Colonoscopy-Lovonox bridging before procedure

[Jamaica1951]

Good morning - I am scheduled for a colonoscopy to find the cause of bleeding either from hemorrhoids or polyps. I'm off Warfarin and on 80mg of Lovonox shots twice a day. I have been bleeding more than ever when having a regular bowel movement. Tomorrow I go for INR test a day before the procedure. Doctor wants INR below 2. I am so scared they will tear the colon during the exam and I will bleed and also get an infection. Has anyone else with APS gone through this? I wish they could just do a CAT scan to look at the nodules in the rectum. So nervous.

[HollyHeski Administrator]

Hi, I had a colonoscopy last month, so know exactly how you feel. Bridging is only necessary if they want to take biopsies. For me I didnt want to go through it twice so I made sure I followed the bridging plan, they are very careful and gentle. I had 6 biopsies taken, felt a small tug but no pain. A little bit of bleeding for a few days but as I was on low anticoagulation I clotted very quickly.You can opt for sedation, the scope they use, is designed to mimìmise the risks.

Tell them your worries, they will reasure you. Better to know the cause of your problem than worrying about what it could be. Good luck xx

[Jamaica1951 in reply to HollyHeski]

Thanks Holly for sharing your experience. Your reply is calming me. Yes, I will be asleep during the procedure and this will be my first time ever being sedated and I'm 66! Thanks.

[Lure2]

Hi,

I am so glad that Holly could give you an answer as I could not answer your question.

Keep well and Good Luck to you. Let us hear how it goes for you please!

Kerstin in Stockholm

[panda60]

Haven't had a colonoscopy myself, although my husband is having one tomorrow - he is not happy about 24 hrs with no food!

Since I started on warfarin I have had four shoulder operations, three uterine biopsies and a sinus operation. Each time I have bridged and have had no problems with bleeding any time. First time I was nervous so can understand how you feel, so hope I have reassured you a little.

I hope all goes well for you tomorrow.

[Jamaica1951 in reply to panda60]

Thanks Panda and good luck to your husband. I was told I good eat orange or lime jello. Ugh!

[ndstephens49]

Hi! I had upper and lower GI endoscopes in April. Used lovenox bridge. Have endoscopes frequently (every 3 years) due to risk of cancer from CVID. Last time they removed 4 precancerous polyps from colon. No problems with bleeding. Nancy

[Jamaica1951 in reply to ndstephens49]

Thanks Nancy.

[Wittycjt]

Good question/ replies, good luck, Cindy in NJ

[Jamaica1951 in reply to Wittycjt]

Thanks Cindy

[Fra22-57]

Yes have had it with and without the bridging.I am waiting for another appointment at present but they not doing bridging as tail end this time.Good you are being bridged as I was so annoyed to have to go back for polyp removal.

I have had 3 and I always find excruciatingly painful even thou elect for sedation.It only relaxes me kind of but not sends me to sleep.

I asked to give full sedation and was told they need you awake as you are asked to move from side to back etc.

You will be pleased when done but they are very careful and take it slowly.

Me too wish scan would look for answers

[Jamaica1951 in reply to Fra22-57]

Thanks Fra. Heading to hospital to test INR level now.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Jamaica1951]

If for some reason bridging is required, this is very good: Written by Prof Hunt herself: guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/reso... MaryF

[Jamaica1951 in reply to MaryF]

Thanks Mary but couldn't get the link to open. Searched for "bridging" here on HealthUnlocked but only found posts. The posts did help. Also, I received detailed instructions from the anticoagulant specialist as to dosage before and after procedure.

Feeling less nervous as I have it done in 5 hours. Hopefully they can identify if it's hemorrhoid that's causing bleeding.?

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Jamaica1951]

Here it is, sti11 snatching time between a c0mputer that w0rks, n0t mine, and this ha1f dead 0ne! guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/reso...

MaryF

[HollyHeski Administrator in reply to Jamaica1951]

Presume all over now - how did you get on? xx

[Nanny23]

I had colonoscopy and I had polyps. I get one once a year because I always have polyps. I had a large one in sigmoid colon that had to be operated on. They weren't sure weather was a HEMOROIDS or polyp. It was a large polyp that caused all the bleeding. Since it's removed no more bleeding. Don't be afraid. Good luck to you.

[tim47]

Yes, had both ends done a few years back. I'm on warfarin and now arrange my own bridging with heparin for any such intrusive investigations or minor surgery. I/We usually aim to be below 3.0, try to get done amongst the early ones of a morning, then provided all has gone ok start back on warfarin and heparin late that day or following morning. I imagine that you raised your concerns at an earlier appointment and they should be aware though you might like to remind them! I had a general even though I am also an anaesthetic risk having something odd about my trachea- the anaethatist and I discussed this and we also spoke on morning of procedure. They do whip through them down my way (Devon) but seem to be pretty hot on what they are doing. I read the report after and they do lots of checking, for example knowing exactly where they are in the colon. I had a couple of polpys removed. no bleeding, and will go back 3 years afterwards for same again. Concern is normal, but afterwards I felt I'd probably made too much of a fuss as they really were on the ball but did all they could and made me comfortable. Don't be afraid to tell them that you are a bleeder if it makes you feel easier about it. Best of luck