Colonoscopy Day

[greatgran28]

Had my colonoscopy to-day, nothing sinister reported, took 13 random samples and removed one polyp all sent for biopsy, so having for wait for results. CT scan clear. So fingers crossed x

[digar]

What were your symptoms?

[greatgran28 in reply to digar]

Hi - mucus and rectal bleeding.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Congratulations on getting the colonoscopy, greatgran28 !

Did they say when you can expect to hear back on the samples they took? I know that can cause anxiety waiting by the phone.

Hopefully, it won't take too long to get the results.

We appreciate you posting an update!

~Nicole @ GCCA

[greatgran28 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Thank you for your reply, two weeks for the results. On my result sheet consultant put benign polyp but it and all the other bits have been sent for biopsy, on the CT scan page it said nothing found to explain my symptoms which stopped several weeks ago now. So still concerned, but trying to stay positive. The colonoscopy took over an hour and I watched it in living colour. The prep was the worse part!

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to greatgran28]

greatgran28 - you watched the colonoscopy? Did you have sedation or go without? I am always amazed that some people, even with sedation, are awake and watching the monitors, sometimes they are not making too much sense,... but they are definitely looking at the live TV image of their colon!

That is great about the symptoms stopping. Here's hoping all the biopsies come back clean. If that is the case, when the Doctor calls you (or you see them), ask about what to do if symptoms return - just so there are no questions regarding what the next steps would be to treat symptoms or refer you to a different specialist.

We often hear that people just live with symptoms after getting the "all clear" on not having colorectal cancer - but there are many other conditions that can be tested for, including food sensitivity, etc.

We are always glad to hear that a person does NOT wake up after a colonoscopy to hear the words "you have cancer" We do want to make sure that whatever was going on with your GI system, should it return that there's a solid plan on next steps.

There are two active and wonderful groups on HealthUnlocked that may be of interest to you, especially depending on the results of the biopsies:

healthunlocked.com/crohns-c...

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

One last item - please do give your GI doctor feedback on your experience with the prep that was prescribed to you. It is important for doctors to hear specifics of what patients struggled with. Try to be specific because I think most of us can agree that the prep is typically a pretty rough experience - but that experience can vary widely. Some people become violently ill and are unable to complete the prep.

There are many prep options out there so perhaps when it is next time for your screening, you can be sure to know which one you will specifically request NOT to get.

Many doctors do have their preference as far as which preps they see give the best bowel preparation which allows them a clear view of the colon. However, many GIs are open to prescribing a different prep if you request it.

Keep us posted!

~Nicole @ GCCA

[greatgran28 in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Thanks for your response, on the paper I was given re results the prep was given as "fair", I completely followed the instructions to the letter, the first dose on the day before the colonoscopy, after a light lunch (white fish and mash) first dose, I sat up until 11.00 pm waiting but nothing. Went to bed slept right through the night, as I was so worried that nothing had happened I got up at 5.00 am (instructions said 6.00 am) for the second dose, after about an hour it kicked in, masses of brown water right through the morning, despite drinking loads of water it never got to clear, although it did stop about an hour before the procedure. Judging from the comments I heard it was not clear as hoped for. If I have to have another I will start the first one earlier and have a longer run at it. I had a cannula in back of my hand but I was awake and watching. It took over an hour chopping bits off, a bit uncomfortable at times but not bad. Consultant did mention depending on what is found, he may refer me to the Gastrologist. I think I am a bit of a mystery.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to greatgran28]

That sounds very frustrating, I'm sorry you went through that. Some people the prep will work on immediately (practically) and others have these long waiting times.

What you eat in the days leading up to the prep can impact how successful the prep is in cleaning out the bowel. Not sure if I shared this with you before, but it is a fabulous resource of what to eat/not to eat in days leading up to the colonoscopy:

wa.kaiserpermanente.org/htm...

Hope the countdown on waiting for the results isn't taking too much of a toll on your mental health. We're here for you!

~Nicole @ GCCA