Has anyone with persistent AF/ heart failure undergone a colonoscopy. I have been advised to have further investigation following the discovery of 'blood' and really nervous about having it done. The letter only came today - I have not responded yet - they may advise against it when they know my background.
Colonoscopy and persistent AF - Atrial Fibrillati...
Colonoscopy and persistent AF
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amyrosie
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I have Afib and SVT although paroxysmal. However it can easily be triggered by stress full tests.
I had a colonoscopy last November. They suggested I take my bowel prep in hospital the night before in case it triggered by AF. In the event they didnt have a bed so I did the prep at home with no af issues whatsoever either during the prep or during the colonoscopy.
I drank lots of fluids as instructed to ensure my electrolyes didnt get too low and to minimise dehydration. I also was told to stop my anticoagulation for 24 hours in advance. All was well and the procedure was easy enough. I opted for sedation, it just calmed me down. Gas and air helped too. Best wishes, go for it.
Thanks for your reply. As I am in permanent and very erratic AF they may not do it then? Yes stress is a really bad trigger for making it worse for me. Not happy about stopping the anticoagulation either - no easy solutions.🙃
You will need some sort of investigation so best be guided by them. I have regular colonoscopies as I have ulcerative colitis and in my experience the prep has the potential to cause an issue rather than the actual procedure, I have PAF and other issues plus a pacemaker but I’ve not had any problems with the colonoscopy.
Thanks Bantam - I do want to know what's going on as have had very painful IBS for years/ also diverticulitis and am actually not immediately thinking cancer, as its been on and off for so long. I am also thinking along the lines of something like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's.
Amyrosie, I had many colonoscopies due to UC since starting with PAF. The prep is likely to be the problem, just follow their advice carefully. I have also had to pause my Apixaban for a few days for other surgery, without any problem.
I would strongly advise you to get the colonoscopy done. You, and they, really need to know what is going on in there!
Thankfully I will never need to go through the colonoscopy prep again as I now have a stoma 
Good Luck
sometimes when I am in agony with stomach cramps and back and forwards to the toilet I think a stoma might be easier - my partner copes well with his following radical surgery for prostate cancer that had spread to his bowel. Was it because of the UC that you had the stoma??
Yes, after many years struggling with UC I had a major flare-up in 2018 which did not respond to high dose steroids. After a number of weeks in hospital losing weight and getting increasingly poorly, the stoma was the only option. I have struggled a bit with the stoma as I was very thin and weak when it was done, I went into rapid AF whilst on the table, so that they had to cardiovert me before they could do the op! However it has given me back control and confidence when out and about.
Good Luck
I just had a colonoscopy on Friday and I am asymptomatic AF all the time, no additional problems that I noticed. Had to stop anticoagulant 48hrs before and 24 hrs after ( thats four days including the day of procedure ).
A few polyps where cut out but no discomfort afterwards just very tired.
Biggest bugbear was not having my super strong black tea ... you have to drink clear liquids -bleah!
Thank you - that's good to know. Aw I'm a darjeeling girl (weak and fragrant)! Did you have sedation??
Never going to happen unless I was sedated.
One polyp was lasered off and another frozen so if I wasnt under sedation it would have required a return visit.
I hope all will go smoothly for you…
I had a colonoscopy two years ago, I had paroxysmal afib back then. They asked a consultation from the cardiologist before the colonoscopy which was under anesthesia. All went well , no Afib disturbances that I remember. I would not see myself anticipating it as I would never know when afib is kicking in. I wish I did.
It is interesting to see other people with IBS/ colon problems AND afib, like myself . I am also suffering both from IBS and afib for 3 years now. I have the feeling that they might be resulting from the same underlying mechanism, stress being a trigger. Any ideas ?
Also I had blood in stool (only once) last month but my gp did not consider it risky due to previous clean colonoscopy, yet I am still anxious about it. IBS is already a miserable thing but it is at least manageable.
May I ask you to share some info after the colonoscopy, if you feel comfortable with that ?
Good luck!
