Two questions. Colonoscopy worries and head feeling fuzzy

[shakey1961]

Hi all. Sorry to bother you.

Been reading my info about some of the risk of having a colonoscopy. 1 in 15,000 death can happen. Heart attack or stroke from stretching the bowel? I'm due for one on Friday 21st and I'm getting worried. My rational mind says it'll all be perfect. I do wish they wouldn't give you so much information.

Secondly - in an attempt to make my IBD look as bad as possible for my "exploration" on Friday, with my GPs agreement I am eating food that I know affect me. I've been off them for a while but now I'm suffering with a thick head and a slight headache. Also muscle aches and joint pains and VERY tired. I'm hoping all these symptoms prove I have IBD.

Thank you for your time

 

[ronroush7]

Hi. You will do fine with the colonoscopy. Let us know how things turn out.

 

[valleysangel92]

Hello there,

I'm sorry you're feeling so worried, but there is honestly no need to be. They have to tell us those risks, they are legally obliged so that we can give proper informed consent, they tell us because they have to, not because they think it will happen to us.

As an example, I had a hemi-colectomy 3 years ago. My surgeon had never had a perforation in one of his patients, but he still had to tell me that it was a possible post op complication, because otherwise I could have sued him if it had happened and I hadnt been warned about it. My surgery went perfectly and there were no complications at all.

I had a different surgery 5 weeks ago, unrelated to Crohns, and they had to tell me that the anaesthetic could make me sick, or that I could wake with altered sensation in my mouth (it was jaw surgery). They always have to spell this stuff out to us.

There are, very occasionally, complications with scopes, but they are usually minor things like the sedation making you a little dizzy or a little bleeding after the biopsies. The doctors are highly trained and the nurses watch you constantly. They react very quickly to any signs of problems and will always have your best interests at the centre of what they are doing.

I know its scary going through something like this especially if you haven't had it before, but it will be ok. The risks of leaving a medical condition like Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis undiagnosed and therefore untreated because of fear of a test are far higher than the risk of the test.

The best way of looking at it is this, if the information says that 1 in 15,000 people die due to complications after a scope (probably people who are very very sick to begin with), then 14,999 people DON'T suffer that kind of complication.

As for having a "thick head" many people describe feeling this sort of thing and its often known as "brain fog". It can be a result of chronic illness and often results from the sheer effort your body is putting in to trying to function and through other symptoms of illness like disrupted sleep and lack of nutrition. Headaches can also occur for similar reasons and can be caused by nutrient deficiencies like anaemia which can usually be easily detected by blood tests and treated with oral supplements or injections.

 

[shakey1961]

Hi valleysangel92. Thank you so much for all your kind words. I've never been through one of these before so I really don't know what to expect. I'm trying to go to it with an open mind, but I suppose most people would find it worrying. Will I be sick having the Moviprep? What if this happens, what if that happens!

Knowing my luck I'll be the one in the 15,000 people. It has to be someone doesn't it. Still I understand what you're saying. It's highly unlikely to be me.

I need to come away from the investigation with a positive test as I've been ill for 40 years with really no diagnosis, and from what I've read on Dr Google my symptoms fit perfectly.

I'll tell you all how it goes when I'm back.

Many thanks once again.

 

[valleysangel92]

I understand, I truly do, I was only 14 when I had my first endoscopy and 19 for the first colonoscopy. I was terrified, but I took a deep breath and trusted my doctors. I know it's daunting, but the more stressed you are going into it the worse it will be. I've now had 4 colonoscopies and 2 major surgeries. And I'm here and kicking.

It is natural to have some nerves, and I won't lie the prep isn't fun, and sometimes does make people sick. Suck clear mints, drink peppermint tea and black coffee with sugar if you can, and try not to panic. If you are sick, it's not the end of the world, usually it's just a case of keeping your fluids up. Drink as much clear fluid as you can. Once you are going clear, you can stop drinking the prep.

Please try not to panic so much, it really doesn't help with this sort of thing. Yes, technically someone has to be that 'one' but going into it thinking that one is going to be you isn't going to be helpful.

 

[Lizzie]

It's a good idea to drink the prep with a straw so you don't taste it so much, that way you won't feel as sick.

 

[Axelfl3333]

The worst part is the prep, the actual procedure is uncomfortable and strange but results are worth it.my last colonoscopy was done drug free and to be honest was easier than the sedation ones.i was back to normal very quickly.good luck.

 

[shakey1961]

Half way through the prep. My God, this Moviprep is like drinking slimy lemon. Wasn't too bad at 1st but by the end of the 1st half litre I was getting sick of it.

Having said that, I'm surprised I've had no adverse side effects except for flatulence/belching and the accompanied body trembling I get when my stomach is upset.

Next litre I've had the idea of measuring each half litre out into 4 cups so I only have to drink each cup every 15 mins

 

[valleysangel92]

You're doing great make sure you're keeping up the clear fluids. The more water, squash and black coffee or tea you drink the better. Nothing with red colouring though. If you have clear mints, sucking them will really help wind and nausea.

 

[jclynn0212]

I had a Colonoscopy last week. It was my second one and all I could remember from the first one was the nasty texture of the prep. This time I started by mixing it with ice and minute maid lemonade powder. Took the texture and taste right out. I later just started mixing it with the lemonade powder. Helped so much with the taste and even the texture. I had no problems with the procedure. It's not fun any way you do it but the prep is the worst part. You can do it. Best of luck.

 

[shakey1961]

I had better get a F*****g positive result tomorrow when they put that camera up me. My God! What an evening. I shall never ever ever EVER do that again for the rest of my life. At least what's coming out now is as clear as a bell.

I don't think I shall ever eat solid food again!

 

[jclynn0212]

If you've finished the prep, the worst is over. They will put you to sleep tomorrow and you won't even know what happened. You'll be a little gassy afterwards but overall, you'll feel okay. Fingers crossed for answers for you.

 

[shakey1961]

Oh no they bloody will not!!!! I hate being sedated or put to sleep. Gas and Air IF I need it. Been told there's no pain just feeling uncomfortable.

I'm bloody staying awake for this one lol. Watch it on the screen and see if I can and get a copy of the DVD too.

I'm just hoping it's not widescreen!!! LOL

 

[jclynn0212]

Oh no they bloody will not!!!! I hate being sedated or put to sleep. Gas and Air IF I need it. Been told there's no pain just feeling uncomfortable.

I'm bloody staying awake for this one lol. Watch it on the screen if I can and get a copy of the DVD too.

I'm just hoping it's not widescreen!!! LOL

Lol good luck.

 

[shakey1961]

Please accept my apologies for the bad language. By the way of a laugh, take a look at this, you've all probably seen it many times before, but won't hurt to have a laugh again...

https://vimeo.com/172951856

 

[shakey1961]

Well... I had it done! Dear God! Not painfull? The easy bit after the prep? Was sucking on the gas and air like it was going out of fashion. Slowly recovering.

Well the consultant has given me his initial diagnosis and it appears I don't have Crohn's. He took 2 biopsies in 2 areas and removed 2 polyps. Looks like I have to keep my fingers crossed for microscopic colitis.

Depressed as I can't see how I can find out what's making me ill. He did put in the indications at the top "Gluten Sensitive IBS" so perhaps that's s start. I'm much better on a gluten free diet.

Have a follow-up appointment in 3 weeks time when it comes in the post.

Thanks for all your help, will keep you posted

 

[Lizzie]

I thought you were optimistic about the colonoscopy, agony is not the word for it in my opinion, but it's brilliant that you've not got Crohns. Not sure what microscopic colitis is exactly but it can't be as bad as Crohns.