Colonoscopy update

[Lclmlbls]

PMRPro suggested I start a new post for the update on ‘Colonoscopy and Prednisolone’, so here it is.

Firstly I’d like to thank everyone for their support and suggestions, which were very helpful.

I survived the pre procedure routine, disgusting though it was and spent A LOT of time perched on the loo. For entertainment I set up my iPad on Sky Go!

Glad I opted for sedation, in fact I also had gas and air. The nurses said I was ‘very brave’! It transpires I have a very diseased bowel due to diverticulosis and they weren’t able to complete the procedure so I will have to return in the new year for a CT scan to look at area they couldn’t reach.

All I can say is prepare for the worst then you won’t be caught out - like with PMR everyone’s experience is slightly different, we’re all individuals with individual reactions. Good tip about using pads/nappies, especially on the way and back again from the hospital!

I was hoping for better things in 2024 but now I have to look forward to a bowel CT scan and I’ve been ‘invited’ to a lung cancer screening appointment in January. Hopefully will have some answers as to why my breathing has deteriorated. This time last year I was pretty much OK - or so I thought!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Thanks - helps others know what might happen. Depending on how you look at it - at least it was worth going through!

It is a pain when everything goes south at the same sort of time!

[Lclmlbls in reply to PMRpro]

I can't believe all the things that have happened this year!

🎄Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hope your procedure goes well in January.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Thanks for update -hopefully you can relax a little and have a good Christmas

[Lclmlbls in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Christmas should be OK, not so much New Year - see reply to Merryfield!

Hope you have a well deserved Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎅

[Merryfield]

Wish you the best on all fronts (and backs). Have the big tube “coming up” after Xmas. Won’t be awake. Husband stays awake and watches the procedure. I do not change my steroid or other meds before. May the breathlessness be easily addressed.

[Lclmlbls in reply to Merryfield]

Thanks for your message. Just heard about a date for the CT scan - worst thing is, I have to take that awful stuff again to clear the bowel!😒On New Years day too - what a way to start the year. Good luck with yours. We don't get the option here to be asleep. Good luck with yours🍀

[SheffieldJane]

I applaud your bravery. Thanks for sharing. Keep us posted!

[Grammy80]

Good heavens....the wall comes tumbling down in your lap~!! I smiled when you spoke of your iPad...I almost drained my battery while draining my body. I genuinely wish science could come up with a swifter, squeaky-clean method. They have more severe things to handle.

Good for you, I sure would take the sedation. Brave me...always gets put in a twilight sleep. I had one two years ago and had large polyps. Last month they found four more. Possibly that is what is making it hard to probe. I'm so glad they are doing a scan...and twice as sorry you have to drink that stuff again. Wishing you well. PS, I don't alter my steroids either.

Take a deep breath and take in all the merriment at Christmas.❣️

[powerwalk]

Good luck with tests. Let us know how you get on.

[random901]

Having much scar tissue in my gut from previous operations after band adhesions I have to have the procedure done under GA - and even then I've been told it's "difficult"! All the best re taking that horrible clear-out potion 😕

[Broseley]

Thanks for letting us know how it went. I have mine on 11th Jan. Full colonoscopy with biopsy but no sedation offered. My hubby will be at work but is so squeamish he won't come anywhere near me anyway!

Good idea about Sky Go. I'll give that a try.

Good luck for 2024 and your procedures. I'm sure it'll be fine. At least they're onto it and you'll get help for your problems.

[Lclmlbls in reply to Broseley]

I was offered sedation from the outset. Can you ask for it? It may be worth a go, or you may not need it. If you do have it someone has to take you home and stay with you for 12 hours. Although to be fair I couldn’t see the reason for it. I was fine after they brought me tea and biscuits!

[Broseley in reply to Lclmlbls]

Last time I had one it was with no sedation. It was fine, though I didn't get tea and biscuits but had to go to the hospital cafe and buy my own!

[Sufferinginsilence]

I was fortunate enough to have both procedures on the one day so only one dose of prep! I wasnt offered sedation and to be honest, found the preparation worse than the actual event although it was uncomfortable. I also have severe diverticular disease and have to follow a low FODMAP diet which has greatly helped. I didnt alter my steroids before the procedure either. Hope you have an uneventful Christmas and a good rest and good luck for January.