Colonoscopy

[lankeela]

Did a poo test and they have made an appointment to ring me next week, to discuss whether I need to go for a colonoscopy. While I will of course go if needed, can anyone tell me how bad it really is? Or is it not as bad as it sounds?

[jno]

what, a colonoscopy? I had one a few months ago and had no trouble at all.

[barry1010]

I've had one, wasn't looking forward to it but it was just fine. Not fun, but not horrible

[Buenchico]

This might help:

[douglas9401]

I had one this year and what I remember most is the good chat with the staff.
Slight discomfort a couple of times but I just hit the gas & air and thought about the sandwich I'd been promised. :-)

Nothing at all to worry about.

[calmck]

Truthfully the worst part is the prep! Have sudacream and babywipes ready by the toilet. If you have the liquid drink the colder it is the better as it is very sweet. I sip ginger wine whilst drinking it but ginger tea also helps. Here in Portugal we are completely asleep for the procedure. Don't worry too much about the test it is quick and easy. Good luck

[andy-hughes]

It's not the best fun you can have lying on a bed with strangers approaching you with non-specific hardware, but as advised, it's not usually painful, just a little uncomfortable.

[douglas9401]

Great TV too, if you like medical stuff.

[retrocop]

Easy as falling off a log. Since I was treated for colon cancer I have about three a year. The good old colonoscopy actually found my cancer whereas other tests failed including the poo test.
You can elect to have a mild sedative beforehand if you are nervous which involves a cannular in your arm or wrist. Whilst lying on your side a small tube is introduced up your back passage which blows CO2 to widen your colon and make the colonoscope easier to guide up the colon. Absolutely no pain involved although I had a frustrated surgeon who got rather frustrated with his failing endeavours to place his scope further up my colon.
I had a colonoscopy about three weeks ago which was abandoned as the colonoscope and the much smaller gastro scope could not be introduced up my back passage. Apparently I have a stricture and a colonoscope awaits next friday where a CT scan is used after the CO2 is introduced. I then get a dose of radioactive dye.I really have no worries about this procedure and neither should you. I just hope they will open me up again and cut out the piece of blocked colon.
Good luck lankeela and don't worry.

[jno]

agree with calmck about the prep, get in a big collection of loo paper/wipes.

[retrocop]

If you have some serious blockage in your colon I can assure Lankeela that the Picolax or Rediprep prior to the procedure comes as a great relief.

[anneasquith]

There is a great post by RATTER some years ago about his experience. :+)

[Buenchico]

^^^ . . . which is worth reading just for its entertainment value ;-)
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question1014614.html

[Peter Pedant]

it is not as bad as it sounds

[Paul22118]

Had a colonoscopy and gave my fears to the lady doctor once I was in the room. She said no problem I'll give you a little sedative. I laid down and opened my eyes to be told it is all done. That was my experience, hospital in Hertfordshire.

[retrocop]

Exactly Paul. Always my experience and I have notched more than I can remember. Another sort next week. A new experience for me.

[anneasquith]

Thanks for posting Chris, it as ver funny , poor ratter .

[fripfrip]

Hope all goes well for you retro.

[retrocop]

ta fripfrip. :-)

[Maydup]

I know you’ll be feeling anxious, it’s worrying being recalled, but as others have said the procedure itself is really not as bad as it sounds.

You’ll be given a laxative to take the day before to empty your bowels and colon. So make sure you keep that day free as you won’t be going far from your bathroom.

My advice - eat as little as possible the day before that as the less that goes in, the less there is to come out. It also reduces your hunger pangs for the day of no food. Keep hydrated though and you’ll be fine.

[1ozzy]

//the less that goes in, the less there is to come out//

Good advice.

Wouldn't want to disgust a doctor,,