Colonoscopy

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to every-one! But can I say thanks for all your advice and particularly advice re "Tena pants" and babywipes - those were a godsend! I had a polyp removed (not funny at the time but I can laugh now... consultant to nurse "polyp snared (or something similar) oh lost it! Going back up... got it! Ok we're coming down now... soon be finished!") Boy was I ever glad when I heard them say that!!!
Anyway now awaiting result of that, hopefully tomorrow... also told that I have "mild diverticulosis" and perhaps the Dr. will explain more about that too, meanwhile I have been put on folic acid tablets when my blood tests came back but the nurse didn't really explain why... maybe that'll be explained tomorrow too...? Apparently I can ask for a copy of my blood tests... I'm to have more this week though I've not been told why. My sister-in-law says I should ask for a Vit D test (insist she says if they're not forthcoming) - I did ask before if I should take a Vit D supplement as I live in Scotland and was told "No - you already get Vit D from your Adcal D 3" but since then they have changed me to Theical tabs and I'm wondering if they have less Vit D... does anyone know here know what the differences are between Adcal 3 and Theical?
Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New year!

Thank you Harrigran. I have since had two parts of my bowel removed as well as lots of other internal organs so, hopefully, my next colonoscopy won't be so painful. Fortunately I got away with not having a stoma so I have had a bit of luck! Best wishes to you too.

I can understand your procedure being painful Hotmama as they had to navigate the whole of the colon. I had a bowel resection but my tumour was low down on the left side, where I had severe pains. Colonoscopies since the operation are through my stoma thus avoiding the rectum and the bowel stump and consequently not uncomfortable.
Best wishes to you.

Hi there, I'm so pleased to hear everyone has had a positive experience when having a colonoscopy And I hesitate to report my experience was not so good but it's always good to hear the other side of things. After a diagnosis of appendix cancer found during an operation for peritonitis, I underwent a colonoscopy to check my bowel. I was given a sedative but found the procedure very painful. I had to have gas and air as well. I was told afterwards that I had a very winding twisty bowel which was difficult to navigate! I've since been through a seven hour operation and now undergoing chemotherapy so I'm not a wuss! However, I'm obviously a 'one off' so I wouldn't worry Clematisa as there are lots of people that sale through it.

I am also awaiting an appointment for colonoscopy. I had pains in lower left side (sometimes excrutiating) my doc thought it might be diverticulitis and gave me a course of antibiotics which seemed to do the trick. I saw a bowel specialist and he agreed this was probably the case but wanted a colonoscopy to rule out any underlying problems. Must admit I am not looking forward to the drinks before as I believe they are unpleasant. I am, however, grateful that I am being so thoroughly checked. I do believe in all preventative medicines and tests. I asked to be kept on the breast screening list after I was 73. I found it quite easy here in Scotland - just a phone call.

Thanks DaphneBroon I'm thinking you're mibbee of Scottish origin... as I am! You're right about being put off as I've had the thing sent to me at least 3 times, but found that I kept putting it off even though I knew I had symptoms that needed to be checked! It's not that it's a difficult test but maybe it's the fear of what they will find that stops us particularly If we already know we have other symtoms! As my "nurse" says now the problem will be if I'm all clear and S-In-Law isn't ( and I already know she's not!) and that can be a negative guilt and so hopefully all goes well for both of us!

I find prep worse than procedure ,think you only need someone to stay with you for24hrs if you have sedation I never have it never felt need for it but some people are very nervous and if it gets you through procedure then it's worth taking don't worry about pressies they will understand good luck

Thanks again for all this advice - a very good friend has now offered to come for me and take me home, then stay overnight if needs be. Hospital is over an hour away - that's if I get an appointment at the closest one, will know where and when sometime over the next 3 - 4 days apparently. All seems to be happening really fast and I haven't bought Christmas Presents yet, lol! Luckily I sent off cheques to nieces and nephews last Friday so only the brothers and sistes-in-laws and various friends to sort this week... thinking I may do something easy like gift tokens for them... usually make up little gift baskets, one year it was jams chutneys and homemade vodkas etc,then I did a food hamper with Italian type things from the deli, two years ago it was toiletries and last year it was car and keeping safe, but really disorganised this year! Eeek!

I've had this done. The prep is unpleasant only in that you have many visits to the bathroom. I had no 'accidents' and found it ok. Don't recall a sore bottom afterwards.

The only downside for me is that it was flavoured with vanilla and as there was 8 pints to drink over a 4 hour period - I now can't abide the taste or smell of vanilla

I had no sedation and was able to watch the procedure on the monitor and follow the journey of the camera through my body. A friend drove me home to save my dh taking time off work.
If it was necessary, I wouldn't worry about having to do it again.

