Is it? or isn't it?

[Macjayne]

Hope yous all had a lovely day yesterday.

I go for my colonoscopy on Tuesday dreading it 😦 I'm telling myself there going to nothing serious and fit has been a false positive but the C word is in the back of my mind. I've lost over 2 stone, on off stomach cramps, change in bowel habits and extremely fatigued but surely if it is serious then I'm thinking I would be in agony and feel very very ill? Has anyone had similar experience and it was all good or turned out worse. Thankyou.

[Iqbal1984]

Hi similar situation do you live UK

[Macjayne in reply to Iqbal1984]

Hi Iqbal.Yes I do live in UK, you?

[Iqbal1984 in reply to Macjayne]

Inbox you

[Iqbal1984]

Yes UK

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Macjayne ,

I'm sorry the anxiety is increasing, waiting is so tough.

While some patients have had similar symptoms prior to diagnosis, there really is no one symptom or experience that will give you answers, and I know that doesn't help much.

I can say that we've known patients who have had positive stool tests, tons of symptoms, and not had cancer, and also, that the #1 symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom.

Really glad that you have your colonoscopy coming up on Tuesday, sometimes it is helpful for people to have a countdown on their smartphone, just so they can see the progress being made, getting closer to the date.

If I haven't already given you these "tips", I am sharing them below.

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 won'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.

We are here for you!

~Nicole @ GCCA