Colonoscopy Again

[Joanne]

I have just had an appointment letter come through to book my 4th Colonoscopy, personally I think its a waste of time as by past experiences they cant get the full way round as I have so many adhesions stopping the camera getting too where it should go.

Im a little aprehensive about it and to be honest scared, I have gone through so much this year and to go back for further tests really stresses me out which makes me feel even worse.

Am I being silly as to thinking that this is a waste of time?

 

[Misty-Eyed]

No, I don't think you are being silly. Did you have any other tests done after they couldn't get it all the way around last time?

I had a colonoscopy 5 years ago and they couldn't get past my rectum so I had a barium enema showing strictures not only there, but in my transverse colon. So then a few months ago my GI said he wanted me to have another one to see how my Crohn's is and said my strictures wouldn't be a problem as they could inflate and get past them via a balloon. So I went in and they get through the first stricture, they get to the sigmoid region and they can't even get the guide wire through without potentially perforating me.

I didn't have much sedation for some reason as I was so annoyed but luckily didn't show it too much. There is no way I'd ever let them mention me having a colonoscopy again.

Did you mention it when you went to see them? Maybe your adhesions are quite far around so they'd still benefit from seeing the rest of your colon and how you're doing?

Try not to be scared though. I was and there was no reason for me to be. Even with the minimal sedation it didn't hurt and it was fine.

 

[Joanne]

Ive had Barium Enema follow through, MRI scan, Sigmoidoscopy, internal ultrasound, CT Scan, I have had others but cant remember anymore just now.

I know it didnt hurt, I just felt uncomfortable. Its the case of leave your dignity at the door and pick it up on your way out!

I will mention it to the consultant and see what they say.

 

[StarGirrrrl]

Yes that's good, talk to your GI about it, just because they want it does not mean you have to do it, it's your body and you make the decisions.

As a society we put far too much faith in the medical profession, if more people questioned all the time maybe they wouldn't screw things up so much.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Yes, I agree with Star.

Once they mentioned going back on the pred till I reminded them that it took years to get me off them before and that my bones were in a fragile state from the last time!

And def agree with the dignity thing.

 

[Mr Bedfordshire]

i must have had this done 20 or so times since 2003 and everytime i go in i dread it, but come out thinking why was i such a baby>?!

yes, its unpleasant, but its the best thing for you. no MRI, CT or any other kind of test is better at looking at the bowel etc... and i always think, sod it, these people looking at my backside arent going to see me again and this IS for my own good.

id recommend sedation, i had 2 lots the last time and was wide awake but after speaking with the consultant after, i got home and couldnt remember a single word he said so called him the day after?! numpty...!

you'll be in and out of there in no time.