Yes I will (hopefully🤞) let you know what happens - I have noticed trawling though various forums that quite a few people who suffered from AF also have IBS. I am in permanent AF any anxiety makes it considerably more erratic and is also a trigger for IBS. I wouldn't be worried about one incident of blood as you describe but my cramping spasms have been very painful for a while now and I would like to know what's going on - my negative brain is thinking that if I'm not up to the colonoscopy, then I certainly wouldn't be well enough (heart wise) to deal with any serious treatment. 🙃
Yes, my gastro consultant told me there is a correlation between UC/IBS and AF, nobody know why for sure but the assumption is the stress the body is under from UC prompts the AF
Hi, amyrosie... I have paroxysmal AF and also IBD (inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis for many years). The prep for colonoscopy is always what worries me w/ PAF. But--The last time I had a colonoscopy, to my great surprise, I used Miralax and it was so gentle that I did not have any issues whatsoever. It was not the ghastly experience I've had in past where I ended up dehydrated. Yet the doc said my prep was perfect for visualizing the bowel. They always use sedation here (Ohio/Kentucky) and I was assured all would be well w/ the AF, and it was just fine. I had several polyps removed. (Someone mentioned getting the Cologuard test. I've done that, but if you have polyps or active bowel disease, it's going to show up "irregular" and you'd need a colonoscopy anyway, to be sure of what's going on in there.) Best of health, Diane S.
Thank you Diane. I don't know the name of the prep they use here. Glad it all went well for you.
Just fyi, you can ask your practice nurse what prep would be used, and Miralax is available in the UK, if that's where you are. It doesn't cause the extreme uncomfortable urgency of those other preps I've used. Good luck.
Good luck again. Yes, you are absolutely right and I can imagine how erratic will Afib be if you would not take the colonoscopy and keep on living with all that concern, cramps and suspicion of something serious. cross 🤞
Had a colonoscopy and I went into full AFIB & then arrest for a few min. Beware.
I work in bowel screenings- many many people with AF have colonoscopies. It’s important you follow this up and get checked out. Give the professionals your full medical history so accurate clinical decisions can be made. Get responding!
I can only speak from personal experience , having regular PAF I too had to have a colonoscopy. I was offered mild sedation which I accepted and the procedure took about 15 minutes with no pain or stress . I’ve also had 2 minor operations involving general anaesthetic, again with no issues regarding my AF . It’s very easy to worry about possible problems and I certainly did but I’d rather know I’m not suffering from anything serious like bowel cancer by having a reasonably simple procedure.
Please have the test done
Are you on blood thinners for afib? Thinking that may cause blood
Are at home tests, such as cologuard available? You may want to ask if thats an option.
Hi Kathie - yes I am on thinners, but I don't think they are causing the bleeding. I was diagnosed with IBS 25 years ago and have had intermittent episodes of it since then. has been worse in the last 6 months with other changes - very painful stomach cramps. I have been diagnosed with diverticulitis on a previous scan.
I had an episode of PAF the morning of my colonoscopy I phoned the hospital to tell them. They said to turn up and the consultant would assess the situation. He said it was caused by dehydration. He said he would have to give me a little less sedation but it would be fine. After the procedure I was put on a drip and after a couple of hours I converted to NSR.
Thank you. I have been in permanent AF for 4 years this Feb. Sadly it will not restore me to NSR but I will remember about the water. I'm on the 'water pills' so they will probably ask me to stop taking them before the procedure.
Hi Rosie. There is a procedure called a "virtual colonoscopy" which uses an external CAT scanner instead of an internal gastroscope to view the colon. However, I think there is unlikely to be anything to worry about and that the doctor will recommend that you stop the anticoagulant a day or two beforehand, and perhaps use mild sedation for the procedure.
If you haven't had a colonoscopy before, the procedure doesn't take long at all and is very straightforward. As you likely have heard, the most uncomfortable part can, for some people, be the preparation beforehand which requires you to take laxatives to be sure the entire bowel is thoroughly emptied. Without this, the procedure can, at least partly, fail. Another discomfort can come if you bowel wall is sensitive to the inflation needed to allow it to be viewed better.
I was told that the vast majority of blood from the back passage comes from otherwise harmless haemorrhoids and diverticula (i.e. small pockets in the bowel wall).
Steve
Thanks Steve - I had a barium enema many years ago. I'm fine with the taking the 'clearance' meds before hand. I don't think they use these barium meals anymore - diverticula did show up at that time. I am concerned about stopping the anticoagulant - my only brother is in a nursing home following a massive stroke on his 60th birthday. Of all the meds I take this is the one I will be concerned about stopping - I understand the reason - in case there's a bleed. I like the sound of the virtual colonoscopy but they like to take 'samples' don't they.
