Virtual Colonoscopy

[Shopnow1]

I have a history of severe constipation and CT scan with dye confirmed I am still impacted . I now have a virtual Colonoscopy booked on Tuesday and have to take Gastrografrin tomorrow which I am petrified of taking even though I have taken Laxido for months and pooing for england. None of it makes any sense to me how I can still be so impacted. Anyway has anyone taken this OR been in a position like me .

[xjrs]

I found Gastrografrin for the CT scan to be far easier on the system than the Moviprep for full colonoscopy. In fact, I wasn't sure if I'd completely emptied with the Gastrografrin. When I mentioned this to the CT nurse, she said that this wasn't a problem.

Good luck with the scan.

[Bracondale]

I'm sure that you'll find this virtual colonoscopy more comfortable than an actual colonoscopy (which I found, without pain relief or sedation, to be like labour pain but bearable). I guess the main thing is to be near a toilet when /after taking the Gastrografin. I hope that all goes well on Tuesday and you get some answers.

[Dudders123]

It’s a really simple procedure, and the Gastrografin worked like a dream - have no worries, very gentle very predictable, out of all my constipation intrusions this was a walk in the breeze - in the park, have no fear - it’ll sort you out impaction be gone !!!

[yorkshire_lass]

sorry you're suffering so much. I haven't been where you are, but was sent for a colonoscopy by my GP because I had continuous diarrhoea. Nothing was found, except a lot of normality!

I hope it all goes well, and they can help you feel better.

[Ricky650]

Like most things, the wait and stress is usually worse than the event.Make use of the gas and air but don't do what I did and take too much of the stuff. It make me feel sick 🙂

Hope all goes well 👍

[Breathless1943]

Hi,I had a colonoscopy some time ago,and swore I would never have another. It really hurt me,but that’s just me others have been fine.

I to have a blockage now and again but it’s all new to me learning how to handle it,that’s if it is a blockage. I would just like to ask you people,what is a virtual colonoscopy I’ve never heard of it before.

[FeistyGirl]

I’ve had Gastrografin on a number of occasions before a virtual colonoscopy. It’s much milder than the prep they use for colonoscopy. Whilst it has usually had a laxitive effect on me on the last occasion I used it there was zero effect at all!!!

I was worried they’d cancel the procedure as my bowel was obviously not clear but they said it wasn’t a problem and went ahead with no issues.

[Harveyhound]

Hi there I have taken gastrographin , it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I mixed it with orange juice each time and yes it does give you diarrhoea but it wasn't too bad.

[binks]

Don't worry about the Gastrografin - I am the most anxious person on the planet and I found it far less problematic than I imagined. You'll be ok. X

[Shopnow1]

Thank you for all your kind replies. Unfortunately I bottled out ! ( not feeling very proud of myself) and being rearranged.

[Harefieldfan]

what is a virtual colonoscopy, please?

[Shopnow1 in reply to Harefieldfan]

Unlike a Colonoscopy where a camera is used to examine your colon a virtual colonoscopy is less evasive and the pictures of your bowel are taken with a CT scanner. However you do have to take the same Bowel prep before. Unfortunately I bottled out of mine today as frightened of the Prep but now have it booked for Easter Tuesday

[lydia56 in reply to Shopnow1]

I was also given the same prep as you, as the other preps did not work, But then I passed out about 15 mins after 1st dose, so i think I have an allegery to the iodine in it. I have had lotsof scans and MRI and there is nothing to be scared of with them they dont hurt. But try to be somewhere safe before you take the prep, wished I had laid down on the bed and then maybe I would have been ok. The hospital said its not an unknown side effect, also I am over 60 so that doest help.

[Harefieldfan]

Ah. I think I had one of those -- they called it ultrasound. The prep was much much less horrible. And the diet was great. The nurse said I was really cleaned out. I was surprised!