Colonoscopy - to go, or no?

[CutiePatooties]

I’m freaking out a bit here!

I’ve been given a date for a colonoscopy after having a change in bowel movements, abdominal pain, blood and high inflammation markers found as a result of my FIT test.

However, whilst waiting for the colonoscopy, my abdominal pain has stopped and my bowel movements are back to normal.

I’ve had all the information/consent form sent through with a list of all the risks of having the procedure and I’m thinking perhaps I have piles and that’s where the blood has come from and maybe there was inflammation but that’s gone now - I think this due to my symptoms easing up. Surely if it was anything sinister, I’d be getting worse, not better?

I don’t know what to do. I’m not sure I can go through with it, but I worry about the blood and inflammation markers and was told if I don’t have it done now, my GP will not refer me again later down the line if my symptoms flare up again/get worse.

What would you do? Anyone had one and it went well? I’ve read about possible infection of the blood, tearing the bowel, needing a stoma afterwards or having a heart attack etc. Didn’t make for great reading (!)

You need to go

You're an adult

You need to go!!

I've had a few first lot about 20 years ago - its not that bad and ask them what type of sedation they have, I cant recall if general anaesthetic were offers I guess others will confirm,

Do go for a peace of mind

I would go as if the symptoms come back soon you will regret it.

I was terrified for mine but ultimately it wasn't as awful as expected. It also didn't take too long. Most of the time was getting the sedation in and going through the standard checks.

Thank you @Zebrasinpyjamas @DistinguishedSocialCommenator you've both been really helpful. It’s comforting to know that it isn’t too bad.

I had one a few months ago. I had to postpone it as I didn’t agree with the moviprep and ended up being given picolax instead which went down better.

I then took the sedation and asked for the gas and air too. Don’t remember it all now. They also used numbing cream on me as my poor bottom was very sore

Definitely go. The prep is worse than the actual procedure. Peace of mind though

I've had one every year for last 10 years.. no problems..
You can get sedation.. l never feel a thing.. even when they clip for a biopsy or fibroids.
The worse part is the laxative drink.. trying to get it all down.. just have to keep sipping away then be near the loo.
The colonoscopy is the easy part.
I'd definitely go for peace of mind.
Good luck.

My DH recently had his first one and it was fine. As PP’s have said, the prep was the worst part (they gave him something to take the day before clear out his bowels and it was a bit explosive🤣), but the actual procedure was fine. The best part is having the peace of mind that you’ve been thoroughly checked and everything’s OK.

I can handle the actual prep and procedure itself, it’s not so much having it that bothers me.

Reading all the potential risks has scared me a bit (even if that’s childish). The idea of going in for a colonoscopy and ending up having a heart attack or stroke, or having blood poising etc. It was just a long list that shocked me.

It could also be the fact that my dad had a stroke after having an operation, so I know about these potential risks being a reality.

My DH had one bowel movement with blood in it but his GP wanted to be sure so sent him for a colonoscopy.

He found the prep unpleasant but the procedure was okay.

Results weren't good but were caught very early on and dealt with. Please don't bury your head, go and get checked out 💐

I think if it were me I would go.

I had a referral for a gastroscopy for ongoing heartburn and bloating (in the context of a family history of gastric cancers). By the time the appointment came around, my symptoms had gone but I went for the test anyway because symptoms can come and go, and I didn’t like the thought of cancelling the appointment and then the symptoms coming back as I knew it would be difficult then to get another referral. Plus we’re so lucky to get these (presumably expensive) tests free on the NHS, and given that I have a family history of stomach issues, I didn’t want to turn down the opportunity for some screening. (Nothing unusual or worrying was found in the investigation so it was really reassuring for me).

Having said that, I think there might be more risks associated with colonoscopy than gastroscopy so perhaps it’s not a fair comparison.

@StopGo thank you for sharing and I’m so glad they caught it early and he’s okay 💐

@Waitingfordoggo I think you’re right about needing the reassurance.

I have some personal and professional experience in this. I’ve had two colonoscopies myself. Potential risks are very low. Lots of patients who turned out to have piles, but quite a few who had one off symptoms find the colonoscopy catches something. Bear in mind it could be a polyp that, if caught early, can be removed and not progress. Better to go and get the all clear than not!
Tell the staff you’re anxious, you’re not the first! They can reassure you, discuss the risks. Risks like bowel tearing sounds scary but generally if they think there’s a risk of that, they wouldn’t remove the issue in question and would consider surgery instead. Consider sedation if you are anxious; it’ll help you feel more relaxed. I hope that reassures you a bit.

I had one recently and for me the prep was the worst bit. Don't even really remember the procedure polyp found and removed, later confirmed as non cancerous. Honestly it is worth it for peace of mind. It is really not that bad.

BTW, OP

As some others said, I too dread the prep.

Even worse is not eating from about 9pm and being at the hospital for 7-30am and as luck would have it, I was last to be checked around 1-30pm.

The good news, it was all good but they took a few biopsies as a "precaution" but all was ok.

Go for it and it will give you peace of mind

PLEASE OP still go.

I have had two of them and both found cysts (benign thankfully) but , unlike you, my pain had persisted.
I know the prep is ghastly so agree with PPs

Didn't read the OP before but have now

Sedation is given to You (as I had both mine with sedation) and it does relax and zone you out somewhat. Just be sure somebody can collect you in a car or is with you so you can get a cab.

The one that scares Me most is what I was supposed to have had earlier this afternoon but its been cancelled.. Endescopy. Shudder.

Please go. They have to tell you the rare but possible risks so they're covered, but much better to get checked. Your symptoms may return

I have them twice a year and have needed to for years. I have ibd and can honestly say I’ve never heard of anyone get complications. Yes it’s not nice but with sedation it’s over pretty quickly. For your symptoms you need checking. Bleeding and pain are signs of bowel cancer.

I've had 4 - I have them at regular intervals because of a tendency to polyps. I think the risks are minimal. The endoscopists do very many procedures and are really skilled and experienced so I don't understand why anything should go wrong. I don't love it but I wouldn't dream of not going.
On my first one they found and removed polyps, one of which was pre-cancerous. If I hadn't gone I dread to think where I'd be now.
Go, please. You'll be fine.

Definitely go. I had one a few years ago in very similar circumstances to you (nothing sinister found!) and although I really didn't enjoy the experience, I still wouldn't hesitate to go through it again if it was ever thought to be necessary.

I actually asked the Dr doing mine last year what the risks were in real terms eg did it happen at the hospital once a day? Once a week etc? He said in his 20 year career doing colonoscopies, he'd had one bowel perforation.

That was reassuring enough for me.

You should go. I've had one recently and they found IBD. There are lots of things it could potentially be and the colonoscopy is the best way to check.

As others have said, the prep isn't much fun but the procedure itself was fine with sedation. The nurse recommended mixing the laxative with flavoured still water, or add a clear cordial if you mix it with plain water, as it doesn't taste great.

They have to list every possible risk. But you risk much worse by not going. Colonoscopies are extremely routine and safe procedures.

Oh, this is exactly what I needed to know! Thank you so much.