I think that is only if they find a polyp or any inflammation. Most polyps are natural and benign (i.e. fatty), I was told, but they biopsy them anyway. If the CAT scan shows anything of concern, they then presumably have to do a gastroscopy or an MRI. I had to have the latter as the CT showed some things in my kidney and liver - all fine in the end.
I'm struggling at the moment with lots of lower left bowel discomfort myself, caused, it seems by internal haemorrhoids but I might have to have a gastroscopy, too. I've had IBS, slow transit and diverticular issues for years now. I envy those lucky souls who sail through life!
Steve
Internal haemorrhoids - sounds v painful. Yes slow transit - the anti-spasm meds for the IBS (currently Mebeverine) can bring that on for me - so I try to avoid for long periods!! Good to know your kidney and liver were fine. With my GP surgery now they have a policy where you can only discuss one 'ailment' at each consultation - which is crazy as so many of these things are interconnected!!
Our whole health and social care system is creaking at the seams. It’s a shame it’s been allowed to degenerate in this way. I have friends in Germany, France and Italy all of whom seem much better cared for these days.
Steve
Have you tried the peppermint medication - Colpermin? I was having a flare up of diarrhoea some years ago, GP (wrongly) said ok to take Imodium or mebeverine although a blood test showed I had an infection. Result was an abscess perforating my bowel. I had a CT colonoscopy later but much better to have the physical one for the reasons others have pointed out.
And I agree, that rule is ridiculous, you have to trust your GP to join the dots which I’ve never noticed happening 🙄
So sorry to hear about your brother Amyrosie. This post is in reply to your comment about CT scans. I am having a CT Scan Virtual Colonoscopy tomorrow in West Sussex! Currently on liquids only and drinking a Limited Prep drink twice today. Writing this from the loo!(sorry if TMI). The drink is SO much easier to swallow than) Plenvu/normal colonoscopy prep. Plus you can have milk shakes and Complan etc as well as Lucozade. I've been in Afib since yesterday afternoon... Hoping to convert to NSR before tonight as my sleep while in Afib is not very restorative. No samples can be taken with the Virtual I think, Amyrosie, and that is doubtless what you meant? My worry is that I was told there would be a balloon inserted into my anus and blown up! I've had acute diverticulitis on and off since mid November and it got really bad when I heard this=stress triggered! I can let you know how it goes later tomorrow. For my real Colonoscopy last August I rang the number for help re my Afib drugs and was told it was absolutely fine to take even the Naturopathic ones like Magnesium Taurate and L-Arginine. I take herbal blood thinners & did stop them. In the report it was stated that my bowel was well cleansed. Hope that helps!
Yes Ribbony, please tell me how you got on with your virtual CT scan as I may be going down that route, following a telephone 'screening' appointment with the bowel nurse today. Thank you.
Hi Amy Rosie, I got on better than expected! The cannula was inserted first time- one less worry! The radiologist appeared to ask some questions and ask if I was nervous. I had phoned the day before as worried about a balloon blowing up in my rigid, narrowed sigmoid colon, so I said I was. He was able to reassure me that I had been mis informed and this tiny balloon didn't reach the sigmoid colon but was just to stop the tube popping out.; gas was used to gently inflate the bowel and many patients with the same bowel problems had asked the same question!HE asked about the Afib and said he would not give me Buscopan to relax the bowel as he didn't want a heart event and I was fine without it.
He warned me that even though he was telling me to be ready for a funny feeling as the small tube was inserted, everyone registered surprise, and indeed I did too! I didn't find the gas painful, but the wriggly feeling in my bottom and feeling of an imminent diarroheoa explosion that made me want to leap up from the table, was the hardest thing! However, he explained that my nerves were telling my brain untruths. And every few minutes I would feel a bit of gas gently leaking out and the urgent loo feeling would subside. Whew! Nonetheless it was not relaxing to keep telling myself "ignore, ignore!!( these sensations)"!
The machine asks you to hold your breath and that was OK, not too long.
The Radiographer was alone, whereas there was a Nurse in attendance last June when I had a different abdominal Colonoscopy. Due to the strikes I think. There was only one Nurse in the whole department. The Radiographer kept saying things like "halfway now" and "are you alright" and helped me turn over 3 times.
