a positive colonoscopy experience from an anxiety sufferer
Posted , 12 users are following.
The procedure and the prep went well. Here's my tips
Prep (movieprep)
- Follow the instructions provided by the hospital
- The solution tastes like lempsip .. i just downed each glass.
- Be prepared to camp out in the loo. If you live alone think of everything you'll need and take it with you. do this in advance. (e.g. laptop, chair to put things on, water) and of course the prep.
- the 2nd litre you drink acts lots more quickly than the first so be prepared to go to the loo sooner
- Avoid filling your boots with food on the days before the prep starts. Take it easy and the prep will be easier
Diet
- Living without solid food is easy when you can eat orange jelly
- You don't yearn for protein if you have the chicken broth (strained)
The procedure
- take advantage of the fact you have a nurse right by you. talk to them about anything as the conversation will distract you and more importantly relax you relieving you of any anxiety. I was even laughing an joking in mine (remember i am an anxiety sufferer)
- it didn't hurt me
- parp all you like .. you must and you can minimise any cramps
Talk to your GP in advance can help
- If you're anxious / a worrier then talk to your doctor in advance of the procedure
- it's not a lifetime choice but taking anti-anxiety drugs , even a tiny dose could help you significantly. They also give you a break from worry extremes so you can regather your thoughts and take the opportunity to reprogramme yourself if you wish.
5 likes, 21 replies
alexandra64765 caversham
Posted
I've got to go for my first colonscopy as there may be a genetic link and i am petrified as suffer with health anxiety and constantly think it will be cancer!
loretta63638 alexandra64765
Posted
Did you have your procedure? How are you?
patty02379 caversham
Posted
ellie61169 caversham
Posted
Hi. I just turned 50 and am terrified of the prep for the colonoscopy. So scared that I can't think of anything else. I'm afraid that the diarrhea will be so forceful that I'll faint from it. I'm truly scared beyond reason.
patty02379 ellie61169
Posted
patty02379 ellie61169
Posted
The prep even though is the worst to do you use Gatorade and Mirlax for that and 4, tablets of Durcolax that's what they had me use and with into 30 minutes mine was done drank but I was feel nauseated from it then it wasn't away it wasn't bad I am not feeling any pain from this test just the dizziness and a slight headache.