If you can't face the thought of having a colonoscopy...

...go for the alternative which is a virtual version called CT colonography. The procedure is available on the NHS, but I think you have to fight your corner to get one done.The following info is from NICE:

'CT colonography is used to examine the colon and rectum, and detect abnormalities such as polyps and cancer. Polyps are growths in the lining of the colon or rectum that protrude into the intestinal canal. They may be hyperplastic, which are completely benign or adenomatousin type, which have the potential to become malignant.

Conventional colonoscopy and double contrast barium enema are the main methods currently used for examining the entire colon. The bowel must be empty before either of these procedures is performed.

CT colonography is less invasive than a conventional colonoscopy. It involves using a CT scanner to produce 2- and 3-dimensional images of the entire colon and rectum.

CT colonography is performed on an empty bowel. Sedation is not usually required. The colon is distended by insufflation with air or carbon dioxide, via a small rectal tube. Antispasmodic agents and/or contrast agents may be administered intravenously before the scan. The CT scan is done with the patient holding his or her breath for approximately 20 seconds in both the supine and prone positions.

The images are then manipulated and interpreted by a radiologist.'

Hope this helps.

Pagan

[MarkBrennan]

I remember reading about those. The only issue is, they can't deal with anything so would need to rebook you in for a 'real' one to do any cauterization etc.

In my case, during my first colonoscopy, they found about 5 pre-cancerous polyps and also some benign ones. All were dealt with there & then, except the largest which was a benign type but too large to cauterize. He said it would require surgery from the outside to remove so they will just keep an eye to make sure it isn't causing a blockage. The two after that, they found a few more pre-cancerous ones and then in 2011, I was clear. They said I could skip a year. I was expecting a letter calling me in for my August appointment, but nothing so far.

IMO the worst part of a conventional one is the fasting and having to drink 2L of Movicol, but it seems you still have to do that anyway.

I wonder if they can pick up inflammation with a virtual one?

The consultant told me they normally take samples for testing as well.

[PatV in reply to MarkBrennan]

I'd rather get it over with too and if there are polyps, have them out during the colonoscopy. I found a very kindly GI doctor . My prep was the Ezy-move solution for TWO (count them, 2) days because I also have PD and previous 2 colonoscopies were incomplete because I didn't get completely cleaned out. Success this time. Result was no inflammation, no polyps, just diverticulosis.

[MarkBrennan]

And I thought one day was bad enough!

I can't remember the previous solution they used, but I had to do one day of a very limited diet and then a day of fasting, except for bouillon and jelly.

I used to love gummi bears and wine gums but I have gone right off them now!

[Hidden]

I agree that if you need any treatment for polyps or biopsies to be taken, having a colonography would mean another trip back to the hospital. Its big advantage over colonoscopy is that other organs get scanned at the same time, i.e. kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen. So there are pros and cons on both sides. For a wuss like me though, the virtual procedure is well worth the risk of having to go back for further treatment!

[MarkBrennan]

I am a complete wuss, but it really is nothing. This is usually how it goes for me. I sit in a private room with a book. There is quite a bit of waiting. Someone comes in with a lunch menu then a bit later someone comes in to put a canula on you hand. A bit later they wheel you down to the theatre - normally a doctor and 2 or 3 nurses are there. They get you in position. I remember the last time looking at the screen - in what seems like a split second later you are already coming round - one of the nurses said 'enjoy your curry tonight' I laughed and asked did I really say that - she said yes. I believe one of the drugs they give you is like rohypnol so you don't remember a thing. I remember being taken to my room and they give you lunch and a drink before deciding you are fit to be collected. I remember a nurse walking in once and I was dressed ready to go. SHe asked where I was going and I said I was going shopping in town - she said I was doing nothing of the kind and I would be going straight home when my cab arrived

As I said in a previous post, the worst part is the day before - not being able to eat and having to rink a foul liquid and running to the loo every 20 minutes (and possibly the fear of needing to go in the cab on the way to hospital)

[Hidden in reply to MarkBrennan]

Ever since I had a gastroscopy and came to full consciousness twice during the procedure, choking and retching all over the place, I don't have a lot of faith in sedation. I paid privately for that to be done too, should have paid me really!

[yorkshire_lass]

I was worried sick about my colonoscopy but I wouldn't be again. The prep really was the worst bit, waiting for various laxatives to work culminating in running to the toilet with buttocks clenched several times between 1am and 3 am really isn't my idea of fun! However, the staff on the unit were so nice, and the procedure itself, while a bit uncomfortable while the tube went round the bends of my colon, really wasn't nearly as bad as a lot of other stuff I've had done to me in hospitals. There wasn't any sign of polyps etc, but if there had been, they could have been dealt with immediately. Also they took biopsies to test for other conditions which I'm pleased about.