Any similar experiences please

[Afibflipper]

Hi, everyone, I haven’t posted for quite some time now, I thought I was maybe getting a year off from being prodded, poked, wired up etc. However, following the recent request to provide a sample for the bowl screening service, I now need colonoscopy for further investigations.

Questions for you, please can anyone let me know - the 7 days prior to colonoscopy I will need low fibre diet, have to take 2 senna each night, also something called Movicol - am I in for a week of diarrhoea?

Next, question - is this procedure painful as they apparently go quite far into the colon & if they take biopsies will there be bleeding for days after - will I need to just stay home?

My final question is regarding my total fear - firstly needing to stop Apixaban for 3 days prior to procedure - I’m risking stroke yet need the procedure to diagnose why I appear to be possibly bleeding from somewhere.

This fear is also brought about by the fact that no matter what procedure or operation I ever go through I nearly always get quite bad complications afterwards. I still have PAF & last year had heart failure post 3rd ablation, a 4 month chest infection …….

Thank you for any thoughts & comments on this - am I being a wimp, but, I’m really scared after what I’ve been through previously over the years

[bantam12]

I’ve had many colonoscopies and honestly although not nice it’s not that bad. I haven’t had the same week long prep that you are doing so can’t comment on the that bit but it sounds like you might be best staying at home ! I’ve only done the prep 24 hours before appt.

For the procedure you will usually have pain relief and sedative so you will need to have someone to take you home. It can be painful as the scope goes round the bends but shouldn’t be to bad. If biopsies are taken (standard procedure) you may get a little bleeding after.

Stopping Apixaban for procedures is done all the time, last colonoscopy I had I stopped it for 5 days (3 before and 2 after) with no problems but I guess no guarantee for anyone.

Good luck !

[Afibflipper in reply to bantam12]

Thank you, the problem is I’ve had some procedures where the sedation yes I was tired and drifted in & out but the pain was horrendous & awful after effects that it’s been agreed I got ptsd from them. The nurse is going to let the consultant know all this & I’ve said also, I have to take a lot of pain relief generally so they need to be sure I do get enough.

Just something else to add to the holiday insurance forms to increase the cost even more! Thank you again for your comments x

[bantam12 in reply to Afibflipper]

You don’t have to have sedation, I didn’t last time and I was fine with just mild pain relief. If anything is to painful for you they will sort it or even stop if they decide you aren’t tolerating it.

Believe me the vast majority of people will say the prep is the worst part, once you get to the actual procedure it’s a doddle and over very quickly, it’s fascinating watching on the screen !

[Afibflipper in reply to bantam12]

Thanks. Think I’ll send the family away that week then - one toilet house (just keep the chauffeur on standby. 😂

[Desanthony in reply to Afibflipper]

Definitely ask for both pain relief and sedation - explain that you often get pain despite having pain relief and sedation and they may use either a different dosage or a different medication for you. If biopsies are taken there is a little bleeding, usually for no longer than 24 hours after wards. Typically the incisions made for biopsies or removal of polyps are cauterised straight after they either take the biopsy or remove the polyp so not too much bleeding. I had to stop my apixaban for only 1 day before my first 2 colonoscopies - where I had biopsies taken and polyps removed At the next 2 they have stopped it for 3 days prior to the to the procedure - maybe that's because of different protocols in different hospitals or with different Doctors, I don't know. The only problem I have had is with the preparation and taking the movicol or bowel prep. Because I was in AF they were very gentle with me and so I took a lower dose over a longer period of time and by 9pm the night before the procedure nothing had happened so I took the whole of the rest of the prep in one go but still it didn't work properly - which was why I needed a second one soon afterwards. Now I just take the prep as anyone else does and it works much better.

Take care and I hope they find out what is wrong and can get you "back to normal" quickly and with little fuss - and hopefully not too much medication.

All the best.

[Afibflipper in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you & I hope your heart is behaving these day - I’m hoping mine stays calm as it’s usually stress or being overtired that causes it these days. Take care x

[BobD Volunteer]

Not had it myself but know people who have. The worst part is the Movicol which is akin to dynamite by all accounts so staying close to a loo is advisable for that day. You may also be quite "musical" following the procedure as I believe they pump you up with air to get a better view so public transport may not be a good idea. There was an hilarious story in a cycling magazine a few years ago from a chap who had this .

