Blood in stool

[Kasmaya]

*warning graphic*

I’ve been experiencing stool like this for almost a month now. I saw the GI who’s ordered a colonoscopy however it’s been VERY difficult to schedule it. His scheduler and I have been playing phone tag for over a week. Is this something that should be of a bigger concern/priority.

Very weird smell,almost rotten I would say. I have a clean diet. Whole Foods 80% of the time, not a drinker or smoker. 29 year of female.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Kasmaya,

Thanks for posting and I'm sorry for what you are going through.

Did the GI perform a physical exam when you saw them?

You are doing the right thing, and it must be so frustrating to be playing phone tag with the scheduler.

Is it possible that you request to be put on hold until you can speak to the scheduler and get the date set? Let them know (either by voicemail or whoever you get on the phone) that you've been trying to get this scheduled for a week and that you are anxious. (I believe being honest and kind on the phone with a medical practice can go a long way).

I know it is hard to stay calm when you are experiencing blood in your stool. Anxiety is really tough on the GI system so do your best to distract yourself in advance of that colonoscopy.

Please keep us updated. We're here for you.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Kasmaya,

Just reaching out to find out if you got the colonoscopy scheduled yet?

Please keep us posted,

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Kasmaya in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Hi,

Yes I was able to get it scheduled. Going in this Thursday (10/15)

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Kasmaya]

Hi Kasmaya ,

I'm so glad you have the colonoscopy this Thursday!

Here's some tips to make your prep and colonoscopy a breeze (well as easy as possible)

1. Once you get the prescription for the prep that you'll drink, follow your doctor's instructions exactly. You want to have the cleanest colon for the doctor to be able to see everything with no fecal matter obscuring the way. We like this tool that Kaiser Permanente put together (with drawings!) that shows food to avoid and foods to eat leading up to when you actually start drinking the prep. wa.kaiserpermanente.org/htm...

2. Get prepared to prep! Many people say the prep is the worst part of the colonoscopy procedure as a whole. Depending on what your doctor prescribes, it may be a lot of the same drink with the medication mixed in (such as Gatorade) vs. a smaller volume of prep that you drink, and then separately drink a certain amount of liquid of your choice (excluding something like a red Gatorade which could stain your colon for the test).

a. In addition to picking up your prescription, buy yourself some supplies:

*Toilet paper (necessary!)

*Wet wipes (never flush wipes even if they say flushable, the last thing you want is a clogged toilet when you are in the midst of prepping for a colonoscopy),

*Magazines

b. While you are going through prep, many treat themselves to buying a movie or series they've been wanting to see.

4. If during your prep you have any concerns or don't feel well (nauseous, etc.) call your doctor to let them know what is going on.

5. Most places will require you to have a family member or friend drive you home (you can not drive for the rest of the day), most places don't want you taking a taxi or Uber home alone. Bringing a family member or friend who can take notes on what the doctor tells you when you are in the recovery area will be key - you most likely won't remember what they say.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Tw1989 in reply to Kasmaya]

Any news on results?

[mondlee6248]

So you had a colonoscopy and what is the results?