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ladyhm profile image
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My rheumatologist has informed me that I am iron deficient and is referring me for a ct colonography. I’m just wondering if anyone else has had one and is it as bad as it sounds as I’m not very good with having tests, many thanks

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ladyhm profile image
ladyhm
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21 Replies
ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

They have given me iodine based liquid to take the night before, it’s the actual test I’m not looking forward to

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

Thank you

Didoliz profile image
Didoliz

Have had several colonoscopies but not a ct colonography. It sounds like a scan so it shouldn't be too bad or invasive although I'm not an expert. I've got crohns and ibs and am also low in iron. I can't take the iron tablets but I take 2 sachets a day of spatone. I get it on prescription now but you can get it from the chemist. X

bantam12 profile image
bantam12

CT is fine, you just lay there. The laxative prep beforehand is the worst part.

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

Thanks doesn't sound too bad lol

Greenpeace profile image
Greenpeace

Hi ladyhm ,

sorry to hear that you have Iron Deficient Anaemia, and that you have to have a CT Colonoscope.

I was diagnosed with Anaemia of Unknown Origin, and was offered either a traditional Colonoscopy, or a CT one. Having had several traditional Colonoscopies before, I opted for the CT one. I had the scan 3 weeks ago. In my opinion I made the wrong choice.

There was the usual 3 day cleansing of the bowel, you just accept that as standard, but over and above that you have to drink this horrible Radio Opaque liquid which stays in you bowel, and it helps them to read your scan.

When you arrive the nurse takes the usual information, and explains what will happen. You then get an IV cannula inserted to administrator more liquid to outline your bowel.She said that the scan takes about half an hour, and I would be asked to change positions during the scan from left side to right, from back onto stomach. You then have a tube inserted in your back passage, which stays there throughout the scan, and before you go into the scanner, they pump air through this tube into your bowel.

I said that because of my Fibro, and Osteoarthritis in my neck, I would not be able to turn on the trolley unaided, and was told “I’m sure you’ll manage”. I said “ no I wouldn’t “ so she said “ then I suppose we’ll have to stop the scanner, and get someone to help you” .

The reason they offer this type of Colonoscopy is that it saves time and money. Also, it may suit some people if they don’t have Mobility problems.

Just remember that this was my experience, you might cope better with it than I did.

I wish you well, and I hope that they get to the bottom of what is causing your Anaemia.

Good luck.

GP 😊😊

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

I only have stuff to take the day before. I too would struggle because of my fibromyalgia and ra so hopefully I get a more sympathetic nurse. I take it your procedure was not too painful. Rehards

Hollyberry123 profile image
Hollyberry123

Yes

I was the same. I had the camera up and down. I was so pleased they made me drowsy because, sorry, it is painful. The pain is when they put air into your colon . hope u r OK good luck

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

There is no sedation for this as it is classed as non invasive, I’m told by the department I can drive straight after and eat normally, maybe you didn’t have the colonography which is just basically taking pictures but you are filled with air

Bobby16 profile image
Bobby16

I had an iron deficiency aneimia last year. I was referred to gastro. I had CT and scopes. They couldn't find the cause. I was put on iron tablets and my GP needs to monitor my HB. The CT scan is painless.

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

Thank you for that it's made me feel a bit better

DanielleGemma profile image
DanielleGemma

Haven't had this done, but am waiting on results re an iron deficiency! Hope it all goes well, loads of hugs, luck and love 🤗🌹🤗🌹

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

Thank you for your kind words xx

Chrispol profile image
Chrispol

Hi

No, it's not bad at all. It feels a bit weird, and occasionally slightly uncomfortable, but there'sno pain involved. It's a bit undignified but I'm sure you can cope with that!

The only bit I found unpleasant was taking the large quantity of laxative cleaning fluid beforehand. They need this to clear the gut so they can see what's going on. It's sickly, and tastes horrible, and there's quite a lot of it - and of course the effects are quite dramatic, though not at all painful.

Overall, it, not bad at all.

Hope it goes well.

Chris

Chrispol profile image
Chrispol

PS if they introduce air to improve conrast, that can be uncomforatble, but I wouldn't call it painful. They don't always do it.

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

I’ve got one bottle of the stuff to be divided morning and evening, not looking forward to the after effects lol but I’m sure I will cope, thanks for replying x

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

Meant to ask you, were you ok after the test, did you drive yourself home and did you eat normally?

Pbyllis profile image
Pbyllis

Hi if just had one for same problem I had some sedation was a bit uncomfortable all over fairly quick

Phyllis

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

I will be so glad when Wednesday is over xx

Bemoresquirrel profile image
Bemoresquirrel

Hi ladyhm, I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it all goes well for you on Wednesday.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed, slow breaths in through your nose, followed by a pause and slow breaths out again through your nose are very calming and give you something to concentrate on. You can also count as you breathe in, then the pause and the out breath for example 4 in 2 for the pause and 4 out. It also slow the release of adrenaline and so stop your heart racing.

Gentle hugs xx

ladyhm profile image
ladyhm

Thank you so much for your kind advice, I will certainly be doing as you say, gentle hugs back xx

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