It only took about 10 minutes. He also operated the contrast injection by cannula. And finished!
I got dressed slowly, breathing deeply.
Lovely Nurse removed the cannula and I was out by 9.35am having run into then CT Dept at 8.50am due to roadworks en route.
And off to a nice coffee shop where I could eat my egg rolls and drink great coffee!
I am now trying to forget that i will soon receive an appointment with the colorectal surgeon.......
Do ask anything that occurs to you that I haven't mentioned!
Thank you Ribbony - I have only just seen this post. I'm glad it went well for you. I still have not decided whether to go ahead with the CT colonography, which they have offered me instead of the colonoscopy - I have cancelled once - I have the 'preparation pack', but am very worried about the side effects that may be caused by the onmipaque (contrast dye) which includes cardiac arrest!! Coincidentally I had an echo today at the hospital and may ask the Cardiologist for guidance on what to do about the CT SCAN when I go for the results.
hi Amyrosie I fully recommend that you work with your colorectal team in order to have your colonoscopy. As a retired nurse who cared for patients with bowel cancer it is really important that this is ruled out. I also recently had a colonoscopy which was negative such a relief I had a sedative which reduced my stress levels and on advice from Centre stopped my anticoagulant for 48 hours before procedure. Good luck
Thank you Bumblebee - yes to the sedative - my GP allows me 7 diazepam a month - 10mg , to take before stressful situations - like dentist - as my AF goes 'beserk' when I'm anxious.
I'd be guided by your specialist. I have AF and had a colonoscopy about a month ago with no problems at all. The preparation fluid I found to be much improved on the old gunk people had to ingest and a wider selection of food was available - didn't really feel bothered by it apart from the fact that I'm vegan and so some items were hard to take! However I really had no problem with it. I spoke to the specialist beforehand also as I was concerned at stopping my medications for the procedure and he was able to a uthorise it be done without stopping the Apixaban, so that was excellent. All done under light sedation, no bleeding problems. I'd contact your specialist and ask him if it will be okay to not stop your meds as I found this is possible despite what some medics will tell you.
I have one every two years here in France as I’ve diverticulitis , I have to stop anticoagultion tabs the day before….in France after age of 65 they put us out as they say it’s easier if they find polyps. They found two with me, and I think the reason you must stop anti coagulant tablets is in case they have to cut a small polyps away and bleeding. I had no trouble with afib, but I didn’t really think I would as I’d had ablation and it was all calm on afib front and I tend to forget about it until my heart goes array thrn I’m on it immediately checking pulse etc!
could u ask to be put out and thrn ud not be so stressed, as soon as the guy said I’d be put out I didn’t worry , it’s so quick and you go home after a few hours.
Sue
I'm surprised they haven't nagged you into a colectomy! I had one in 2018 ( 26cm of colon removed) for diverticulitis and it transformed my life. No more divvi attacks, no more having to forgo all sorts of food that set them off. No more days of liquid diets followed by low fibre for a week or so. I had a post op colonoscopy after 5 months and am due another in August 5 years later! This will be my first on Apixaban but I had to come off for 2 hip ops so I'm not worried.
hi there auriculaire, yes I wondered if next time he may say this as last time he saud he had difficulty getting the camera thru the tricky bends.
How are you, bet you are pleased with the two new hips ,
Sue
For my pre op colonoscopy my gastro could not get past the sigmoid. She said it was a right mess with the scar tissue and it showed I really needed the op . When the surgeon came after the op he said it was totally " pourri" and sooner or later I would have had a perforation . I had only been hospitalised for diverticulitis twice though I had lots of smaller attacks in between. I am happy with the right hip. The left was a more difficult op and they had to put in a cerclage cable - a metal band to hold the femur together( like a zip tie!) . Unfortunately it is causing some discomfort when I lift my leg more than a certain amount. My GP is pretty sure that 's the problem though the surgeon said it should not cause pain. When I told the GP what the surgeon had said he rolled his eyes.
yes, I would rather be out of it as well!! the only good thing about being in persistent AF - and it's been 4 years this month - is that I'm not constantly checking for it to happen. The rest is not good though as is badly affecting my heart function, breathing, swollen ankles, tired. Great that you had ablation that has kept you in NSR. I sought advice for an electro-cardiologist who said I was too far advanced for an ablation.
