Petrified colonoscopy with complication.

Posted , 7 users are following.

Diagnosed diverticulosis at my last colonoscopy. With family hx of colon cancer am due again and it is scheduled for this coming Tues. Doctor said I need a double time slot for procedure as my colon is twisted. Also diagnosed with mega colon many years ago.  After  last colonoscopy also diagnosed with esophogitis (redness at the juncture) and mild gastroparisis.  I am an anxious prone person to begin with.  I woke today with anxiety going through the roof. My upper GI symptoms so much worse I guess with the anxiety.  So scared with the upcoming colonoscopy. Does the diverticulosis make you more vulnerable to risks? Should you go on low residue diet?. My info sheet only warns of no corn and seeds one wk before. Ate banana and 3 fiber per cup cold cereal for breakfast today. It is Fri and colonoscopy is Tues. So scared about everything. Trying to control my mind but my body won't listen. Feeling so increasingly sick upper GI wise. How am I going to get the miralax prep down feeling like this? Should I be on low residue diet or will that cause constipation and make matters worse?  Any help/insight so greatly appreciated.

 

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  • Posted

    Sorry I can't help you with your questions with DD you need hight fibre diet you should try and listen to music or try something to help you relax i know easier said than done but best of luck

    Mary

    • Posted

      Mary,  Thank you for your reply.  Although you could not answer my concerns I do appreciate your thoughtfulness to reach out to my distress. 
  • Posted

    I agree with Mary. You need to just relax, I know it is easier said than done, but you are getting yourself worked up.

    Go out and take a walk, get some fresh air it does help believe me. 

    Everything will be fine with the colonoscopy. The majority of people have diverticulosis, it is when it turns into diverticulitis that you have to be concerned.

    Just breathe and relax.

    • Posted

      Glad to know most people have diverticulosis. The concern remains regarding the twisting and need for a full hour time allotment when one half hour is the norm they regularly book for the procedure. Also not knowing if a low residue diet just for prep is good or bad to do as my regular diet is high fiber. I will take your advise and try a walk. Thank you for your reply to me.  
    • Posted

      I think the prep for the colonoscopy is the worst, I would stick to your normal diet until you have to start with the prep. Think of the extra time as they are being realy careful and Allowing for a thorough examination.  Easy to say don't worry, try and keep your mind occupied and Good thoughts

    • Posted

      Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your suggestion to think about the extra time in terms of a through exam rather than an indication of vulnerability.
  • Posted

    A few days before I'd eat light. No meat as in steak .  Just chicken , fish and easy to digest foods. No raw veggies.  You must eat but the prep will be easier if you eat a light diet.  Try to relax. You will be fine. Thousands of people go through this. I've had many many.  I learned that worrying only makes it worse.  I have learned breathing exercises which have helped me considerably. Miralax is the best prep. Good luck. 👍

    • Posted

      Ps I forgot to mention my colon was twisted too so the doctor taking precautions is very good. Relax❤️ I am an anxiety person too but twenty years if bowel issues have made me feel like a pro!!!
    • Posted

      Thank you so much for your helpful reply.  Sounds sensible to eat light, easy to digest food.  Not much of a cook so tonight making white boil in the bag rice and adding that to a pot of organic chicken broth to which I added some frozen French style green beers and A bag of Purdue short cuts chicken. Tomorrow I will eat a banana and some stonyfield organic yougert for breakfast and some creamy peanut butter with saltine crackers and some jarred peaches for lunch. Dinner can just be a repeat. I think this would be going light?

      Thank you, thank you, thank you for telling me that your colon is also twisted.  So good to know someone else with the same issue made it through. You can't imagine the awful thoughts I was having about the scope trying to pass through these twists. Don't know what causes that condition. Thank you again for your wonderful kind help! I hope your gastrointestinal issues are improving. The  problems sure are challenging to say the least. And anxiety sure doesn't help but that is another issue in itself. 

    • Posted

      I take it day by day.  I also have IBS and today I am having cramping. It's from something I ate. I think dark chocolate bothers it. I ate a lot thinking i was being healthy.  Just kidding. It seems too much does irritate my intestines. Can't eat it too often.  

