Colononoscapy

[jrssmokey]

Is there any other tests that are like this. I need to find a substitute that will work as well. Has anyone out there found a procedure that works ?

[binks]

I had a CT pneumocolon scan instead. It was fine - the prep was the worst bit. It shows all the detail (and around the corners!) but if there are any polyps etc, you would have a colonoscopy afterwards in order to remove it. I was ok and so glad I'd had the scan.

One of the advantages of the pneumocolon is that it shows up the pelvic organs too - bladder, ovaries etc (if you're female!)

[bburzycki]

Why can you not do the colonoscopy

[binks in reply to bburzycki]

I was terrified - the consultant therefore suggested the scan. I put off a colonoscopy for 20 years and I would never have had it done. Sometimes fear cannot be overcome.

[bburzycki in reply to binks]

I look at it differently. No matter the test, prep is the worst part. Well at least on these types of tests.

My theory is why take a test that seems easier but you still need to do the same prep for nut also cannot end with true results or worse they have to go back with the exact test you did not do to get you the results. Ie: go back to remove or biopsy for real results.

I totally relate to fear... I have it myself. That's why I try to reduce fear by reducing the number of tests. Right now I have to get an MRI... Which is easily the worst test I need to do because when you have gut issues being locked in a tight place for 40 min is my own personal hell.

I would talk to your Dr about something to take the edge off... Modern meds can help.

That said when they put me out for the 20 minutes it took to do mine... It was actually the best 20 minutes of sleep I have had in years. Thank you anesthesia....

[Hidden]

It's not as bad as you may think and you would be given a small amount of anaesthetic

It could ease the problems in your mind

[Beezwax]

I had a colonoscopy done a couple of years ago. I was really nervous but the consultant was great and gave me an injection to sedate me. I wasn't asleep but I felt no discomfort and felt like I was flying - must have been from the injection!

Anyway they found a couple of pre cancerous polyps which they removed but I will have to have a colonoscopy every 5 years to check for more. I will make sure I ask for sedation again as it was a very positive experience. The hospital I went to was great too. You have your own cubicle with toilet facilities and they look after you well.

[Linley]

I do not understand your reluctance to have this test if it has been recommended by your GP, has someone put you off? I have had three in 15 years and it is always fine. However you choose to have the bowel examined the prep work is usually what most people dislike so take the day before off. You are able to walk into the op/treatment room, you are asked to lie on your side, the consultant gives you sedation (not full anaesthetist) a flexible tube with camera is gently inserted but you are by now asleep. When you wake up you are back in the recovery room. Its all over

[BettyA]

The CT scan is what I had, because, I TOO, refuse to do a colonoscopy for reasons I will not reveal...and it is every bit as 'telling' as to what is going on. Please, if you want to, Google the CT (not to be confused with CAT scan) pneumocolon scan and you will see how thorough it is. Good luck with it all. Its the easiest 'test' I've ever had! Plus it checks out your kidneys, bladder, liver, etc... (I did have to drink this gunk beginning one hour before the scan...I was already in the dr's waiting room...but it was nothing really bad...tasted like Vanilla Boost or Ensure )

[whiteladder42]

There are less invasive avenues such as colonography, (non invasive version) CT/MRI, capsule endoscopy (swallowing a camera pill) . Even with maximum sedation and pain relief for my colonoscopy, I was aware of everything and it was excruciating and very distressing-they took 11 biopsies and I was screaming in agony. The bowel prep I reacted very badly to and ended up in A&E-I knew I would react but was basically told not to be so silly, as if they knew my body better than I did! I would never have another one and never ever recommend anyone having one unless life-threatening conditions are suspected and there are no other options. Please be very careful, I would not wish what I experience to happen to anyone else. I do not think the risks are fully explained, nor an individuals condition/symptoms taken into consideration.

[Hidden in reply to whiteladder42]

I couldn't have worded it better,Whiteladder. I believe it's probably the best test there is for ruling out any nasties. But like you in my oppinion the sedation didn't work,and the pain was agonising to the degree I grabbed the nurses tummy and pinched her really hard,by accident.

Your about the first person I've ever heard say it was agonising. The prep I was told to put a little orange juice in,and I didn't find that to bad.

But like you Whiteladder I'll never put myself through that again.

I would just like to ask you about swallowing a camera,how do you go about getting that test done,and have you had it?

[whiteladder42 in reply to Hidden]

I have had that too, and whilst it was less painful (and no prep required which is why I agreed to it) it was also distressing since I found it hard to breathe with a tube down my throat. My consultant requested it after just one isolated incident of vomiting (everyone throws up once in a blue moon it doesn't necessarily point to dangerous conditions-I could have just eaten something that disagreed with me) and I think it was unnecessary since they found nothing,. Make sure you are clear why you are being referred for it and exactly how you fit the criteria for needing a camera test.

[Hidden in reply to whiteladder42]

Actually Whiteladder,I was thinking of requesting it for myself.

I have chronic IBS and the pain everyday is beginning to get me down. I'm forever trying to find ways of helping myself,I've been through all there is to go through,so I'm always looking for tests or whatever that I haven't tried . Swallowing a small camera to see what's happening inside me,just thought was another idea.

Like you no way would I go through another Colonoscopy.