I had one recently with a gastroscopy at the same time. The prep was really horrible but worth the effort! A friend drove me there. The procedure was painless because I had an effective sedative. I was given a reassuring summary of the surgeon's findings before my friend picked me up. No adverse effects or nasty results.

I can only second what has been said above. I had one in August. There has to be someone to take you home. DH came with me, but my friend, who is widowed, had one and we picked her up after hers. I had to sign a form before they would let her out. Neither of us had any particular problems with the procedure, but I wouldn't climb over you to get to the prep again!!

I was told that I must have somebody to take me home and also to stay with me for the night. The overnight stay was totally unnecessary as I felt fine, and I wish I hadn't inconvenienced DD to do this.
I was very anxious before I attended for colonoscopy and gastroscopy on the same visit, but I can reassure you that there is no need to worry as I felt little with mild sedation.
I hope it goes well for you, with a good outcome.

Could a friend drive you there? My hospital is only a couple of miles away but my tum was gurgling as we drove there and I would not have been fit to drive, apart from the minor problem that there are rarely any spaces.

It will also be suggested that you are picked up- you may be offered and accept sedation so you would not be able to drive. You may not need a loo afterwards but it is comforting to know where one is so again, a friend picking you up would help to solve that problem and you can get home quickly with luck.

Thanks everyone for all your positive comments and support. I'm on my own so no-one to "talk it over with" and I guess I am doing my usual of crossing bridges before I come to them! Scrubbed the kitchen floor and cleared out some of my heaving kitchen drawers, lol- what I was doing that for I've no idea!
I'll take your advice about all the prep and towel on the bed etc... very reassuring to know how many of you have all been through it before.

grannypiper 're my stabbing pain, after all investigations proved fruitless, one of the clinicians (can't remember which one now) said it might be due to adhesions from previous surgery. It lessened over time and disappeared.

It is good to do the test but do remember it is not 100%, i had a negqtive test just months before being diagnosed with cancer. Be vigilant and if it is not normal for you get it checked out.

DH has had a couple. He didn't enjoy them, but at the same time he didn't have any problems. Like everyone else he found the laxatives beforehand the worst bit.

First of all well done you for doing your poo sticks test. So many people are put off by what is an incredibly easy test and early diagnosis is the way forward. Even a positive diagnosis is not a death sentence as bowel cancer is one of the "better " ones to treat provided it is caught in tine
DH has a higher than average chance of bowel cancer because of other things and he has an annual colonoscopy. They usually see a polyp or two. Usually remove and biopsy to be on the safe side and usually tell him to come back in 3 months for a clinic appointment.
He also had a small bowel resection 8 years ago when it perforated because of an unspotted tumour and lymphoma. All well now, but EARLY TESTING is the first step to treatment and recovey.
It was both brave and sensible of you clematisa -good luck with the "scope" I hope everyone has managed to reassure you.

I had one and wasn't offered sedation. From speaking to other people, some hospitals offer sedation and others don't. I was supposed to self-administer an enema but was unable to do it and it was done by the nurse at the hospital which was much easier. It wasn't the most pleasant thing but not really painful. There was no special diet beforehand.

Would echo the other comments, clematisa, it's not something to worry about. Mine was also after the 'poo sticks', I wasn't offered sedation and can honestly say it wouldn't have been helpful as I didn't find the procedure stressful or painful. The bowel prep was more uncomfortable. I used Vaseline to protect my skin and had very little irritation. The diet sheet made sense, the procedure was actually quite interesting as I could follow via a monitor. Please don't worry, the staff will be helpful and kind, it is soon over.

Clemista - I have had 2, both with no sedation or pain relief - none needed. As others have said the prep is more of a pain!

I do hope that the investigation gives you the all clear.

Grannyknot i have had a stabbing pain in my right lower side for 3 years had all the tests, nothing found so hope mine disappears .
just like you pain has.
Clemista please dont worry, it is painless, please dont let it spoil your Christmas.

I've had two colonoscopies and agree that it is no big deal. I would suggest that you lather your bottom liberally before taking the opening medicine, that way you will avoid any soreness and reapply regularly. Also wet wipes are good. Place a large bath towel on the bed and so any little accidents will be catered for.

DH was doing some light gardening a few hours after his, but I am not recommending this.

Best of luck.

I have had two plus a bowel resection in the last year. They will give you a diet sheet and you start three days before the procedure. Have some nappy rash cream for the sore bum and get some Tena lady briefs, sometimes it is difficult to make the bathroom in time. Wear the briefs for your journey to the hospital and you will feel assured that you wont have an accident.
My last colonoscopy was through my colostomy and the preparation and procedure was pain free.

Husband had one not long ago and had to prepare as per eddiecat above.
Some time ago I had one as part of a survey and had to self-administer an enema before going to the hospital. That was the worst part - we had no car at the time and I went by bus and just hoped for the best I'd already 'been' but still rumblings inside.