Colonoscopy worry

[Winnie78]

Hi, I’ve very recently been diagnosed with IBS however I also have pernicious anemia and am not absorbing bile salts correctly so being sent for a colonoscopy. I only found out about this when the letter and picolax came through the door yesterday and my appt is Monday. I’ve been in a state ever since. I have started the special diet but scared about taking the picolax and also about the procedure as I’m not having sedation. Has anyone had this and what was it like?? Some of the things I’ve read on the internet sound awful

Thanks

[Lisahelen]

The calmer you can be about it the better. It can be uncomfortable but the staff are used to this and try to be as reassuring as possible.

As an aside did you know that there is a forum on here specifically for PA if you are interested.

[Winnie78 in reply to Lisahelen]

No I didn’t. Literally just joined and learning how to work it! I’ll have a look thanks

[fenbadger]

try not to worry about those who enjoy making things sound worse than they really are. I've had the procedure 3x and not found a problem any time. Its not the most fun I've ever had, but neither the worst. Similarly the first I knew was when the envelope landed. The picolax is horrid but you can take it with something like orange juice. As to sedation I believe you can decide at the last moment, you're not tied. When I went last, I was even allowed to watch the tv screen and we talked through it. Rather, they talked and I listened.

Good luck

[Winnie78 in reply to fenbadger]

Thank you. So did you have sedation? Would you recommend?

[fenbadger in reply to Winnie78]

sedation 1st time, not the other 2. If you're nervous go for it but you cannot drive home. It does help.

[A_IBS]

Ignore the horror stories! I had something to make me a little drowsy and it wasn’t so bad. And I could drive home after a few hours. The only time I felt pain (wasn’t much worse than normal IBS pain) was when they inflated at the point I get the pain. You’ll be fine, don’t be nervous. It’s good you’re being checked some people on here unfortunately fighting to get referred to gastro. All the best x

[sweetsusie]

I had extreme chronic diarrhea for YEARS and finally I found a doctor (regular MD) who perscribed Welchol for me. I take it twice a day (2 tablets - 325 mg each. for a total of 4 a day). Stopped my diarrhea in it's tracks!!! I've got my life back. You might want to talk to your doctor about this wonderful drug.