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I'm so embarrassed

(33 Posts)
Cosafina Mon 20-Jun-16 09:26:48

I'm due to have a colonoscopy today as I keep failing that test they send you when you hit 60 (I.e. I have blood in my poo), so was instructed to start taking special laxatives last night at 6pm then 8pm.
I went to bed around midnight, with all quiet on the western front (if you get my drift), only to wake around 3am... Too late. I put the sheets and mattress protector in the washing machine immediately and they seem to have come up fine, but can anyone please tell me how to clean the mattress? Would one of those steam cleaners do the trick?
It's only 3 years old and super comfy, so I don't want to have to bin it, but rubbing with a damp cloth, with or without soap, doesn't seem to do much.
Apologies for the subject matter blush

GandTea Mon 20-Jun-16 09:34:55

Do you know anyone that has a Vax type wet cleaner, they have a small attachment for cleaning furniture etc. The key thing is that they soak the area with cleaner them suck the water back up, taking the dirt with it.

Nannylovesshopping Mon 20-Jun-16 09:42:41

Poor you, hope the test goes well today. I have a poorly cat at the moment, who can't get outside quick enough, I am using pet are stain remover, just spray it on, it works very well on my pale grey carpets, says on bottle works on mattresses as well.

Luckygirl Mon 20-Jun-16 09:46:22

Good luck with the colonoscopy. I always say the worst bit about it is the bowel-emptying gunk. You have done that now, so the worst is over. Well done.

Indinana Mon 20-Jun-16 09:54:35

Oh how annoying! As if going through all the colonoscopy prep isn't bad enough sad. Hope you get your mattress sorted. But more important, I hope the colonoscopy goes well for you .

tanith Mon 20-Jun-16 10:04:39

I think you could try mixing white vinegar with water and keep spraying and dabbing with an old clean towel till its gone the vinegar smell will go as it dries .
Good luck today .

Katek Mon 20-Jun-16 10:06:07

There are some very good biological mattress stain removers as well. You just spray on, leave, and it digests the stain. Available on Amazon. Hope all goes well with test and results.

Katek Mon 20-Jun-16 10:08:43

This is one we've used.

Mattress Stain Remover 300ml www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007A1UHF0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_d_zj7zxbNF3X7XF

KittensandKnittings Mon 20-Jun-16 10:47:35

Vax wet cleaner is brilliant at removing stains, I have had a poorly cat on my hands and this has removed all the stains, using the fancy attachment in conjunction with cleaning products.

What you can also purchase, if no vax to hand (I use it with mine) is something called urine off, it works on human as well as animal products by removing the enzymes. It's about £20 for a bottle on Amazon much cheaper than a new mattress you can leave that on and it will "eat" it over time, pour on put plastic over the top and walk away, then clean with a scrubbing brush and water.

LullyDully Mon 20-Jun-16 10:51:29

Good luck...you have learned it having been through the mill.a bit. All the advice looks good.

Cosafina Mon 20-Jun-16 11:13:45

Thanks everyone. Have ordered the stuff you put a link to Katek and will investigate borrowing a Vax if that doesn't work.
I'm expecting the procedure to go fine - I had one two years ago that was fine, and nothing feels changed! smile

harrigran Mon 20-Jun-16 12:24:30

Cosafina, it is a shame you didn't post before you started the laxatives, I could have given you some pointers. From the first sip of laxative you don Tena lady night pants and you put a very thick towel over the sheet where you are lying. I would also suggest wearing the pants until you get changed for the colonoscopy and also on the way home.
Hoping you have a good result.

hildajenniJ Mon 20-Jun-16 12:43:50

We've got an elderly incontinent dog. After many accidents, and many cleaning products, I found a spray at Pets at Home. It's "Get Off", and is brilliant at removing stains. I use it on everything and I'm sure it would do the job on a mattress.

fiorentina51 Mon 20-Jun-16 15:01:25

Hope you don't mind me commenting on your problem of blood in your poo samples? If you still have blood and it appears that all is well in the bowel department, I suggest you ask for further tests. A dear friend also experienced positive test results but no evidence of any bowel problems. After almost 2 years throat cancer was diagnosed, the blood was caused by the tumour and was passed through the gut. Don't want to be alarmist in any way and really hope all goes well with your colonoscopy but forewarned is forearmed.

Cosafina Wed 22-Jun-16 06:54:51

Thanks all. The colonoscopy went well and they removed a polyp which they told me was huge at 20mm, but said it was stelline (apparently a posh medical term for benign). They also said it could have been missed last time if it was in a fold but is the most likely culprit for the blood in poo.
I wonder if they'll ask for a follow up sample, or if they'll wait until my next regular check up?

MiniMouse Wed 22-Jun-16 07:45:27

Great news and a relief for you, I'm sure smile

Moocow Wed 22-Jun-16 07:54:04

Thanks for sharing good news along with your experiences. I don't wish to focus on health issues but it's having people needing/willing to post that can help others. Can I ask how often are the regular check ups?

Luckygirl Wed 22-Jun-16 07:57:24

Oh that is good news.

My brother had a positive test result but no problems. When they quizzed him a bit closer it turned out that he had been eating black pudding and this can influence the result!

hildajenniJ Wed 22-Jun-16 08:00:23

Very pleased that all is well. A great relief all round.

fiorentina51 Wed 22-Jun-16 08:34:36

So glad all is sorted. ?

GannyRowe Wed 22-Jun-16 09:55:47

Don't panic! My beloved had an accident a while back, and I thought the mattress would always have a stain. So I didn't hold out much hope the stuff I got off the internet would do the trick.
It's called MATTRESS MAGIC STAIN REMOVER WITH DUST MITE INHIBITOR.
It is by Tensor Marketing Ltd.
you can email them [email protected]
www.goodideas.uk.com
This stuff is specifically for organic stains, you spray it on, and let it dry, and Hoover any residue, and the stain is gone. If I remember correctly, it cost about £15 or so.
Good luck.
And I hope the Colonospopy hasn't turned up anything to worry about.
Take care.

hulahoop Wed 22-Jun-16 10:55:27

I am having one tomorrow so just going to start worst bit (the dreaded prep) have them yearly and dread each one glad yours was OK cosifena fingers crossed mine will be too x

Cosafina Wed 22-Jun-16 15:00:47

I'm sure it'll be fine hulahoop but you might want to follow harrigran's advice (higher up the thread).
They're going to call me next week with the results of the histology on the polyp and tell me what's next in the programme. (they rang today to see how I was, which is fine smile)

Brupen Wed 22-Jun-16 18:09:46

I have had a couple of colonoscopies and I did all the preparation in one day. First you have to make sure you have an afternoon appointment. Then get up really early (you don't sleep too well the night before anyway .) obviously work out the correct times to take the meds. I sit in my lounge and wait ! Keep my dressing gown on until it's all over. Shower and hey presto all done!

AnnieGran Wed 22-Jun-16 19:59:38

Cosafina - excellent news, you must be very relieved.

I had a breast lump looked at by GP today and I have to go to the 'breast lump clinic' for tests. Wish me luck too, please.