COLONOSCOPY AND GASTROSCOPY TOMORROW

[dojoman59]

Hi everyone, having my first colonoscopy and gastroscopy tomorrow, to say I am stressed is an understatement, keep imagining all sorts of things, any advice on how to handle the anxiety would be greatly appreciated.

[MelOz]

What is it about the procedure that is stressing you out?

[dojoman59 in reply to MelOz]

Thanks for the reply. Just the unkown really, what they may find and the procedure itself.

[MelOz in reply to dojoman59]

I know it's easier said that done but it is fruitless to worry about something that you have no control over - there is nothing you can do to change what they do or don't find tomorrow.

In terms of the procedure, I've had both done. Neither is pleasant but it's not painful. At any point if you do have pain you can let the nurse know and they can stop. If you have any information leaflets it may be worth reading through them. You can also find information on the procedure on plenty of medical websites (if you're in the UK just Google colonoscopy/gastroscopy NHS) and I'm sure there is loads on YouTube too. It may help to ease your anxiety if you know what to expect on the day.

[gussmithy]

Dojoman, I've had both those procedures and no pain. The colonoscopies were mildly uncomfortable that's all. Gastroscopes are like x-rays, you don't feel anything. If particularly nervous, do ask for a mild sedative.

[-lilybet]

do you take anything for your anxiety ?

[dojoman59 in reply to -lilybet]

No, generally I am fine but when something like this crops up, my mind goes into overdrive.

[-lilybet in reply to dojoman59]

Have you tried some basic breathing techniques in the Moment of these attacks? Or use a distraction like:

see 5 things

smell 4 things

touch 4 things

And so on can’t remember the rest of the senses memory fog!

[dojoman59 in reply to -lilybet]

Thank you, I will try these when it happens again.

[Twistandshout]

I have had both done together bottom first then top. I had a sedative in my hand and fell asleep while they were doing both. Woke up immediately after and asked have you started yet.

[Frasina]

I have had both - separate times each one but also together like you are having. My advice:

Do have sedation - you will need someone to collect you but it is much better than just gas and air. There is no point being a martyr when having these tests! The gastroscopy is done first and with sedation you not even be aware it is being done. It literally takes a few minutes.

The colonoscopy is then done - you will just feel a bit 'out of it' but not completely unaware of what is going on. This means that you may still have some slight discomfort (it happens when the scope is going round the bends!) If this is the case, the nurses will offer you gas and air also which helps. The procedure can take 20 mins or so but time goes quickly and you can if you want still look at the screen to see what is going on.

My other bit of advice relates to the prep you drink... I have had a couple of different ones - the last 2 colonoscopies I have had is Moviprep (it's a salty lemon flavour). No doubt today is your prep day so add some light coloured squash to the prep drink and make it up early and keep it in the fridge so it is ice cold - it is easier to drink this way. Plus, asides the water you have to drink too, have a 'chaser' drink like Lucozade to have a mouthful of after you have had a few mouthfuls of the prep.

Please remember that it is all very doable and the hospitals do thousands of these procedures.

Just ensure you are near a loo also all today (make your bathroom your place to stay for the next 12-24 hours) and have sudocrem handy as you will get sore otherwise. Wishing you all the best for tomorrow - report back on how you found it.

[dojoman59 in reply to Frasina]

Thank you for your reply, the procedures were done in the order you stated, I was sedated but still concious and did not feel a thing.

[dojoman59]

Thank you to everyone who replied, greatly appreciated. Just got back from the procedures and everything went fine, thankfully nothing too serious was found. I had sedation, but was still concious but never felt a thing.

[Frasina]

Glad to hear it was not as bad as you anticipated.

[Sparrow58]

Well done!! You should be very proud of yourself and give yourself plenty of TLC today

[briarhillcat]

Hello dojoman59. I am sorry you are suffering with the worry of having these procedures done. I do understand, I have had them myself. It is hard to say "Do not worry". Easier said than done, But I am sending good wishess to you, and thinking of you. Take care. Briar Hill Cat

[briarhillcat in reply to briarhillcat]

Hello, just read that all went well. I am so pleased for you. Briar Hill Cat