IBS and Colonoscopy

[Monalyn]

Hi. I have had IBS for 23 years round the same time I started suffering from Fibromyalgia. Alway had lower right side pain with bouts of IBS. About 8 years ago I started having pain in my lower left side. It would last for weeks sometimes, then ease off and go away for weeks. Asked for a colonoscopy, as ny Dad passed away at 65 with bowel cancer. However, my Doctor said I didn’t have the right symptoms and as I was only 43 at the time it would be safe to wait to I was 50 for a colonoscopy. So, I have had pains left and right side since 2009. I just put up with it. I do notice it flares up when I am under stress terribly. My husband was diagnosed 2013 and passed away 2015 with bowel cancer he was stage 4 when diagnosed. He didn’t have pain until it was well advanced which is the scary part. Whilst he was ill I was doubled in two with my abdominal pain, then it eased to intermittent after he passed. I have now booked myself in for a colonoscopy which is next week, as I have turned 50. I must say I am extremely anxious given that my I gave lost two of my loved ones with bowel cancer. Of course, a part of me thinks I have it too, which in turn has me doubled in pain again. Just wanted to share this story.

[moodymaud]

👋 thanks for sharing I’m the same have had IBS for 20 years and lost my mum to bowel cancer in 2014 she was 66 and I have to wait for another 4 years until I’m 50 for a colonoscopy. I’ve just had an ongoing flare up since August and back and forth from the docs, it’s like they just don’t want to know 🌸

[Hidden in reply to moodymaud]

HI there Moodymaud, I think this is disgusting that you have to wait when a close family member has had the disease. I know I would be making a complete nuisance of myself until I was given an appointment for a Colonoscopy. I really hope you don't have to wait 4 years.

[Kaspinallsgr8 in reply to moodymaud]

Don't wait. It's not worth the stress and possible bad outcome. If you have to, get another doctor.

[Junie2]

Hi Monalyn

I also stress a lot, and some of my symptoms are due to that.

Doctors tell us not to worry, but we seem to worry more after seeing them.

Please let us know how you get on.

Junie

[Hidden]

I really feel for you and think it's disgusting that you were told to wait until you were 50, particularly as your dad had it. I didn't know you had to be 50!! Anxiety does make this condition worse, we start to panic and think all sorts of things.

Please let this people of this forum know how you get on.

My thoughts are with you.

[Rach3187]

Is that the camera part that goes up the back part ?

[Kaspinallsgr8]

I wish you good luck. I hope all is ok. Personally I would not have waited. I would have had a fit until given the colonoscopy. Colon cancer does not always follow expected symptoms. Since you had a direct family member with bowel cancer that should have been enough to warrant one. Terrible.

[wizzie2090]

You need a Colonoscopy immediately. Are you in the UK or elsewhere where there is Socialized Medicine? I’m in the USA and able to have any procedure the Dr says is necessary. I’ll never understand as you could have Colitis or Crohn’s. I’m very concerned about this terrible practice. Are you or your doctor able to file a dispute? You must rule out those 2 IBD’s before they can say for sure you have IBS. Good Luck!