P.S. Forgot to add that some blood from the bowel was the reason for the colonoscopy but they couldn't even see any reason for this - perhaps was a haemhorroid they said.
I have persistent AF and have had 4 colonoscopys and colorectal surgery recently. There were no issues at all with my AF. The hospital will advise on when to stop and restart your drugs. You can also have sedation to relax you. I didnt even know they had started the last one asI was so zonked out. If my experience is anything to go by you have nothing to worry about.
I have AF for about three years now.I had a positive fit test for blood in my stools. I was for a 2 week colonoscopy. All was ok. I have now changed my blood thinners as my stomach guy says they may have cause my stomach issues but wait and see. But I always feel my AF can start after eating.
Yes I had one done.
Please don’t be nervous as the colonoscopy itself is truly nothing and certainly doesn’t hurt. Not even uncomfortable. The worse part is the laxatives or enema to clear you out first. I would opt for the laxative next time as I understand it is much improved snd not nearly so “urgent” personally although a friend prefers the enema.
I also had to stop my apixaban the day before, but I wasn’t bothered about that as I’ve had a few operations since afib began and stopping anticoagulant at one time for over 3 weeks
I didn’t have any sedation
I was bleeding and it turned out to be high up haemorrhoids which were bleeding when I was constipated mostly and the anticoagulants of course made them more susceptible to bleed
As it happens after the emptying out they haven’t caused so much trouble touch wood
I hope you will be well
Pat
I was in permanent AF when I had my last colonoscopy to investigate blood loss with no problems. I had sedation and 2 polyps removed. You'll be fine.
Yes, I had a colonoscopy just before we went into lockdown in March 2020. I am in permanent AF with HF (pacemaker implanted). I found it fascinating. Not often you get the chance to see what’s going on inside you! Between us we spotted 4 polyps which were all removed quite painlessly even though I turned down the offer of anaesthetic or gas and air. Should I ever need another, I wouldn’t hesitate. Good luck. I am sure you will be fine. As others have said, the prep is probably the worst part.
thank you for your reassurance - yes I want to be sedated but on the other hand would like to watch the screen. I accompanied my elderly mother when she had one done and it was fascinating - the only time it seemed to hurt was when they 'blew air into her'
There is a stool test called calprotectin that measures inflammation in the guts.My gastroenterologist said its about 97% as sensitive as a coloniscopy.Needless to say if you have AF ,you may ask your doctor about it as an alternative to a full blown colonoscopy.
thank you manabouttown👍
I have had 3 colonoscopies though the one pre colectomy could not be completed due to fibrosis caused by the diverticulitis. None of them kicked off my afib . The worst bit is the prep. Make sure you keep hydrated and have some Vaseline to hand. Like Morzine I live in France and had a GA for all of them - just injection.
yes, thanks, I would opt for GA too but it will not be on offer here. I know about the prep - I reached that stage before - but the final procedure was cancelled.
That's terrible - having to go through the prep for nothing!
I have AF, I've had a stroke, and I take Pradaxa (anticoagulant). I've had colonoscopies for small tree polyps and a 20mm flat polyp. Make sure that the they know in advance about your medical condition and your medication. You will be told when you should stop medication such as an anticoagulant and when you should restart. You will be given a preparation such as Moviprep to clear your intestines. I suggest that you opt for sedation; that means not driving and not signing important documents for 24 hours after the sedation. I also suggest that you ask for the needle delivering the sedation to be taped in position (it can fall out as you roll onto your side), and request that the colonoscopy is not done by a trainee. As your microbiome will have been cleared out, I suggest that you reseed it as soon as possible with probiotic supplements and leafy vegetables.
When I have had mine, a cancer nurse was in attendance to visually check for signs of cancer. Small tree polyps are lassoed and removed. Flat polyps will be broken up in situ.
I've had flexible sigmoidoscopies without gas and air without a problem. A colonoscopy is a different matter. I had the sedation needle fall out at the start, and the discomfort was such, that the procedure was abandoned. The next time they increased sedation and I dropped off to sleep!
oh I was doing really well on here until you mentioned the needle falling out - and no - I definitely don't want a trainee!! Still I'd rather know - I thought the sedative may be an injection. Did you feel the polyps being lassooed??
