colonoscopy and upper endoscopy at the same time
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Last Friday I had a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy of the oesophogus, duodenum and stomach done at the same time. Leading up to the procedure I was absolutely terrified and spent hours looking for information from people who'd had it done so I thought I would share it for others who may have to have both or either of these investigations.
I am a 45 year old female. I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia about a month ago and because of that my GP wanted me to go for a colonoscopy. Not until my appointment came through did I realise I was also having the upper endoscopy done at the same time. Both of these procedures were terrifying to me and it was hard to work out which I was most nervous about; something going down my throat or something where the sun don't shine!
I was sent some industrial strength laxatives with instructions on how to use them. Two days before I had to eat a low residue diet. In fact all I ate was white bread toasted. On the morning of the day before I was allowed some breakfast then only clear fluids (juice, water, black coffee/tea) from then onwards. At 2pm I had to take 10 senokot tablets. Nothing happened. At 4pm I had to mix one sachet of a powder (can't remember the name) with 8oz of hot water and wait half an hour before drinking it. Tasted very citrusy and ok at first but after a few mouthfulls it didn't taste too good but not as bad as some people describe. Nothing happened until about an hour or so later when I got quite severe stomach cramps and 'runs' to the loo! That was it from then; regular need to visit the loo with very little warning other than rumblings in the lower abdomen. I had to take a further sachet at 7pm. Apart from the first bout of severe cramps I had no pain; just exhausting regular visits to the loo until about midnight and a couple when I got up early in the morning of the day of the procedure.
The day of my appointment I cried all the way to the hospital (my partner came with me). I cried the whole time I was in the waiting room and when they were booking me in (check bp etc). I hadn't signed the consent form (which they'd sent with the appointment information) because I wanted to make sure that the Dr knew how terrified I was. He came to see me before I was taken to the procedure room (which was a sort of operating theatre) and promised me he would make sure I was well sedated (asleep!) before he started.
The nurse had put a canula for IV meds into the back of my hand. I walked into the procedure room ( still crying :roll: ). Before the sedation was given and because I was having the upper endoscopy aswell, the Dr sprayed my throat with a local anaesthetic (tastes like vodka mixed with banana), they had to give me this mouth piece which is there to protect your teeth from the scope; they also put a little sponge attached to a tube in your nostril which gives you oxygen while you're sedated. The Dr started putting in the IV sedation which was midazolam and a narcotic pain relief called fentanyl. I told him it wasn't working and he assured me it was; he was right as I have no memory or knowledge of the upper endoscopy; I have a very vague recollection of waking up during the colonoscopy; I was aware it was very uncomfortable but felt disasociated from the pain and more interested in the image on the television screen from the camera! They must've given me more meds because the next thing I know I was waking up in recovery feeling euphoric with relief because they were telling me it was all over :P
I was then allowed to sleep for an hour when they woke me up offering tea and biscuits. They asked me to try walking to the loo and back to make sure I wasn't going to keel over then took me (with my partner) in to a private room to give me the test results. They like you to have someone with you for this part because the midazolam makes you forget things. For about 2 days afterwards I was very very tired and forgetful but am fine now (3 days later) and have been to work today no problems.
I'm sorry this is such a long posting, but it's so hard to find detailed descriptions of these things and for most people these sort of investigations are very fearful prospects and I wanted to share a relatively postive experience in the hope it might help someone else feel less anxious leading up to their appointment.
I hope never to have it done again; but if I do I will not be anywhere near as scared or worried as I was before this first one. I swear I was so scared I was awake most nights leading up to it worrying and googling it (you'll find plenty of horror stories which is why I thought I'd attempt to redress the balance with a positive one).
If you are scare and/or, like me, you have a low pain threshold, then don't be affraid to tell the staff and ask them to make sure you are well sedated.
The staff in the endoscopy unit were lovely and very very compassionate and supportive.
25 likes, 142 replies
mar26150 cry_baby
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helen97279 cry_baby
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ellen42502 helen97279
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keebie cry_baby
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What was the result ?
It's my birthday on Wednesday and having the procedure done on Saturday. ( nice 48th birthday present )
cathy1970 cry_baby
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I too am a 45 female who is going in for the exact same proceedure for the exact same reasons!
