Colonoscopy - honest review
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi All, I have just returned this evening from having a colonoscopy at Murrayfielld Spire private hospital on the Wirral but booked through the NHS choose and book system.
If you are having one of these PLEASE do not worry, it was fine but I would urge you to do the following.
I had nothing to eat on Sunday ( they advised a light diet) I had lots of high juice and boiled sweets. This morning I was supposed to have my first picolax at 8am then 12pm. I had my first at 6.30am which started to work about 30 mins after initial consumption. The second sachet I had at 10.30am. I went into hospital at 6pm and went down for the procedure at about 7.45 and had just stopped having diahorrea, so it was good timing. Next, I had sedation via IV and was woken up an hour later - I was completely out for the count, I remember chatting to the anaesthetist and the next thing I woke up in recovery. I have had a sigmoidoscopy before with no sedation and found the wind pain very painful and the procedure uncomfortable.
The consultant said my bowel prep was brilliant - really clear for good viewing. They found some inflammation in my colon and took biopsies and I have a review at the beginning of September. Please do not worry - I got my normal calm self into such a state today after reading some posts - key things are get a good prep so you don't have to repeat and request absolute sedation ( not sure if I got this as is a private hospital and anaesthetist was there) also an understanding consultant helps! Finally, nearly forgot VASELINE before the diarrhoea starts and apply after every bowel movement with a piece of tissue - absolutely no soreness unlike last time . Good Luck and try not to worry x
0 likes, 10 replies
mary_p
Posted
Reading about someone's experience is more beneficial and positive than any amount of googling for info. I've started the selective diet today as I my default situation is constipation so I may need. this extra prep.
You don't mention any after effects and so I assume that you felt fine by the time you were sent home.I have heard that some people experience dreadful wind in the hour or so following the procedure. Did you?
I hope you are fine and all is well. I shall remember your words on Monday.
Kind regards, Mary P.
Stangabird
Posted
I'm 36 years old and have had Crohns disease for 10yrs, I very rarely have a flare up and I do not take any medication, so was totally shocked to be invited for this procedure. On talking over my concerns with my IBD nurse, I found out that this was purely a 'surveillance' colonoscopy. So I took the Picolax sachets and followed the diet the day before the test. Tip: As soon as you start having bowel movements after the first dose of laxatives, use vaseline with every wipe to prevent any soreness! This wasn't the best day of my life but it certainly wasn't the worst either! You just feel a bit sorry for yourself and a bit down as you can't eat much (especially hard when my Husband came home with Fish 'n'Chips for his supper and I'd had a bovril drink!) The next morning I had my colonoscopy, I cried as I was so anxious, there was no need to be. I had sedation and pethidin and cannot even remember the camera being inserted. What I do remember is discomfort when they blow a little air into your colon, but it doesn't last long, just big breaths kind of done the trick for me. I went home about an hour after the procedure (if you choose sedation then someone will need to pick you up) and tonight I am fine, just a few niggly gripes inside of me but then that could be down to the curry I have just had for supper...! PLEASE don't worry, the waiting is by far the worst bit and weigh up the pro's and con's of having the test done, it could save your life after all! Good Luck x
mellymc
Posted
I'm glad it helped to relieve any anxieties you may have had in the lead up to your Colonoscopy. I was so relieved when I returned home that I wanted to share my experience as I didn't realise how worked up I had become reading all the negative comments - for every one negative comment it seems to counteract at least 10 positive ones!i had absolutely no wind pain at all in the days following the colonoscopy unlike my first consultation with my consultant when he examined me with a sigmoid scope with the air - this lasted all of about 3 mins but I had cramping pains for the rest of the afternoon and early evening following that! I did experience some pains afer the colonoscopy only when moving which I put down to the biopsies they took.
Generally, I didn't feel great for about 4 days afterwards as my stomach was very upset and I felt bloated and a bit sore. This surprised me as after my previous sigmoidoscopy I felt fantastic straight away - almost like I had a detox and was full of energy. I think maybe because they did find some inflammation this time then this is why.
I read somewhere that as the picolax literally washes everything out of your system it takes with it all your good bacteria so I decided to try some probiotics in the form of actimel drinks. My stomach has since settled down. I have also avoided red meat and increased my fish consumption which is definitely better for me diet wise. I have been suffering with IBS but recently have had more bad days than good so it was definitely time to get it reviewed again - I tried food diaries and also elimination diets etc - I have a good knowledge of Food as I am a Food Technologist but couldn't seem to find any correlation/ interaction with anything I was eating. I am hoping that I get an action plan early September when I see my consultant for the review - life's to busy and I just want to enjoy it! Good luck with your Colonoscopy and stay positive.
Kind Regards,
Melanie
stephen210
Posted
This is what happened to me this time I have had many tests and operations with no problems. PLEASE,PLEASE do not let it put you off having these procedures done it may be better to have discomfort for a short while than not know what problems you have.
ZophaiRoberts
Posted
SaultSteve
Posted
fiona2412 mellymc
Posted
mel64317 mellymc
Posted
I also have just had this procedure done yesterday at the unit in a Slough hospital...WOW What a team...!
I could not fault this NHS team from the initial consultation to the end procedure. All were professional, well informed and so kind to a lady that was VERY worried. To all that are scared...don't be. I had very light sedation ( felt like a glass of wine ) and watched the whole journey around my tummy on the screen !I had no real pain...I know that's not everyone's experience, but just mild discomfort as a little air was pumped into my bowel... The whole thing was over in less than 20 minutes and after a short nap, I was sitting up drinking a cuppa and eating a biscuit......
I did almost exactly as you did....did the bowel prep as they told me, but used Sudacrem ( for babies) and baby wipes for cleaning, so no soreness....and..other than being a bit windy !!! my tummy has returned to normal today......
well done everybody...and again try not to worry. xxxx
anthony78371 mel64317
Posted
I think I am more worried about the prep than anything else.
I am pretty sure(I have not picked it up yet) that mu prep is a full gallon anain this time.
Last time, it was a full gallon as well, but I was to drink it all the night before. This time they are to have me drink half of it the night before, and get up 4:00 AM the next AM and drink the remaining.
I was thinking of maybe shorting the prep 8 oz only the night before, and 8 oz only the next AM, as I have part of my colon removed.
striker990 mellymc
Posted