I didn't feel the polyps being removed. The sedation is to stop the discomfort from the tube that they use. The sedation that I had included fentanyl that I've read is stronger than morphine. I've had morphine when I had peritonitis, and I would say that the feeling of relaxtion is similar.
An actual colonoscopyis different than a virtual colonoscopy (VC). A VC uses a really small tube that is inserted a small way into the rectum, and gas is pumped in whilst you are lying in a CT scanner. No sedation necessary.
I didn't have visual blood in my poo or on the sample stick, but the colononoscopy found a 20mm flat polyp high in th intestine. I believe that's about the maximum size that can be removed in a colonoscopy. It was explained to me that whilst the polyps were not cancerous, they may become cancerous if left. I'm not a fan of the procedure, but if it lessens the chance of bowel cancer, than I'm all for it. At least it's better than perinium biopsies for a suspect prostate.
It's good for you to know that the polyp has been removed! Yes I know they can turn cancerous.
Zonked out - yes Norhythm - that's what I want. Good to hear so many people have survived to tell the tale. 👍👍
My wife has AFIB but 2 years on from ablation she was in NSR
She needed a colonoscopy because of minor amounts of blood in her stool
She opted for a ‘ virtual colonoscopy’ to avoid risk of bleeding because of her anticoagulant
But beware- the virtual colonoscopy uses a drug to give enhanced contrast on the CT scan and one of the side effects is arhthmia!!
She went back int AFIB and now has to have another ablation
The colorectal team doesn’t talk to the heart team So make sure they do and avoid unnecessary medication!!
Aw I am in permanent AF anyway - I saw an electrophysiologist and my AF was too far advanced for an ablation. I think I did read on one of my recent Google searches about a dye that could cause arrhythmias. So sorry for your wife - you do what you think is best! Yes I will keep away from the virtual colonoscopy - thanks for the advice.
That’s bad, I was asked about heart issues while on the table so I didn’t have the buscopan.
*still undecided - have been offered a virtual CT SCAN colonography - have rebooked appt for end of March and have received the preparatory pack in the post - it contains 2 bottles of contrast dye - OMNIPAQUE - is this he one that affected your wife?? I am very concerned about taking it , but it is necessary for the results to show up - still deliberating.
I had two colonoscopies while in persistent AF. Was asked to stop my apixaban 24 hours before the first one where they were looking for signs of bleeding - there was none ( I later found out that my blood count had been effected by Hormone and Radiotherapy treatment from prostate cancer done in the months prior and that that was not unusual but my treatment had not appeared on my computer notes the GP had at that time even though it was about 4 months post treatment!) At the first colonoscopy they also took samples from polyps they found and the second one asked to stop for 3 days before as they were removing said polyps. Had no problems whatsoever heart wise. The worst part was worrying about taking the prep the night before. I was given different instructions because of being in AF and had to take the dose in two parts a certain amount of time apart. Absolutely nothing happened and am glad I took the second dose earlier than instructed otherwise I would not have cleared my bowel for the procedure. Of course this may work really well for you as they tell you to take it. Just remember to make sure that every medical person you come into contact with knows about your AF including pharmacists and what medication you are taking - even supplements and things like cod liver oil capsules - as sometimes these can effect scans and other things. All the best.
Thank you Desanthony - nice straightforward story. 👍👍
Contrast dye for AF scans. The contrast dye didn't cause a problem for me with the virtual colonoscopy (VC). I've had contrast dye when they thought I had cancer; it wasn't, it was pulmonary toxicity. I think the VC contrast dye was an injection. For other investigations, it's injected by a pump whilst in the CT scanner. That hasn't been a problem apart from when the pump pressure was wrong and I ended up with phlebitis in the arm beung injected. Thereafter, I asked them to check the pump pressure beforehand.
aw phlebitis doesn't sound good - someone also posted above that the contrast dye had caused his wife to go into AF - and she will now need another ablation.
I have been in permanent AF for 6 years. In that time I've had 3 colonoscopies. You can choose to be sedated or not. I chose not to be, and watched the procedure each time. It doesn't take long and if you have sedation is painless. If you don't have sedation you have access to gas and air to bring instant relief if uncomfortable. There's nothing to be worried about.
Thanks Thomas - I'm not afraid of the pain as I have been getting such painful stomach cramps recently - I think I'll opt for sedation though - are you too sleepy to watch??