Hemoglobin/iron issues and hernia issues. I'm freaking out!
I'm so scared I've started to become ill. I'm not eating, or sleeping. I'm also nervous because i'm a singer. I'm worried about my vocals, and being put under.
I also had an uncle who passed from a nicked bowel during a colonoscopy. So, yeah, I'm sh**ing myself, no pun intended...
Any encouraging thoughts?
Also, how long after are you ready to go back to work? I'm expected to be back the next day...
CC
sanjum1105 cry_baby
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sanjum1105 cry_baby
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marlene88784 cry_baby
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Cry Baby:
Thank you so much for your posting! I've already had the colonoscopy done last month, but am scheduled for an endoscopy day after tomorrow. I've read numerous posts which had me biting my cuticles and nails. I tend to be prone to be overly afraid of medical procedures. I want to thank you as your positive description of the endoscopy made me feel much more at ease. I will make a point of letting the medical staff know that I am prone to be very anxious and fearful.
Once again, --- thank you!
'Chicken in Central California'
marlene88784 cry_baby
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Dear Cry Baby
Well, I want to thank you for your very complete description of your colonoscopy and endoscopy. Because my colonoscopy was nearly 2 months ago I only really remember the overwhelming feeling I got when presented with a gallon of liquid that I was to drink. I managed to drink this at a steady pace from 9:30 pm till 2:30 pm the next day. I'm sure there must be a better way... perhaps 'chugging it', but I dragged it on. The taste isn't actually vile, but it kept bringing up thoughts of 'drinking swamp water.' That said, the actual day of testing was fine! The anesthesiologist had a very calming and kind personality. I don't even remember anything past saying a couple of things to him. Next thing I knew I woke up in recovery. I did have a problem with nausea and was told to mention this for future appts needing general anesthesia.
Regarding my endoscopy, which was 5 days ago. My fear and nerves were at high levels. I want to compliment all hospital staff from 'valet parking' to the gastroenterologist for their compassion and assurances. I had to have an EKG which is totally painless, but none the less still a medical procedure. After that, the nurse had to take blood samples as well as put my IV in. My veins are quite tiny so both of these were somewhat painful. That said, in years past neither lab work nor IV insertion were painful. So blame it on my veins. I was eventually rolled in to the procedural room where there appeared to be about 6 people. All were trying their best to calm my fears, and the gastroenterologist was as sweet and calming as the rest while trying to assure me that all would go well. I remember they showed me the mouth guard but past that I have NO memory past their putting the oxygen tubes on me. My next memory is of waking up in recovery and the Dr. coming in to talk with me. Nothing about that test, besides my personal difficulty with small veins and IV insertion, was scarey.That said, I know me! I have been told that I'll need to repeat the endoscopy in 3-4 months. I will again put myself through fear and anxiety, but honestly... 'I don't remember a thing past the oxygen placement and looking at the mouth guard. For you braver souls... This test is NOTHING to fear!! For other 'chickens'>> you will be fine!!
Sk8parklove cry_baby
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Th a k you so much. I go in to have both done tomorrow. I've been so nervous and this was the only thing I could find about both. Thank you so much
marlene88784 Sk8parklove
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Sk8parklove
I hope you were able to read my post. Let me just tell you that there is NO bigger coward than me!!' On both these procedures you are asleep before they do either scope. For the colonoscopy after that horrid prep.. They put the IV in and I don't remember anything after telling the anesthesiologist that he had a friendly smile. On the endoscopy I was a 'basket case' from the time they rolled me in for the EKG & drew blood. Lol, EKG's are those little sticky things they hook up to wires... took longer to hook up the wires than to do the EKG. I'm not fond of needles... so I always cringe when they draw blood>> but we all know it's no big deal. Then they rolled me in to that room with different people... Nurses, the gastroenterologist and the anesthesiologist. They told me (very sweetly) to let go of the rail. Lol, after I released the gurney's rail, I asked them if I would be asleep before they put the mouth guard in. ?? I guess the answer was 'yes', cuz the next moment I was in recovery. Now, that said, I have to have another endoscopy again in October. Will I be any braver?? No. Will I grip the gurney rail? Probably! Are you totally asleep before they put anything in you? YES!
