Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy Tips

[anxious5623]

Hi,

I am being sent for a gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedure on the same day, one after the other, and wondered if anyone had any tips?

I have tested positive for internal bleeding (positive faecal immunochemical test) so have been told I need to have this done in the next two weeks to rule out anything nasty. (I haven’t noticed any blood in my stool or changes to my bowel habits despite the positive test result).

I’m feeling quite anxious about it, as I’ve never had an endoscopy before or even met any of the gastro team. I’ve only had one phone appointment with a specialist nurse after being referred by my GP. They said they strongly recommended I have this done as there is a small chance it could be cancer. I know the scopes are the best way to rule this out and identify the cause of the problem, but the reality of it still makes me quite uncomfortable.

I’ve been told the prep can be quite unpleasant but I should only need two days off work - one for the prep and one for the procedure. Does this match with your experience?

Any tips you have to make the whole experience as painless as possible are highly appreciated.

[Rice333]

I've had both up & down .The up was fine the down I found unpleasant & to be honest it's not painful but very unpleasant.

The prep ok well don't be to far from the Loo ....I'm sure your be fine .

Mine didn't take that long ( both)

Andy R

[winfong]

I had both at once. They did knock me out. One moment I was just lying there, the next I was waking up pretty much completely refreshed in a recovery bed.

The prep's no fun, but I've had it a couple of times, so I know what to expect. I just write off that day (or night). I'm usually good to go the day after. Don't stint yourself from some good, well-deserved rest.

[Hidden]

Hi could be positive coz of piles. About 2 percent are cancer I think but that does include high risk older people. The scopes are fine just opt for the sedation. Both on same day is good as their getting all over with same shot time and money saved 👍

[Dia89]

I had both done too. The prep is not very pleasant but the procedures themselves are fine.

[juniepoonie]

I had positive fit test an doctor put me on 2 week cancer pathway l was soooo scared l had a ct gastrocopy done to rule out nasty in my bowel but not endoscopy! All was fine

[Oscar091]

Hello I’ve just had an endoscopy couple of weeks ago. It’s fine they explain everything to you. It’s really quick and painless. I have found I’ve got gastroparesis which is not good. I’ve got to have Botox injections through an endoscopy. You will be fine it’s very common teet to have. Wishing you all the best. Amber

[FeistyGirl]

Ask for sedation which makes things easier. Also for the endoscopy ask for the local anaesthetic spray for your throat. In terms of the prep it’s easier to drink it through a straw than sip it!

[Frasina]

I have had both done; the gastroscopy is done first. Have sedation as it is much better than just the throat spray alone - some hospitals try to get you to just have the throat spray but being completely awake you know they are putting a camera down your throat and with sedation you don't even know they have done it. As for the colonoscopy I would opt for sedation with this also, and you can also have gas and ait too...The prep is not much fun but needs must! Ideally, make it up in advance and chill it in the fridge. Take as exactly as the hospital says and as none of them taste that nice, add some squash (must not be dark coloured). Plus, have a 'chaser' drink ready to have in between (I had some Lucozade). Be near a loo as you will living in your bathroom for a good few hours and have something to keep you occupied (lap top or book) and something like Sudocrem as you will end up sore otherwise... Follow instructions for the 'diet' leading up to the prep day and you will be fine. You will need one day off for the prep day itself and one day for the tests. Good luck...

[Andann]

Yes, good advice above. Do keep to the food requirements beforehand as you want a complete clearout and not to have to do it again! My husband had to go back again after 4 weeks and take extra laxatives the 2nd time. Maybe it wasnt his fault but his substitutes of food items were a bit inventive.....bread with 28% wholemeal and fish and chips instead of steamed/poached fish and potatoes.

[unicorn203]

i also had both in one day and would say they are no where near as bad as you would expect! good luck and i’m sure you’ll be fine despite how scary it seems! 😀