Flex sig?

[xoxava]

flex sig?

So because of the amount of blood I've lost my dr wants to do a flex sig. What exactly is this? I've googled it a little but got freaked out when I saw that you don't have to be sedated. Can they sedate you if you ask them to?? I have anxiety disorder and now I am freaking out just thinking about it. After that he wants to immediately start remicade so yay for some relief (I hope!!)

 

[xJillx]

I haven't had one, yet, but I am due for my first later this month. As far as I have been told, it is basically a flexible scope inserted up the bottom that can view up to the sigmoid (not the entire colon). It is no longer than 20 minutes and biopsies can be taken. I was told there won't be any sedation and it could be uncomfortable, but not painful. So, I am not sure if sedation is an option.

 

[bwightman]

Sedation is definitely an option! I've had two flex sigs and was sedated for both, even though it's a really short procedure. DEFINITELY ask (or demand) sedation, especially if you are in pain. My GI was more than happy to have me sedated, as I was so overwrought for the first one (in pain, anxious, etc.).

Good luck, and I hope the Remicade works for you! It was a miracle drug for me while it was working.

 

[Walt]

sig probe...

Hi Ava,
I have had flex sigmoidoscope without any meds, during a wicked flare.
Not gonna lie... It was intense and difficult.
Definitely explore your drug options for the proceedure.

I was squeezed in for an emergency, but they could not give me any meds.
I wish I had taken my own drugs in the scope dept waiting room.

I was very sick and it was beyond hurt.
You can have a better experience than me, get some meds going for the test.

When they tried to negotiate the 'turn', they had my undivided attention.
Arrange better for yourself.
You don't need to suffer unneccessarily.
You'll do fine, and I hope Remi helps you!
hang in there,
Walt

 

[xJillx]

Hi Ava,
I have had flex sigmoidoscope without any meds, during a wicked flare.
Not gonna lie... It was intense and difficult.

When they tried to negotiate the 'turn', they had my undivided attention.

Uh oh. Now, I am getting nervous! How soon before the exam can you take meds? Will they provide them in office before you start?

 

[bwightman]

Jill,

I was given meds through my IV right before they started the procedure. I think if you request sedation, this is how they will do it. The last thing I remember was my GI saying "let's get this party started!" The next thing I remembered was waking up on a rolling guerney and a nurse (or someone) telling me that if I felt like I needed to pass gas to go ahead and do it. If you're sedated, there's an excellent chance you won't feel or remember a thing!

Beth

 

[xJillx]

Thanks, Beth. I am certainly going to ask for something to make the procedure go better.

How did you all feel afterwards?? Any issues?

 

[bwightman]

No issues afterwords except that I felt a little gassy, which is normal. I was in a flare for both procedures and was an inpatient at the hospital. I don't know if there's normal prep for a flex sig or not (like a colonoscopy prep) because I was NPO for 3-4 days beforehand (no food or anything by mouth).

Actually, it was my first flex sig that led to my Crohn's diagnosis and as soon as they got the biopsy results back I was started on IV steriods. I felt better literally overnight!

I had a colonoscopy recently that did not go nearly as well as the flex sigs, but I won't tell you that story except to say that my GI guaranteed that next time I'll be under general anaesthesia!