2023 18:14

You should obviously not cancel it.
There is a reason the dr has ordered it.My daughter just had a colonoscopy and endoscopy recently and there were zero complications. Of course the prep is no fun but it is necessary.
It'll be over before you know it and thankful you followed through.
Be strong!
It'll all be worth it!

nocoolnamesleft · 17/05/2023 18:16

Far better to have the colonoscopy than unnecessarily irradiate your ovaries. Hang on in there. You can do this. (And yes, I've had several colonoscopies, they really aren't that bad)

Original poster
Moongirl3 · 17/05/2023 18:16

Thanks so much for replying, aww bless glad It went well for her. I know I’ve been doing all the prep now for 2 days so seems like a waste… I know if I do it Il be happy and know that nothings wrong… I’m so scared of hospitals after having preeclampsia 😭

OP posts:
Roselilly36 · 17/05/2023 18:22

So important that you make the appointment OP. Hopefully you will have positive news. Good luck.

bettynutkins · 17/05/2023 18:25

I had one in my early twenties. It's really not that bad. I was naive and (up until now) wasn't aware or told there were any risks. Definitely shouldn't cancel, you will be ok and it will be over before you know it.

Snowtrails · 17/05/2023 18:25

I know it's scary. But it won't take long and you're half way there already if you've started the prep. Are you having sedation?

BubblyBunchOfCoconuts · 17/05/2023 18:29

Moongirl3 · 17/05/2023 18:16

Thanks so much for replying, aww bless glad It went well for her. I know I’ve been doing all the prep now for 2 days so seems like a waste… I know if I do it Il be happy and know that nothings wrong… I’m so scared of hospitals after having preeclampsia 😭

Thank you so much. We got the diagnosis we were expecting,just needed the confirmation through the colonoscopy.Which we are thankful for,bc now she can be treated😊

You will do great and update us after!

CottonSock · 17/05/2023 18:34

I had one last year with a sedative and found it really totally fine. It was quite interesting watching it. Agree the prep wasn't nice though. But it's basically bad diarrhoea and everyone's probably experienced that before.

Throwawayme · 17/05/2023 18:39

It's fine, honestly. Don't cancel it. The prep and laxative is the worst bit. I was sedated for mine and the last thing I remember is being wheeled in, then woke up back in the bed and knew nothing about it. Even if the sedative doesn't knock you right out like it did me, it'll be over before you know it. Wishing you well!

defnotadomesticgoddess · 17/05/2023 18:39

if you are having sedation you won’t remember anything about it. Honestly the prep the days before is worse than the colonoscopy. I Had preeclampsia too so understand why you would be anxious - but tell yourself this is a planned safe procedure. Much better to get it over and done with. I’ve also had a ct colonoscopy but a normal colonoscopy is much better for seeing what’s going on in there. You’ll be fine I promise. Tell them you’re nervous and they’ll look after you 💐

SalviaDivinorum · 17/05/2023 18:41

Should I try to push for a ct scan instead as I’m freaking out about the risks involved

The CT isn't really an alternative.

I had one on Monday for suspected appendicitis and I've now been sent for a colonoscopy for a closer look at my bowel to rule out anything, although the CT was clear of any red flags.

Original poster
Moongirl3 · 17/05/2023 18:45

Thanks for everyone’s replies I’m doing it!!! I’m prepping the moviprep now… I think the preeclampsia has played a big part in me being terrified of hospitals and blood pressure checks 🙄 I really appreciate each one of you replying… I will be back to tell you how it went 😘 xxx

OP posts:
Addicted2Sugar · 17/05/2023 18:45

I've had a colonoscopy, actually requested it myself as such terrible family history of it.
Absolutely fine, I don't even remember the post laxative emptying being that bad. Had sedative but was fully awake and watching the camera movement on screen.
It was absolutely fine and yours will be too. Go and do it and find out what's going on a Nd get yourself sorted. All the best.

SundaeLove · 17/05/2023 18:47

I’d ask for sedation I believe that you have to ask for this.

I have a super twisty colon so now only have what they call a virtual colonoscopy.

Shopper727 · 17/05/2023 18:48

I’ve had 2 colonoscopies, both were fine.

chill the laxative
use a straw to drink it the ‘result’ wasn’t that bad for me I did a low residue diet prior so wasn’t an awful lot to clear out really you can take painkillers if you’re a bit crampy but it was no where near as bad as I thought.

They can give a mild sedative for the actual procedure if needed. I never felt anything going in or ‘stuck’ up there at all they are very kind and very gentle. Sometimes it can be slightly uncomfortable- felt the biopsies but wasn’t horrendous or anything just uncomfy and tender. Felt a bit tired - and hungry after. Was fine the next day. It’s better to get one to rule out anything tbh. A ct scan won’t see what the camera in a colonoscopy can.

all you can do is try op, relax and take it step by step, do the prep, then when you’re at the hospital the staff should let you know what will happen and answer any questions. My last colonoscopy I also had an endoscopy which I was terrified about however it was the better of the 2 procedures. The staff were honestly just lovely and kind (both procedures during covid lockdowns too) take care

Beadyeyes91 · 17/05/2023 18:58

Hello. My mum has had numerous colonoscopys due to a bowel cancer diagnosis (she has the all clear and gets check ups now) she said the worst part is the drinks! Ask them for maximum pain relief and try to relax is her advice. She has major anxiety aswell and said it was absolutely fine. I realise everyone is different but hopefully this helps.

Original poster
Moongirl3 · 18/05/2023 20:16

Hey everyone just a quick update I’m
back home with a nice cup of tea and hot water bottle and I did it yay! It was quite painful as they said I had a very bendy colon but got through it with sedation and gas and air…they were very lovely… they took quite a few samples and a polyp so glad I went… they said no signs of cancer etc… thanks everyone for your messages, I’m so happy I did it 😘 xxxx

OP posts:
poetryandwine · 18/05/2023 21:22

Great news, OP. Of course many bowel cancers can be cured, but it is the main thing you want to rule out. I know there are other serious bowel diseases bit I think for the most part they can be dealt with

DustyLee123 · 18/05/2023 21:23

Well done for going, it was worth it to get rid of that polyp.

megletthesecond · 18/05/2023 21:28

Well done! Knowing it's been checked is the best feeling.

megletthesecond · 18/05/2023 21:28

Well done! Knowing it's been checked is the best feeling.

GettingStuffed · 18/05/2023 21:28

I wasn't sedated and honestly it's not that bad the tube is tiny.

Roselilly36 · 19/05/2023 06:04

Well done OP Flowers

BellaRose24 · 12/08/2025 12:46

Hey, I have a colonoscopy tomorrow and I’m super nervous and can’t stop crying. Was it ok?

WhatToDoQu · 12/08/2025 14:19

BellaRose24 · 12/08/2025 12:46

Hey, I have a colonoscopy tomorrow and I’m super nervous and can’t stop crying. Was it ok?

Hi BellaRose24,

I've had 2 colonoscopies, both with gas and air. The procedure is not painful - just a little uncomfortable on the first bend. Ask the endoscopist to go slowly. The nurses are lovely and chatty which is a great distraction. Hope it goes well

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