rigid sigmoidoscopy

[amanxious]

has anyone had one of these?
I've been having a bit of occasional (TMI alert) bleeding and mucus in bm. I have horrible piles anyway but still getting scared because my dad died of colorectal cancer and I'm afraid of similar (though only 40).

I've had lower abd pain as well and back leg pain which may/may not be related. Regular GP has figured it's piles, or IBS but I got a 2nd opinion and GP has referred me to colorectal clinic for a 'rigid sigmoidoscopy'.

I'm worried. Has anyone here had one? Are they painful? I'm hoping it will calm my fears though and doc will just say I have bad piles.

Also I've googled (sorry!) and a few sites have said that this procedure has been replaced by more modern ones ('flexible sigm') and isn't very effective. so I'm also worried about it being a waste of time.

Big sigh. I can't sleep now and am so worried it's something sinister that my gp has been dismissing for a couple of years now... I wish my mind didn't wander.

Thanks for listening.

My understanding of it is that the rigid one is about 1.5cm wide and is a bit of a misnomer as you can only really see the rectum with it. It is still used as it can be done in clinic. Flexi sigmoidoscopy is a bit narrower and can go further up. To get either your GP must have referred you to the GI surgeons or physicians and they will make the decision about which is best for you.

I haven't had one but I have had a colonoscopy where they go right the way round. I asked not to be doped up and it wasn't too bad. The worst bit was a bit of pushing around to get it to turn a couple of bends but as a sigmoidoscopy is shorter you might get away without that.

Not terribly helpful I'm sorry. You could try to ask a doctor but it costs £15....

I have had one and then had to have a colonoscopy at a later date. I was having similar symptoms to you. I found the sigmoidoscope uncomfortable but not too bad. They have to pump air into your rectum to be able to see properly and that is the uncomforatble bit. You are then very windy for a few hours afterwards .

Are you going to an out patients clinic? Have you had your letter yet? A rigid sig is usually done in clinic as part of your examination after you've seen the doctor and discussed your symptoms, I've not had one, but have done plenty, and whilst not pleasant, aren't particularly uncomfortable or badly recieved.

If its a flexi sig, you'd be more likely to be asked to attend an day case unit or similar terminology, and would usually get some sort of literature with your letter explaining the procedure and any preparation you may have to do before hand.

Thanks all. DUSTIN, hope you're ok now. I assume I'll have to have a colonoscopy at some point. My sisters/brother have had colonoscopy with polyps removed but nothing worse.

I am going to an outpatients. Have had the letter which included a capsule to insert to empty the lower bowel just before I go to the clinic.

I'm just so worried though about the possibilities it could be and know I should stop as possibilities are endless (right?).

Yes I am fine now. They diagnosed IBS. They said the bleeding could have been caused by piles that had resolved by the time of examination.

Good luck.

Glad to hear that, Dustin.

I've had flexible and rigid, amanxious. Rigid as others have said was as an outpatient. A little uncomfortable but nothing more.

Try not to worry (easy said I know)- and stay away from the google!

The important thing is that you're getting things investigated, so any problems can be dealt with. Good luck

Hi. I had flexible sig, and then a colonoscopy. It's not nice but you can manage it. Ask for maximum drugs!

Stay away from google.

But you do know how important it is if you father died of colorectal cancer. Even though you are "only" 40 this is probably why you have been referred. I don't know when your dad died but much colorectal cancer can be cured if caught early enough, so I would ask if you need to be checked regularly even if there is nothing wrong this time.

I hope all is OK.

yes, will stay away from google. I knew it was wrong as I googled this morning but will now listent to all of you.

weNeedToLeave, you brought up a good point and I will ask about being checked regularly. I also assume I will be offered a colonoscopy but will find out Friday at the colorectal clinic.

Thanks for your support, all. I'm feeling a bit calmer this evening.

Well, I went to the clinic today and had the rigid sigmoidoscopy. It wasn't too bad at all and consultant was wonderful - made me feel at ease, was friendly and there was very, very little discomfort.

Thankfully, he said all looked healthy despite a couple of haemorrhoids which are the prob cause of bleeding. But given some of my other symptoms and fam history, he's requested a colonoscopy so I'll just wait for the letter. He'd wanted to 'fast-track' me for one next week but they couldn't fit me in. I'm a bit glad for that!

Am feeling better about all this, but I'm sure will be back on here prior to the colonoscopy. Anyone reading who's had this - do they do colonoscopies with GA?

I don't know as they gave me a sedative injection when I had mine. I don't think they would want to give a GA due to risks associated with them.