Gastric expert has made me feel depressed

[DunePeyton]

I recently had a colonoscopy as I’ve been having some symptoms and to rule things out. The colonoscopy went ok and they found one polyp which they removed. While the procedure was taking place, the dr asked me if I’ve eaten a lot of junk food in the past as colon was showing signs of it and ageing a bit beyond my years. While I appreciate the information in a sense as I can have less junk food going forward (I haven’t always been the healthiest of eaters), I think id rather have not known as I’ve been having a lot of obsessive thoughts and now feel like I’m going to die soon as my insides have prematurely aged and worry about it all the time. AIBU?

I appreciate your anxiety , these things can lead to you over thinking and health anxiety. On a more positive note I would try to see as you have been advised that your diet is doing damage and you can now act upon it. Obviously I don't know your diet but you could tweak it with extra veg, fibre etc.

Your are being a bit unreasonable but I can understand why (I think most people have had dr appointment where something in their lifestyle has been criticised). I imagine it was a genuine question which they sort of knew the answer but if you had turned round and gone, “no never eaten or rarely” then they may think they need to investigate more why your colon showing signs of it and ageing.

It's never nice to hear negative things about our health, so you're not being unreasonable to feel badly about it.

Try to look at the positives, they've removed a polyp and the colonoscopy went ok.

You could take this as an opportunity to begin eating more healthly to prevent any futher damage.

Yes, of course YABU.

The consultant has given you some very useful information relating to your own health.

It's up to you what you do about it, but would you really rather live in blissful ignorance?

Focus on the positives and how this is the kick you needed to start a new regime of healthy eating and healthier lifestyle. 🙂

I was listening to a podcast with a cardiologist who said she often felt a bit stuck when people she saw already had healthy lifestyles, because there was so much less she could do for them compared to the majority of people she saw who had potential to really change their health by making lifestyle changes. You're probably far from alone in having less good gut health, the question is what will you do with this information.

You’re not alone.
When I had my colonoscopy (and polyp removed) the consultant asked me if I’d recently giving up smoking! Never smoked.

YABU you've been given information about your health which can lead to a healthier diet and lifestyle.

I'd see it as good news. You aren't going to get ill, because the doctor has flagged the issue and you can deal with it now before anything horrible happens.

There's a few really easy things you can do to start with. What do you have for breakfast? Swap it for porridge oats mixed with fresh pineapple or apple or pear. Dead easy to make, takes no longer than toast. Endless variations.

Then add a vegetable a day to your supper, swap to wholemeal bread/pasta and buy some of those packs of mixed fruit & nuts as snacks. Your intestines will be happy. 🙂