But I'll go thru my nervous ordeal all over again... Just a teensy bit braver.
Good luck!! U will be fine!! Let us know how it all went for you! ????
GaryGary cry_baby
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I want to do the gastro + colo before a doctor tells me to do it, but I was a bit scared, my only problem is to stay 2 days witout eating...
Jontjames cry_baby
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Not necessary to apologize for the length and details of your post. In fact, for those who have never had this done, I believe your story is actually the most truthful and honest of any about these procedures. I went through the same things (except for the crying...I am a man and I was with my girlfriend so I had to act tough, when in reality, I felt like crawling into my mother's lap).
?In fact, I also briefly awoke during the procedure (I think it is when they "snipped by intestines checking for polyps), and seeing weird stuff happening around me, then back into dreamland.
?And I remember telling them about my pain threshold, to which they almost laughed as I don't remember how or when I went out
?The only thing that I can add is that the only embarrassing thing was afterwards, when they away you in another room, you will have to pass a lot of gas. In my case, my girlfriend was in the room with me, so it wasn't too embarrassing, but it's different when you're doing it on purpose vs. uncontrolably. (Don't worry though, because you'll have nothing it your bowels, it won't smell up the room; it's simply air escaping after having a tube with a camera opening it).
But again, for those of you who have not had this procedure, and are worried about it, I would strongly suggest reading this post because it is pretty much dead on with my experience (as my first time at least).
The worse part is the night before. I grabbed a pilliow and my tablet, and set them on the back of the toilet, because I got tired of getting up so much.
?Also, it may be a good idea to grab some baby wipes (seriously), because you're going to do some wiping, and you don't want a rash on top of all else that is going on.
?Good luck, and I hope all is well!!!
stephanie0198 cry_baby
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Thanks for your story. I'm 44 and going through the same thing for the same reason. Do you mind telling me what they found I'm your case to be your problem? Hope you're doing better.
marlene88784 stephanie0198
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Stephanie
After multiple weeks of chronic diarrhea and a 4 day hospital stay which included a colonoscopy and multiple blood tests>> I finally saw a gastroenterologist (not the one from the hospital who did the colonoscopy). He scheduled me for an endoscopy where he found a non bleeding gastric ulcer. He put me on Omeprazole (Prilosec) which put an immediate halt to the diarrhea. Wish I had seen him 2 months earlier, but I'm just glad I finally found a doctor who could help me out.
Ill be going in for a follow up endoscopy in a few weeks... Still dread them, even tho I know I'll be put out, but the doc wants to see how my ulcer is doing. I'm doing so much better and have lots of confidence in this doctor.,
stephanie0198 marlene88784
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I see well I just have very low iron and red blood cells. I'm very worried about what they might find.
marlene88784 stephanie0198
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Stephanie
I'm the last person to tell others not to worry cuz I'm terrible about always deciding whatever I have 'is something terrible', but it never has been. So just try to keep yourself busy until you hear back from your doctor.
I was positive I had cancer a few months ago, and after getting myself so worked up, I found out that it was only scar tissue. In terms of the ulcer, I never had a clue 'what' was causing my chronic diarrhea.
If you don't mind, please let me know what the doctor finds. Sending you positive thoughts!
stephanie0198 marlene88784
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Thanks so much...just talking makes me feel better. Did they find out why you had low iron and
Why you were anemic? My biggest fear in all honesty is the IV. I don't do well with needles.
shirley61689 stephanie0198
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Hi I'm anemic iron deficiency and low blood thingy? I've had 3 colonosprry in 3 months had big polyps removed but still iron low gp wants to do a endoscopy no way so I'm having a barium x ray to see if I have a bleed from something what did they say yours was x
stephanie0198 shirley61689
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Shirley,
I haven't had either of them done yet. I am not scheduled till October 21st.
I want to get it over with. I am glad that I am getting both done at the same time so therefore I won't have to go repeat anything. How low is your iron level if I may ask? Mine was 4.
shirley61689 stephanie0198
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