Colonoscopy fears
I'm worried - I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy next Thursday & I really don't want to do it!
The physician requested a stool test when I told him about the Levator Ani muscle spasms that I was still experiencing every now & then - well, the test showed that a lot of blood & hence he requested a colonoscopy to see what is going on in there.
Personally I am not so concered about having bowel cancer as I have been a vegetarian for 25 years & the stats are very low (for having bowel cancer) for such people - but rather it is the whole invasiveness of the procedure that irks me a LOT 
I actually think the bleeding in the bowel may be caused by severe inflammation maybe from IBS although I have never been diagnosed as having such OR maybe from an as yet undetected allergy to wheat - and I will be glad to know just what is going on in there so that I can modify my diet to correct it, etc.
Has anyone else with CFS/FMS (which has been my diagnosis for the past 2 years) been through a Colonoscopy? I would be most grateful for any feedback on how it went for you, especially afterwards - does it really bomb you out as a result of the anaesthetic, etc, etc, ... ?
PJ
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Stress is a big factor in
Stress is a big factor in many medical conditions. Learning to relax can help us control our anxiety and tension. We can learn this through groups and professionals, and there are books and videotapes one can use. It's a good idea to practice this regularly, not just when one is in a crisis.
If you still think you may need to have a colonoscopy, perhaps ask yourself which would be worse: because of the fear, to end up with a problem too advanced to be cured, or to have a colonoscopy and have any fears of illness appeased. You can also talk your fears over first with your physician's nurse, who will assure you that all possible pain will be avoided.
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Not so good ...
They don't last long, only about 24-36 hours but they leave me feeling really mentally bashed up - probably the effect of the adrenaline & other brain chemicals being released.
Sorry to hear that
Sorry to hear that ........its the pits when that happens ....but between the anaesthetic and all the stress leading up to the procedure ....has got top be what causes that.........will be thinking of you.....Diane
Hi PJ, I have not had a
Hi PJ,
I have not had a Colonoscopy (thought 55 this yrs and will be screened so fingers crossed)but last year had an General Anaesthetic for a Gallbladder removal .......I had a hard time afterwards ....though not sure which part GA or op which contributed .....but since then this website has included a brochure that is good to printout and take to DRs .... I was not prepared mentally for what came after ....so my recommendation to you is prepare by having things in place ......well stock freezer ....help at home .......rest as much as you can before........and this saying that I only received yesterday in an email....'Worrying does not empty tomorrow of it's trouble,it empties today of it's strenght".......so try not to worry about the what ifs .......Stay strong....stay positive ...... I will send good vibs your way on THursday.........
Diane
thanks
Really good to read of yr experience Diane - I will go & find that brochure to read - I have had to eat very little yesterday & then nothing but fluid today & I am really feeling zonked already & the bowel cleanse medication hasn't even started working yet!
And thank you for yr thoughts too
PJ
Phew ...
Well, I got through it & the surgeon did find a polyp & removed it so maybe that was contributing to the anaemia that I had been experiencing for the past 6 months (due to bleeding in the bowel) so maybe I can look forward to a bit more energy now that it's gone - although I won't get my hopes up
The procedure itself was a breeze - they use a very light form of anaesthetic that didn't cause me any vomiting afterwards. It is just the 3 day prep work, purging the bowel that is very debilitating & someting I would definitely not look forward to again.
PJ