      Once when my colon was very twisted they did an enema with barium to see how it looked inside instead of the scope. So don't worry they will stop if it's too twisted. Good luck!😘

  • Posted

    Hi

    Some very good advice in the posts I have read here.  I would just add that, as you are US based, you should explain to the doctors about your anxiety and request sedation if possible.  Best wishes

    • Posted

      Thank you, Here in the USA sedation during colonoscopy seems to be a standard procedure unless otherwise requested. 
  • Posted

    I suffer from anxiety as well and like you mine is severe as I also have lupus so have double wammy. I had a colonoscopy 4 months ago I had a collapsed colon and small partial blockage which was picked up when I had a CT scan. I was diagnosed with diviculitis. I ate normally until I received my pack from hospital which tells you exactly what to eat before your colonoscopy  make sure you follow the instructions. I was asked whether I wanted a sedative before my colonoscopy which I accepted and to be honest that helped so much and I was surprised it was over so quickly. I also took my ipod and listened to music whilst I was waiting to be seen I was also asked whether I wanted to listen to my music during the procedure. Try not to worry it will be over and done with before you no it.  

    • Posted

      My goodness I certainly commend your courage in light of having the complication of a collapsed colon and the blockage issue.  My dad was diagnosed with lupus while he was in treatment for colon cancer. I thought I might have developed it too as I brake out in a butterfly like rash when coming out of a hot shower. I have been diagnosed with lichen sclerosus and numular eczema which are autoimmune inflicted . Also monitored for growth of large thyroid nodules. Have vascular insufficiency and bouts of upper quad tooth pain of unknown origin. Oh almost forgot the retention cyst in my sinus but ent specialist said not causing tooth pain. Coupled with osteoporosis and the GI issues I thought Lupus might be in the background. I mentioned this to the doctor but so far my yearly blood work has been negative. 

      I hope your lupus is under control.  

      For me the tooth pain has been the worst. Also have bulging discs in neck and herniated disc in back which I surmise is the long term result a car accident (passenger removed from car by emergency crew with help from jaws of life). 

      I am sorry you suffer from anxiety too.  I try so hard to control it with positive restructured thoughts but it is very challenging. 

      Thank you so much for letting me know about you. It helps to know others with complications made it through just fine. 

       

  • Posted

    I wish I could help you too.  the only thing I can recommend is to try and not freak out.  I have a great meditation tape The Joy of Meditating by Salle Merrill Redfield.  You can download it on Itunes.  It really helps you with your breathing and helps to relax you.   Try and think positive about the procedure and the prep.   We sometimes allow ourselves to get so worked up and then anxiety destroys us.  I am leaving today for my 14 day trip to Europe and I still have some pain on my left side

    but it's almost like when my thigh meets my pelvic. They told me my pelvic floor is shifting (?? not sure what that means).  I am just trying to stay focus that they told me my diverticulitis was healed and my bloodwork and CT scan was good but it is still very scary.  I will pray for you that everything goes well.  Hang in there and listen to the tape.  Numerous people have told me how much it helped them in stressful times.  Good luck

    • Posted

      Thank you, I will definitely look for that tape. I have tried relaxation tapes before to no avail but not that particular one.  I think my anxiety gets so severe that I can't concentrate. I could certainly use the relief and am grateful for your suggestion. 

      Your right about getting worked up and then the anxiety is very destructive. I have seen people confront health issues but somehow they are able to deal with the stress and  their anxiety remains in control. They have fears too but seem to be able to rationalize or deny the threat as a way of coping. For those prone to anxiety it is a challenge to think straight as the the fear (like you pointed out)  seems to consume you. 

      I hope this is the end of your diverticulitis. I think the pelvic floor shift has something to do with your uterus and is gynecological. I  had pelvic floor dysfunction and they thought it was a resistant UTI. On so many antibiotics that did'nt help until I researched it out and went to a uro-gynecologist and she found the problem a regular gyn and urologist missed. With special vaginal exercises it seemed to resolve. 

      I hope your lingering discomfort goes away with a little more time and that you have a wonderful safe, happy and much good health on your trip.

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