Not sure what's wrong, and what is a colonoscopy ACTUALLY like?

Posted , 3 users are following.

I'm going to be honest, 'Too Much Information' warning is happening right now!! If anyone has any idea what might be occurring with me, it'd be great for some feedback!

I'm only 17 (female), and never have I been put in an invasive position of needing anything private looked at. 

I've had bleeding occurring on and off for about 2 weeks now, lower back pain as well. I did originally have excruciating pain when going to the toilet so I assumed I had a fissure. But now that pain is gone and I checked, I certainly don't have a fissure. I don't believe it is haemorrhoids either as the symptoms don't match. 

But the bleeding seems to happen random times I go to the toilet.  It's very bright (assuming it's coming from the colorectal area). But occasionally has clots within it 😷. 

I should probably mention in the past 24 hours I've been bleeding more (when I do bleed) and occasionally even when I'm only passing water. The lower back pain is beginning to increase a bit. 

Assuming my doctor checks and finds it isn't a fissure or haemorrhoid, she will undoubtedly refer me for a colonoscopy.. Being only 17 I honestly wouldn't know the first thing about a colonoscopy, but I'd love if someone could help me with the following questions:

• Is it routine to sedate someone before it?

• After the General anesthetic wears off, do you feel much pain or discomfort?

• what did you experience post-procedure that you wish someone had warned you about?

• Is it really as embarrassing as it seems? 

The only thing stopping me from letting my doctor investigate is that I'm incredibly shy in that regard, even though my doctor has probably seen many throughout her career hah. I have to see my doc within the next 24 hours so any reply is highly appreciated!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I have had a colonoscopy. You did not mention prep. I am in a lot of pain now as I have an anal fissure but wanted to see if I can help you as other cimmenters have helped me.  After the preo whuch consist if laxatives so the colon can be ckean and the Md can see. You will be sedated it would be too painful if awake. Soneone will have to drive you home. I felt no pain afterwards. The doctor is looking for polypts,abnormal growths r any other abnormalities. You did not mention if u went to a colorectal specialist . That is what it took for me to get diagnosed. My regular MD did not diagnose me. I hope this helos u dont be scared the procedure is done whike u r out.
  • Posted

    Please forgive typo's like I said I am in a lot of pain

    • Posted

      Thank you for responding to me! I had an idea about the prep for it. I'm sorry to hear about the pain you are in, fissures are the absolute worst! I haven't seen a specialist yet, as ridiculous as it sounds, I was too embarrassed to even let my doctor check! I told my doctor about it, and she insisted that I let her check, but I was embarrassed even just explaining my symptoms to her. But now that my symptoms have changed/progressed, I think I might have no choice about getting it investigated. I guess it's far better to be safe than sorry in this kind of situation. 

  • Posted

    If the bleeding is bright red they are more likely to send you for a sigmoidoscopy a colonoscopy is typically only used if the blood is mixed in with the motion and there is a case of change in bowel movement 

    I had a sigmoidoscopy (age 18) which I did have to push the doctor for but they are willing to give you an appointment if you keep asking and it's really not that bad they don't have to sedate you And there are a lot less risks, it is not embarrassing at all as these doctors run theses tests everyday on many people! So try not to worry! If you are worried about your health don't give up if they say no 

    Sorry I couldn't help answer questions about a colonoscopy 

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.