Sigmoidoscopy

[MJRD36]

Hi all, after years of gut complaints I finally got referred to a gastroenterologist, and after a quick examination he decided I should have a sigmoidoscopy. I was just wondering if anyone else has had one and can tell me what to expect. I've had this band of discomfort on the left side of my gut for ages, goes from rib cage to thigh bone, like the area of the descending colon. I hope it's nothing serious but i'm a born worrier :/

[janke]

They really aren`t too bad. You will be given a diet sheet of what you can and cannot eat for a few days before and then the day before will have to fast and will be given some very potent laxatives (this is the worst bit!). Most people find the actual procedure ok but you can have some sedation if you need it. You will able to watch the whole business on a tv screen - which isn`t as weird as you might think!

[MJRD36 in reply to janke]

Very potent laxatives? Is there a danger of lift off? lol

[dedeottie]

It is absolutely nothing to worry about. I was told to take a laxative that morning incase the doctor wanted to "have a look" I didnt even realise they were talking a sigmoidoscopy! The doctor had done it before I realised what was happening. Tjere was a bit of a strange sensation but no pain and was very quick.

This was my experience, I hope yours is the same. X

[Shambles10944]

I had one of those about 20 year ago,not a problem until he put some air into the colon and that can be painful,all the best

[janke]

Whoops - I was confusing sigmoidoscopy with colonoscopy. You don`t have to prepare so much for a sigmoidoscopy

[Angie11]

Nothing to worry about. You will feel pressure as they put air. Plus you can see it all on the screen the dr will talk through what he is seeing. About 15 mins tops. You will pass wind after. Better out than in.

[cjsc]

A little uncomfortable but nothing unbearable.

[Hidden]

Hi. Yes I had a sigmoidoscopy years ago which is nothing much. I have same symptoms as you and I am waiting a colonoscopy which is where they look at the whole colon.

[Catherine2020]

I had one a few months ago. They gave me a laxative about 30 minutes before the procedure. I wasn't given anything else. I was taken in and layed me on my side and the camera was put in slowly. I could see everything on the monitor while the doc explained what was going on step by step. I had a nurse to hold my hand and check I was ok. It was uncomfortable at first for me but as the camera was taken higher I was in a lot more pain. But the procedure was over by then. It didn't take more then 10 min. I was given my results after I was dressed. Then allowed to go home. Nothing to worry about.

[missymo]

I have a thickening of the colon. But they have never said if or when it van be treated so i.m stuck with bowel pain& I B S!!😢😢

[Hidden]

I've had one and they're ok, little weird having a camera shoved up your arse lol but I was actually quite interested watching the tv of what my insides looked like😂

Few tips though- take the day off work as you will need to be near a loo when you've taken those laxatives and after the procedure don't have a big meal. They use air up your bum to open up the passage and therefore after it took me a few hours for that to come out😛 I had a big meal which just gave me stomach ache so those are my handy tips

Good luck , it'll be fine x

[Shambles10944]

I had a sigmoidoscopy many years ago,the worst thing about it was when they put air in your colon to blow it so they can see more of the colon

[MJRD36 in reply to Shambles10944]

Can you explain what that felt like, that's kinda the only thing I am worried about

[Shambles10944 in reply to MJRD36]

I will be honest,when they pump air into your colon it can hurt which lasts a few minutes,after they its a walk in the park, I had this done after I had a major operation due to a ruptured colon due to diverticulitis,so this did not help with this procedure.

GOOD LUCK, YOU WILL BE FINE

[Vallie]

I had one a couple of years ago, had to put some sort of laxative up my bum, which was awkward (got hubby to do it). Nothing much came out, but I do have IBS-d so with the stress and bad thoughts, i had got rid of everything anyway. The procedure is fine, hand holding nurse was great, just a few weird sensations as the camera bumps into corners. I was absolutely convinced I had something seriously wrong in that area, that I wouldn't look at the screen until the consultant said it was all good. The relief!!

[Stupid_poos]

Hey. I had one of these yesterday. I had to do an enema in the morning and not eat the day before and only drink clear liquids. Have you had your test yet? Mine was quite uncomfortable - and I am only telling you that because I wish I had been told that they can be uncomfortable. I asked to use gas and air and that helped a lot. See if you can do the same. As someone else said - keep the rest of the day free - I am so glad I did! Good luck x