Colonoscopy

[Ptcad]

Hi there - I’ve recently had a CT colonoscopy following a regular bowel cancer screening. The Ct rather than a camera was because of an enlarged spleen and low platelets both due to CLL. Bowel specialist now wants to remove a couple of polyps they’ve found with a standard colonoscopy with, I’m told, something to enhance my platelet count. (As procedure will cause bleeding when they nip off the polyps). Has anyone here been in a similar position please and have you any advice?

[Hidden]

Yes..... About 3 or 4 years ago I had a colonoscopy at Guy's hospital in south London..... 2 polyps removed...... I watched it on screen, I didn't see any blood and didn't feel any pain...... They remove polyps as a matter of course...

I'm on W&W...

Hopefully, you'll be in and out (so to speak) without any problems...

[Ptcad in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly - that sounds reassuring. I’m WW too (11 years and counting). Funnily enough was diagnosed at Guys and then moved to Kings which is much handier for me. Cheers - stay well.

[Sushibruno in reply to Ptcad]

Here's to 11 years and counting🥳

[Sushibruno in reply to Ptcad]

I had a colonoscopy and had a polyp removed. No issues.

[Ptcad in reply to Sushibruno]

All v reassuring thank you

[Sushibruno in reply to Ptcad]

You'll be fine🙂

[HopeME]

I had BR Chemo that ended about two years ago. Blood counts are presently OK including platelets. I think platelets are on the lower end of acceptable. I had a colonoscopy a couple months ago and a polyp was removed. I was concerned about bleeding/infections but nothing came to pass. I'd take some comfort that the doctor conducting your colonoscopy is aware of CLL and wants to address issues surrounding low platelets. I find that comforting. The doctor and nurse conducting my colonoscopy were questioning me about my disease just prior to my procedure and it was apparent that didn't know much about it. I think you should definitely run everything by your CLL Specialists, too.

Good Luck,

Mark

[Ptcad in reply to HopeME]

Thanks very much Mark that’s helpful too - I’ll have another chat with my specialist I think. Sometimes the joining up between departments is poor as you probably realise (!) - my platelets are like yours - Ie on low side of ok. Otherwise I’d probably be on treatment . I’ll let you know how it goes!

[rcusher]

I had to have a colonoscopy of few months back do to a trace of blood that showed up in my stool test , I have been taking Ibrutinib for 2 1/2 years and because of it possibly causing bleeding had a decision to make. My decision was to go ahead with colonoscopy so I had to stop taking my Ibrutinib 5 days before procedure. Colonoscopy went smoothly, had a small polyp removed but other than that all is good and was told to maybe get another in 3 - 5 years. Started my Ibrutinib the next day due to no bleeding and I am extremely happy I went ahead with it and have my anxiety over it disappear.

Jack

[Ptcad]

That’s really good to hear Jack - I realise I’ve got easier circumstances than you so really I’m pretty convinced I’m going ahead with things ; thank for sharing your experience and being so encouraging. I had a CT colonoscopy which was surprisingly uncomfortable but I think the full camera version might not be so unpleasant - although not looking forward to the diet and prep!

[Hidden in reply to Ptcad]

The prep': No food for 2 days, and plenty of laxatives........ It's not fun, and it sure stings..... No pain, no gain..... That is far worse than the colonoscopy....... You'll 'love' the big, crotchless pants...

[Wroxham in reply to Hidden]

😂😂😂Yessssss.

[Ptcad]

Crikey didn’t realise it was that kind of day out!

[Peacekeeper]

Actually in same boat had 2 while with CLL but platelets were around 90 so safe. They are now hovering around 50-60 and doctor wants to add IV 8 units platelets prior to the colonoscopy. He is just being cautious but not a big issue to have. I thought the polops were cauterized on removal but could be mistaken. Mine is under anesthetic.

Getting it done January as he wants to await my oncologist's decision on whether I am to stop or reduce my venetoclax after next week's 24mth BMB. He is hoping platelets get a kick up.

[Ptcad]

That’s helpful to know thank you - don’t have any medication issues but hadn’t considered how they were going to boost my platelet count . I assumed it was going to be a drug but I can now ask about IV . The new complication here is that Hospitals are proving to be major source of Covid 19 as not all staff getting tested and I’m going to check on how urgent my procedure actually is. Best of luck with your next one.

[maggiewillow]

Hello Ptcad,I have CLL and 4 years ago i had 4 polyps removed during a colonoscopy and i didn't bleed at all although i found the Moviprep horrid and the colonoscopy very painful,the guy doing it was not very patient with me either.Good luck

[Ptcad]

Oh sorry to hear this - I knew the prep is horrid but hoped fentanyl might at least help the discomfort during the procedure. Thank you for sharing - I’m braced although I might yet postpone if Covid hospital infections remain at current levels. Stay well

[Jms19]

Just had a colonoscopy and had 9 polyps removed. No problems and no bleeding. Now have to go back in 3 years instead of 5.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Polyps have always been an issue in my family, so we all started colonoscopies young. My gastro is very aware of my CLL and always takes "a few extra snips" to biopsy. I just had one done. The prep is the worst. I focused on the fact that I just had to deal with things overnight, while many live their lives that way. Fentanyl has never failed me. My doctor has added IV antibiotics during the procedure. No polyps this time, though I have had them removed in the past with no issues.

My sister put off her colonoscopy, which was due three years ago. She has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. PLEASE don't put off your procedure! And anyone else due, bite the bullet and get one scheduled. Colon cancer makes most CLL look like a walk in the park.

[Ptcad in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Sound words thank you - my only reservation really is the possibility of hospital acquired Covid . Doctors are sticking their fingers in the wind on the risks of this which rather undermines the idea of genuinely informed consent as a patient.