By far the worse part of a Colonoscopy is the preparation, Moviprep in my case. I didn't mind the salty orange taste, and was prepared for the loo visits, but it felt as if my loo visits would never end. I went on the bus to the hospital, though had a taxi back on my colonoscopy this year. I live alone, and 3 hours away from my nearest relative. The consultant said that if I was sedated I'd have to have someone with me for the following 24 hours which therefore wasn't an option. In any case although sedation is not as strong as anaesthesia, my heart didn't like anaesthetics when I had my appendix out 5 years ago, It went into overdrive at over 190 bpm. I was woken up 3 hours after my operation had ended, and kept in hospital an extra 48 hours.
I had my most recent routine colonoscopy last summer. I have permanent afib and congestive heart failure and had no problems with the procedure. Good luck!
Thanks Judy - this is so reassuring. 👍
I have had a colposcopy…..all went well…was pretty woozy and felt no pain a wee tip mix the mixture you have to take pre op with orange juice or whatever …have no worries. I am on apixaban and a statin
I have a colonoscopy later this year, 5 year check up, found a polyp last time. This thread has therefore been extremely helpful, thank you all.
Steve
Not had a colonoscopy with AF but have have a few colonoscopies. Nothing to worry about; the worst part is the laxative the day before. IT's non stop. They may use a sedative while they do it and will be fully aware of your condition. JUst tell them your concerns. If you have traces of blood, cancelling could have far worse consequences. It's probably just polyps or diverticulitis but it needs checking. I had one not long after my heart attack.
Thanks for that Qualipop - I got past the laxative stage before but then the colonoscopy was cancelled so have experienced the 'non stop'. I have phoned them today and have a half hour discussion with a nurse booked for next wee, when she will take my medical history.
Oh that's good. I doubt they would see any reason to cancel it. Good luck. How awful to have gone through the prep then have it cancelled. That's by far the worst part.
It was cancelled at that time as the blood was coming from an 'anal fizzure' and after discussions with my GP we decided to cancel such an invasive procedure but by then I had take the laxatives 🙃she didnt really think I needed a colonoscopy as the source of the bleeding was clearly visible.
Hi there, I have paroxysmal afib but due to the bowel cleansing process prior to CT colonoscopy I went into afib with a heart rate of 170bpm. I was in full blown afib when they did the colonoscopy and afterwards for another 24 hours when I reverted to NSR. Felt dreadful when they were doing it but got through it.
did you opt for the sedation Karendeena?
No, mine was a CT colonoscopy which I understand is a bit different. Why don't you ask for one of those. I was private but I am told it's less invasive, less risk and still shows the same
the
Your vital signs will need to be checked before procedure starts, so it would be up to the doc if it's ok to proceed or not. I would think some type of bowel CT or MRI scan might be done instead, and be much easier on your heart. This is a call for a doctor to make as to how to proceed.
Mine is not such a positive story. I had my last colonoscopy approx 7 years ago. I was fully sedated. Everything seemed to go well, although my blood pressure apparently dropped during the investigation and I took a while to wake up! Later that evening I had terrible pain, akin to IBS. This took days - weeks and months to fully depart and I vowed never to have a colonoscopy again. I would add that I have a high pain threshold. I did a lot of research and my continuing discomfort was not an unusual occurance.
I recently had another issue and was offered a colonoscopy which I refused opting instead for a CT virtual colonoscopy plus an ultasound scan. Which uncovered the same as the last colonoscopy - diverticulitus comensurate with my age.
I forgot to mention that I have been in persistent AF for several years and was when I had the last colonoscopy.
i am a bit surprised to read how many of these people replying have ulcerative colitis as well as afib. I was diagnosed with both within a few months of each other. It does make me think that there is a connection or correlation. Most seem to do well with colonoscopies. I think I am due for a routine colonoscopy in about two years. I will make sure that both my cardiologist and my gastroenterologist know my situation when that comes due.
Had an upper and lower scope. I stopped Xarelto for 3 days before. Took all other meds. The sedation was no problem. The prep was the worst part but not that bad. They found nothing. The anemia continues. The prep triggered nothing. I take amiodorne for a fib. You could start the prep and moniter yourself. If symptoms of electrolyte imbalance start stop and call testing office. They have probably seen it all.
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