Colonoscopy next week.

[Liquid01]

Hi all,

I feel like i have always had stomach problems. Usually have to go after eating, but then i felt fine. Not often, but sometimes i would see blood, but figured it was hemorrhoids. Recently have have this light ache in my lower left abdomen and saw blood last week after eating way too much. Haven't bled since but feeling this weird ache feeling still. I'm very scared this could be bad. My doctor told me it would be fine and it was most likely hemorrhoids, but we scheduled the colonoscopy anyway. I'm 33 year old male. Anyone have any insight? This is stressing me out. Appreciate any help. Thanks.

[Moon_maiden]

It’s really a positive step to getting an answer or ring something out. Try not to overthink it. I had a CT colonoscopy and they couldn’t see anything.

Hope you don’t have to wait long.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello Liquid01 ,

Thank you for posting and I'm sorry for the symptoms you are experiencing. Anxiety causes real issues with our GI system, so as hard as it is to do, try not to let your anxiety get the best of you.

Luckily, you have a colonoscopy coming up very soon - and this is really great, unfortunately many members on our site are in a waiting period period because of COVID and unable to get a colonoscopy scheduled at all!

Right now I recommend that you focus on having the "best" colonoscopy you can have... which means getting the prep done correctly so that your colon is as clear as possible for your Doctor to be able to get a clean view of your colon.

Here's some tips for a successful colonoscopy:

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.

3. 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.

4. 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

[Cece88]

Hi, how was your colonoscopy? Any good news?

[Tw1989]

Any news?