Colonoscopy side effects

[Seaa]

Hello,

since I had digestive issuess, such as bloating, belly pain and sometimes diarrhea, my doctor suggested I should do a colonoscopy.

The preparation was the worst part. I think that laxative totally irritated my bowels and there were loads of orange mucus coming out of my bowels.

The doctor said, there were no inflammations on the large intestine. The cause of the massive mucus could be IBS, but to rule that out, I will have a screening of my small intestine and do some blood tests.

Anyhow, before the colonoscopy I had to empty my bowels every morning. Now, am constantly constipated and managed to have one bowel movement in these 5 days, with the help of castor oil. Is this normal? Is it possible that the colonoscopy or the strong laxative stressed my bowels?

I would be happy to read some answers/suggestions. :))

[FRreedman]

It is possible that your bowels were totally emptied and it can take a few days to refill. I, normally, suffer a reaction to colonoscopy and therefore, don't have them as often as I should, so yes it is possible you have suffered some sort of reaction. Is your doctor organising a calprotectin test of your faeces? (In order to determine the inflammatory levels of your intestines?)

[Seaa in reply to FRreedman]

Thank you for your answer.

I was just told that he would do an ultrasound screening of my small intestine because he didn't see any inflammation on the large intestine itself, except the presence of the mucus.

Additionaly, he will do some blood tests to rule out some other conditions, that could possibly cause this issue.

I also suffer under endometriosis and digestive issues, as well as IBS are very common in this case, unfortonately.

[Hidden]

HI Seaa

Hope you are feeling better.

Do you get much fibre in your diet to improve your bowel movements? I would always reach for the plate before the drugs cabinet!

Maybe you should investigate small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Do fermentable foods (high FODMAP) like diary, wheat, legumes, onions or certain fruits worsen (to name a few) your condition?

Unfortunately the NHS and many private practising GI's do not even recognise the condition and often those who do cannot treat it properly (my experience bares testament to that!). I was advised to see a shrink by my GP after she said "You only have IBS!". That part was correct but I also had SIBO.

The only sure fire test is the hydrogen/methane (aka Lactulose) breath test. You would likely have to pay for it. There is a cheaper way...try a low FODMAP diet. It will help with SIBO, and IBS too.

If you are interested drop a reply and I will tell you more about how I cured my SIBO & IBS...mainly through diet!

[Seaa in reply to Hidden]

Hello,

thank you very much for your reply. I've also tried to change my diet a bit. Am not 100% in it, tbh, but am slowly trying to stop eating some things. I've notices that wheat (gluten) products give me a feeling of fullness and cause bloating.

You can write to me about your diet plan. That would be awesome.

Thank you!

[Hidden in reply to Seaa]

Wheat and Gluten...I've a long story about those two, I'll post some thing later.

In the meantime I would avoid anything that is inflammatory and wheat is high in Fructans so it will not be on your shopping list for a while

I always try to follow evidence based practices that have scientific studies behind them. Most people on this site would probably recommend Monash University too. They have conducted research to formulate their FODMAP advice. There's a good phone app but it costs a one-off £7.99, I think. The only criticism of Monash is the Uni is based in Australia and their section on supermarket foods is a little light on UK brands. I argue that processed food should be avoided so I'm sure there advice on whole foods is good wherever they are based.

monashfodmap.com There are links to the app stores

Closer to home is Kings College. The same is true of their FODMAP advice. Their app is less refined but cheaper.

kcl.ac.uk/lsm/schools/life-...

My only advice is that it is a restrictive plan so it requires willpower, especially when you have to ditch some of your favourite foods but it works and it was the principle reason I am now SIBO and IBS free!

[Seaa in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the links and your advise.

I looked at these apps and read a bit about the concept. The Monash app seems to be worth the money.

I will try to stick to the diet, as I see that after the first step is completed, it gets a lot easier and less restricted.

Glad to read about your positive outcome!

[Hidden in reply to Seaa]

My pleasure.

Were you tested for Celiacs Disease during your colonoscopy by the way?

[Seaa in reply to Hidden]

I think he didn't. I read that also some blood test can indicate it. Maybe he will do that at the next apppointment.

[Hidden in reply to Seaa]

I would insist on a test if that was not the case, it would be surprising if it wasn't done at the time. You will then know if you have Celiacs Disease, or not.

I would also ask for a Calprotectin stool test. This indicates IBD Crohn's and Colitis.

Least then you will be able to concentrate your treatment on the likely IBS.

I am sure you are a persuasive person and advocate your needs but just remember doctors are not gods, they [should] work for you and you pay their wages...so insist.

They probably haven't studied for many years since they were first qualified and the NHS is especially very slow to update. I read an article that suggests it can take 17-20 years for the results of acceptable studies or policy changes to be integrated in to the health system! Beggars belief!

[Seaa in reply to Hidden]

You're completely right. I've generally noticed that doctors are passive and u have to push them, if u want to find something about your health out.

Thanks for the support!

[Hidden in reply to Seaa]

I have posted my thoughts on gluten sensitivity. You might be interested.

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...