I have had several from the other end, none of which were in any way painful although swallowing the camera needed sedation as my gag reflex is well develeoped. I recently had to stop my anticoagulation for seven days for a bone marrow biopsy and nothing bad happened so try to relax and look at the benefits.

[Afibflipper in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob, so living in a house with one toilet will be fun 😂 - I’m laughing when you said dynamite - wonder if the house insurance covers cracking the loo 😂 (better book in the plumber now then) - thanks re the Apixaban (I was told to never miss a dose) xx

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Afibflipper]

A good friend of mine had one and religiously took the Movicol as advised then pitched up at the hospital next day to discover he had the wrong week and had to do it all again a few days later! He lost a lot of weight too. lol 😁

[Desanthony in reply to Afibflipper]

It wasn't dynamite for me - didn't work well at all so no longer get given it. It didn't work for my wife's friend either who turned up at the hospital and told them - you won't be able to do it as I haven't had one bowel movement since taking the prep - that was amazing!

[Afibflipper in reply to Desanthony]

Yes that’d be awful not to have it done. I had a call this afternoon re it’s something else that’s the dynamite - last day you take this 3 times a day & each dose acts in about 5-10 mins - delights of getting old 😂 x

[Buffafly in reply to Afibflipper]

Simple camping loo is a good investment in any one loo house - basically a bucket with a loo seat. It is possible to have a CT colonoscopy but if they find anything on that you have to have the physical one anyway so best if you can get through it - or they can get through it 😂 Best wishes

[Afibflipper in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks Buffafly - as you say, just gotta get through it x

[Rainfern]

Good luck Flipper, sorry to hear you have to endure another medical procedure- it sounds horrendous, especially the exploding toilet bit!

My husband has had a couple of colonoscopies neither of which were his favourite ever thing so he was very relieved to get it over with. I know it’s a very routine procedure and it’s also very common for anticoagulants to be stopped for a few days so hope you can find plenty of distractions to focus on!

[Afibflipper in reply to Rainfern]

Hi Rainfern & thank you. The good thing seems to be, you get seen a lot quicker than some other departments .

How are you getfeeling lately Rainfern? Think you were bike riding last I heard! xx

[Rainfern in reply to Afibflipper]

Fed up with the weather. I mean I like rain, I’m ok with snow in winter, but this chill air coming down from the arctic IN JUNE for gods sake just brings me down and I can’t stop eating crumpets and honey 🍯😂 (Well, that’s my excuse!)

[Afibflipper in reply to Rainfern]

Wintery weather & the longest day next week, unbelievable - now that’s something I have never heard of or tasted - sounds yummy 😋 xxx

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had a few colonoscopies and when I'm asked if I want to have sedation I answer "Yes lots please".

If you take laxatives at night the chances are that you will need to stay near the toilet the next morning, but should be ok after 12 midday. Make sure you drink loads of water or you could become dehydrated.

Wishing you well.

Jean

[Afibflipper in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean -I had an update on the 7 day prep - 3 lots of of stuff, senna Movicol & then the dynamite which will act in about 5-10 mins of taking it - I was going to say I’ll just have to do as I’m told & go with the flow (literally) 😂

Hope you’re keeping well Jean xx

[Ludham]

poor you flipper. Let’s hope you can get your tests and you can look forward to your long awaited holiday.After all you have gone through as well. I had a colonoscopy and the worst part were the medicine the previous night. The test was fine with plenty of sedation just felt a bit sore for a day.I was told to not take apixaban on the day of the procedure only. Keep us updated don’t worry too much after all you have endured.

All best wishes x

[Afibflipper in reply to Ludham]

Hi Ludham, as always thankyou for your kind words. I did actually manage to go on that holiday - fabulous as it was. I came back so rested, even had a couple of sneaky wines & having not drunk for 2 years it was lovely. It was such a shock to get this back as it’s the first one test - you know when you get to a certain age you start to get these things in the post! Makes you feel good doesn’t it - not!

I do hope you & your lovely wife are doing well right now. Yes wil update when sorted. Thanks again tanke care, speak soon xx

[Mrsvemb]

My late husband had loads of colonoscopies. He only had to do the low fibre diet for 48 hours and I think the last 24 hours was liquids only. As for the senna, I believe that it is mild and shouldn’t cause diarrhoea. Maybe that is given to make sure there is no back log before the Movicol, which will cause diarrhoea for the last day.

