Terrified to have colonoscopy

ilovewings

I am in my early 70's was diagnosed just before my 70th (2015) with colon cancer (which I didn't know I had)  if it hadn't been for my blood test/colonoscopy I wouldn't have known I had it.

You must get it done (colonoscopy) -the longer you leave it the more frightened you will feel-Do you have anyone to go with you for the test ?

I was very frightened (also had CT Scan) and they could see a tumour in my large intestine. Plus narrow stools etc etc.

The prep isn't very pleasant - I will have to have it again in 3 years before another colonoscopy as I'm being monitored.

Try to get yourself tested -if I'd left it I wouldn't like to think what the outcome might have been.(I had surgery to remove tumour and 8 inches of large colon).

2 years on I am fine seeing consultant every 6 months having a scan every year and two blood tests -next one August.

Do it is all I can suggest-face it-you may not have cancer-but at least you'll put your mind at rest.

Regards

Susan

The bleeding could be caused by hemorrhoids but you should definitely get a colonoscopy just to make sure. I also believe screening for colon cancer starts at age 50 (at least in the US). With rectal bleeding it could be anything - hemorrhoids, colitis, Crohn's, diverticulitis, polyps, etc. Not always cancer, but please get the colonoscopy done. It could turn out to be nothing, but at least you'll have a peace of mind.

Don't worry about the prep - sure it's unpleasant but not unbearable. You just have to go one day without food and then you can eat right after the procedure. The actual colonoscopy itself is not bad at all - I'm 18 and have already had 2. I was asleep both times and didn't feel a thing. The drugs only made a little loopy and tired after I woke up, but they wore off after about 15 minutes. The worst that can happen is that they can sometimes cause nausea or dizziness, but the nurses there can help with any discomfort you're feeling. Perforation can happen but it is very rare, it has never happened to me nor anyone else I have talked to that's gotten it done. The specialists perform these everyday, they are very experienced and careful. The whole thing should take an hour at most - they go in, check everything, maybe take a few biopsies if needed, and then you're done. Trust me, it is nothing to fret over. Nothing bad will happen to you.

Please get it done, it's not the best way to spend your day but you'll be so glad you did. Like I said, whether it's hemorrhoids or something else, the best way to know for sure is to get it checked. You don't want to keep bleeding, do you? I hope you go through with it and everything turns out okay.

Please, do get the nerve to go and have it done.  I turned out to have bowel cancer- and had NO symptoms, no pain or discomfort, no weight loss, no change in bowel habits, just ONE incidence of blood loss. I was 61 the day I was diagnosed. The faster these things are found, the simpler they are to deal with, so the sooner you get one done, the better. You know youreself all the stuff about the prep/going without food are just things you are using to put it off. Don't. Go now.

You know you have a rectal bleeding issue...that "may" be caused by haemorrhoids or it "may" be by something worse...like cancer. My wife just had a bowel cancer screening test result to say they found blood in her stool sample. Her thoughts about the colonoscopy...better a few days inconvenience than a long time in great pain and an early death.

So, your two choices, 1. do nothing..like now and take your chances or 2. be proactive and get it sorted. If I had cancer, I would want to know as early as possible so treatment can be carried out asap. Don't be an, 'if only etc" person

The colonoscopy might just give you a pleasant result. ”you have haemorrhoids, we can fix them for you” or even, “you have early stage bowel cancer and we can probably cure you of that. Good job you came in early enough”. 

I'm with all the previous posters.  Get it done.  It will be fine.  A bit unpleasant but sure you've done it before.  And so what if you've a few more miles on the clock?  If it was one of your best friends what would you say to them?  Now be a best friend to yourself.  You can do it.

Hello  Just came across your post.  I know exactly how you feel as I suffer from anxiety especially health anxiety.  I am 69 years of age and have suffered from IBS for 6/7 years.  The last 6/8 months has seen my anxiety at an all time high for various reasons.  I have had been suffering fromn constipation which I put down to anixety and the IBS.  I started getting blood in the stools around 7 weeks ago and am now on fybogel to keep them easy to pass.  I have seen my gp and hospital doctor who have both done rectal and abdominable exams which were both fine.  Blood tests show no anemia,infection or inflammation.  Both my gp and the hospital doctor say it could be an higher internal hemmerhoid maybe diverticular problems. I am now waiting for a colonoscopy appointment which should be within next week or so.  I am very frightened like you but I urge you to go ahead and get it done. My husband recently has one as he was found to be very anaemic.  The prep is not nice but he got through it ok and he is the worst patient when it comes to taking liquid medication etc.  He told me he does not remember the actual porcedure as he had sedation.  They found several benign polyps and also some inflammation in the duodenum which is is now being treated for plus iron tablets.  He will have a repeat scope in one year more like a screening just to keep everything in check he is 71 and has other health problems.  He recovered quickly and had it on a Thursday afternoon  we were at a restaurant on the Saturday for a family birthday.  You have to have a low fibre diet the day before ( each hospital may have different instructions).  You will be able to take black tea or coffee clear soups etc and remember to drink plenty of water when you start the prep.  Why not start by going to the gp and having rectal exams blood tests and stool test what ever thy suggest and they will take it from there.  I am very very frightened but I know I must have it done and everyone says after the prep is done the actual procedure is fine.  Please let us know how you get and I will do the same.  Good luck.  Meant to say he had an upper endoscopy as well hence the duodenum inflammation.  I am only having the lower one.

Hello again I replied to your original post and thought I would let you know how I got on with my colonoscopy last week.  Like you I was terrified and the prep is not that nice but if your prepare well then you will get through it.  When I got to the hospital I was a nervous wreck  but everyone was kind and reassuring.  The surgeon was lovely and all of the nurses who attended me.  I am nearly 70 and this was my first colonoscopy because I had rectal bleeding.  I had sedation but was able to to watch on the screen and whilst very relaxed was quite with it.  There were a couple of times when I felt little cramps but they lasted seconds and the consultant stopped and asked if I was ok which I was.  They removed one polyp which he said looks benign and I have a diagnosis of hemmeroids and diverticular which he said one of which would have been causing the bleeding.  It was much much better than I anticipated.  So please try and pluck up the courage to go and have one.  You will be so pleased with yourself.  Tell them how nervous you are and I am sure they will help you.  They even went to see where I was on the list and luckily I was next.  The surgeon came and introduced himself explained everything and was very kind likewise the nurses who assisted him. I have suffered from Anxiety for several years and if I can do so can you.  Don't worry if you are in a state when you go they will look after you.  Let us know if you go ahead and how it goes.