Undiagnosed and waiting for colonoscopy

Hi. I am 35-female also. My problems are quite different than yours, but I understand about the pain and the issues that come with GI problems, like worrying all the time about where the nearest bathroom is, sometimes not wanting to leave the house because of it, and for me, the constant fear of having an accident. Really limits your life.

As for the colonoscopy, pretty much everyone will agree with me that the preparation for it, drinking a lot of not-so-tasty liquid and spending a LOT of time in the bathroom afterwards, is much worse than the actual procedure. And the prep isn't generally too horrible, just a whole lot to drink in a short period of time, and a lot of going to the bathroom, but it's over with in a few hours (that always makes me feel better, knowing it's just a temporary thing!). For the procedure, they will give you some sedation, you will likely feel nothing during the procedure, and next thing you know you are in the recovery room and don't remember much of anything. Bring someone along to drive you and also to talk with the doctor after your procedure--you may not remember any of what the doc tells you (because of the sedation still wearing off). Overall, I'd say it wasn't that bad.

And I think a lot of us can identify with the thought of not being sure if we want the doc to find anything or not....if they don't find anything, then there's relief that nothing is seriously wrong, but we're no closer to an answer or solution to the problem. If they do find something, it can be scary, but then at least if we know what's going on, maybe it will be easier to treat.

Just to let you know, the people on this forum are all very kind, informative, helpful, and supportive. So don't be afraid to ask questions or talk about things. And you don't have to feel embarrassed about this stuff, it's a very open group, meaning you can talk about anything in detail and not worry that you will be judged or that it's too "gross". Discussions frequently go into detail about symptoms, etc, and the nice thing is that people here understand, they have been through it/are going thru it, and you will quickly find that you are not alone.

Sorry for "talking" so much. I tend to get carried away sometimes. Things will get better!!

Hey, Mummy - I'm sorry your Mom's experience has frightened you. I have found that if you follow the prep instructions with regard to timing your drinks, you will not have terrible urgency on the way to your procedure (assuming you live within a reasonable travel time from the hospital).

I have had struggles with scope prep, but they are related to my particular physiology. I've had one good experience out of four scopes. My challenges have been getting too dehydrated by the prep and fainting the morning of the scope (yuck) and last time getting a terrible migraine during prep (bad luck) and having to go to the hospital early for pain meds for the migraine. I have the additional bad luck of getting nauseated by anesthesia, so each scope for me has ended with about 24 hours of blech. The last time, the one with the migraine, was the worst, because they gave me narcotic pain meds for the headache and that just made me vomit for hours.

My dad, on the other hand, loves loves loves the propofol anesthesia and has enjoyed every scope. Go figure, LOL.

If you eat very lightly the day before you have to do the prep it will make things much easier for you because you won't have as much to clean out. Personally I would always want to get things over with so I never split my prep. I also love the propofol as well lol. Its like a good nap and I never feel groggy from it afterwards

Dont worry about it....it will just make your stomach and nerves worse

I have had 6 in my life time ....first at 14 the last...38...today im 41
There no problem.. you most likely will be asleep anyway

Did you ever try probiotics when first had your problem???
Or try the Scd diet...low carb/paleo or doug kauffmans phase 1
One of the three will help you.....the key is finding out which one works for you
To heal you...we all work different

Many will speak of scd...the avg get better here first...if you dont move on to
To phase 1 doug Kauffman. ...then the aggressive low carb

Dont worry about the test.....for me the gi docs I had all my life
Didnt find anything....so called hemmriods ... until I saw a rectal doc
He figured out ...I had problems in the lower bowel. ..if you dont get answers
And you feel strange in the lower end....seek out a colo rectal doc
These guys are the experts on the lower end....most gi docs are not