Defecography scan?

[Lovetocycle76]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone here has had a defecography scan on the NHS or has paid privately for one and how much they roughly cost in the UK and what were your experiences, findings? Thank you. I'm trying to locate somewhere in the UK which offers this as my G.P hadn't even heard of the procedure. I have a feeling there won't be many places that do.

[Skye22]

I had the test performed at the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow in 2018.

I actually thought I was going for a normal MRI which I have had done quite a few times.

When I was given a nappy/pants combo to wear I realised this was no normal test. Initially a normal MRI then I was given contrast, the staff were wonderful and so reassuring as they explained, when lying in the MRI they would give instructions for me to try to have a Bowel motion. They are imaging the workings of the colon specifically movement of faeces.

I have slow transit colon, colitis and levator-ani syndrome, combined with Bowel adhesions. I cannot have a normal Bowel motion as I have little to none "push" function or feeling in rectum.

I have to perform daily trans-anal irrigation and manual extraction daily. Sounds horrible but it has become my normal.

I couldn't fault the staff they were so reassuring throughout the scan and soon any embarrassment was gone. It did help me not knowing exactly what was involved with the test, but knowing it would help identify what was wrong with my Bowel soon settled my worries.

Cannot comment on cost of private care but I think it would be pretty expensive as an initial appointment just to see a consultant is around £200.

Hope I have answered your query and wish you well with future tests and good health.

[Lovetocycle76 in reply to Skye22]

Thanks very much for the reply. Did you find the test invasive and uncomfortable or was it over quite quickly? I've read some people have problems with the barium solution which you have to drink. I don't know if this test would show up anything but I think it's probably a good way to see if the rectal muscles are working as they should be. Due to Covid though I'm not sure how long one would have to wait. Probably ages if my GP is anything to go by. I'd like to wish you the best of luck with your health. It can't be easy for you. Thanks.

[Skye22 in reply to Lovetocycle76]

Test was non Invasive and not uncomfortable. The contrast was not the normal barium so no ill effects. Test lasted about 40mins and staff were wonderful, reassuring and very supportive.

Hope all goes well and you don't have to wait too long. All my treatments have been cancelled since March due to covid and like many have seen a worsening of symptoms and pain. Really hope NHS gets back to normal services as I'm feeling quite abandoned with little to no support.

[Lovetocycle76 in reply to Skye22]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Controversial I know but I'm quite disgusted by how doctors have behaved during this so called pandemic, hiding themselves away and refusing to see patients. We are all still paying our taxes at the end of the day and it concerns me that some people will be condemned to a death sentence due to having lumps etc that need urgent treatment. What sad times we live in. I hope you get sorted soon. Thanks for answering.

[Lovetocycle76 in reply to Skye22]

I've had a quote for defecography from a private clinic and it's £595 not including a fee should I wish to see a consultant first. If you just want the scan you have to book through radiography yourself.

[Skye22 in reply to Lovetocycle76]

Hope all goes well should you decide to go ahead with tests. Wish you good health.

[Lovetocycle76 in reply to Skye22]

Sorry, just seen your message. Thank you. Best wishes to you too.