Ask for plenty of sedation, if you are uncomfortable ask them to stop. It doesn’t take long.

You should be fine stopping the Apixaban for 3 days. I recently had to stop for a total of 5 days and like you I was nervous about it, but all was fine.

I can understand your fears, have you got a date for the procedure yet? Good luck and let us know how it went.

[Afibflipper in reply to Mrsvemb]

Thank you so much for that, I am feeling slightly less nervous with everyone’s comments - hope you are doing well yourself these days. Appointment for me is beginning of July - yes will update when it’s done. Thanks again xx

[mav7]

I still have PAF & last year had heart failure post 3rd ablation,

Hi Afibflipper

Most important to insure the Gastroenterologist coordinates with your EP/Cardiologist to review your afib, heart condition, proper stop and start of anticoagulant, and recommended sedation.

It seems they have due to you being on a one week prep, but do ask.

[Afibflipper in reply to mav7]

Hi Mav7, the nurse just requested my GP notes, EP secretary said I’d need an appointment but then that would then be chargeable as it’s private to see them. The nurse has sought contact with the top bowel consultant in the dept and they seem to feel it’s appropriate so I need to accept it I guess! It really is a comfort hearing from others tho. Xx

[Afibflipper in reply to mav7]

Just realised you seem to have taken the same road as me, 3 ablations & HF - stay strong 💪 xx

[mav7 in reply to Afibflipper]

No not me. Have persistent afib but have not elected to have an ablation at this time. Do have moderate aortic stenosis but no HF snd echo results are acceptable.

Had a colonoscopy in April and went well.

Thanks for your words. Best to You !

[Clarrie]

I am having a colonoscopy on Monday and have had to start a low fibre diet today. Can have light breakfast tomorrow by 9.00 am and nothing to eat then until after the procedure. Got to take Plenvu at 1pm and 7pm tomorrow and stay near the loo. Have to stop Apixaban 72 hours before and am worried as I went into AF yesterday and usually in it for 2-3 days. Also I have a pacemaker which I have had to have checked and understand they put a magnet over it when carrying out the procedure. The physiologist who checked my pacemaker said he would prefer it if they didn't put the magnet so will have to see what happens. Also I wonder what painkiller they use because of the tablets on.

[john-boy-92]

I've had a few colonoscopies. removal of small ,ordinary tree polyps is straight forward. Flat polyps are broken up in place. My flat polyp was 20mm and the removal went OK; seven days later the scab gave way and bled as I was back on an anticoagulant. It was dealt with by an overnight stay in hospital.

Make sure that you keep to directions with MoviPrep or whatever you take to clear you out beforehand. That includes keeping to the dietary sheet. Whereas with a flexible sigmoidoscopy you can go without gas and air so that you can drive afterwards, don't do that with a colonoscopy. Say yes to anaesthesia. You will be injected with a combination of a sedative and Fentenyl. It is so effective, that on one session I went to sleep. It's given through a needle that remains in your arm for the duration of the colonoscopy. You must ask that they tape it to your arm, as on one occasion it pulled out as I rolled onto my side: they had to abandon the collonoscopy as I was in pain.

They may check you with a virtual colonoscopy. A small amount of carbon dioxide is blown into the rectum whilst you are given a CT scan. Polyps will still be there but their location will be identified for later removal.

I was advised by a nurse to request that the colonoscopy was not carried out by a trainee. I had great treatment. The surgeon wrote the notes whilst I was still in theatre and, a cancer nurse was present to view the screen for any potenial malignancy,

[Afibflipper in reply to john-boy-92]

Thank you John boy - that is very informative & helpful - I hope all yours were clear results & that you are ok! x

[Afibflipper]

UPDATE AS PROMISED

So it’s all over 1st colonoscopy to add to the catalogue. The worst was the colon prep the day before - PLENVU it’s called. Omg, I do not want to that again. I think if I did have to I’d ask to do it in the morning, I was told to it at 5pm & 8pm - I spent 5 hours in that bathroom then an hour at 2am & 4am so no sleep. The procedure itself just uncomfortable but interesting to see on screen. Had a few polyps removed / clipped. Need to stay off Apixaban for another 2 days (5 total) So thanks everyone for all your info much appreciated. Hope you are all doing ok (can’t wait for the weather to warm up xx