I think this is my first post on here! However, I'm 20 years old and I have been diagnosed with Endometrosis, I'm scheduled to see my surgeon tomorrow about having a second surgery as it seems the Endometrosis and Adhesions have moved onto my Bowels and Bladder. I am having a Colonoscopy on Saturday (with pain killers and sedation). I've never had a Colonoscopy before and I am currently menstruating, which as we all know, is the worst time in our lives and I feel like my uterus along with my colon and bladder are on fire. I am so scared as even when doctors have checked my rectum before I screamed in agonising pain.
Has anyone one else had a colonoscopy whilst menstruating?
What was the pain like or was it typically painless?
Did you have sedation or should I ask for General Anaesthetic?
Any advice or tips would be a massive help x
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AudreyNola
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I will not scare you with my experience of having a colonoscopy bit instead will advise you to ask for a general anesthetic. I personally found the procedure to be traumatic and can say hand on heart that I'll never have that done while conscious again. If you are in pain already and scared, please wait for a general anesthetic. Good luck and hope you get some relief soon 💛💛💛
Totally agree to definitely request a general anaesthetic. I had a very bad experience a few years ago, as I have so much scar tissue from 4 previous laps and full hysterectomy - it was extremely painful (nauseating/ felt like fainting) as I decided not to go for anaestheti. Also make sure that if you do suffer from any nausea from anaesthetics let them know.
I've had 3 already. I always got general anesthesia so I didn't feel a thing, its like sleeping. The worst part is the cleansing but you have no other option. Make sure you do it properly and follow the instructions perfectly as I went through the whole process once just to wake up for them telling me they couldn't continue cos it wasnt fully clean! I thought I had taken everything out but if you eat lots of vegetables and non soluble fiber in the days leading to the pre-diet days it'll affect the result. Period shouldn't affect the result. The only experience I know without general anesthesia is my mother's in law, she didn't want it because she was scared. I think she either got sedation or anesthesia on the lower part of body.
She said it didn't hurt but she could see everything on the screen. general anesthesia is the best, ask if possible, I actually enjoyed the ride if it makes u feel better lol I hope everything turns out well for you. don't be scared, we are in a very advanced society medically speaking and you are in good hands.
Yes, I just recently had a colonscopy (last month) and it was on the first day of my period but already a heavy flow. The doctor was very reassuring about it and advised that I would have extra painkillers as it may be more uncomfortable otherwise. The whole procedure was absolutely fine. I kept my towel and pants on and they just pulled them down when they began. Straight after I pulled them back on again. It was fine. I had sedation and painkillers. You remain awake but I couldn’t feel very much. I was able to watch the procedure on a screen and was relaxed and calm throughout.
The big ‘clear out’ the day before wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be either and the procedure itself was over within 40 mins (though I had no issues and needed no biopsy) and I was home within 4 hours of arrival. They were all very lovely and it was actually a positive experience for what is not a particularly nice procedure. Hope this helps reassure you. I had bad cramping afterwards but that could have just been my period and felt very tired but recovered fully quickly.
Hi, please research your surgeon before he/she goes near you. I’m not wanting to scare you but it’s advise I wish I once had. If he/she has good feedback then you will be fine. Good luck x
Why are you having a colonoscopy? Adhesions and lesions on the bowel might very well not show up.
What you need is excision surgery with a BSGE-certified surgeon or Nancy Nook surgeon, carried out with a team of other surgeons including a bowel surgeon for sure. Please PM me for names
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