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nervous about 1st colonoscopy

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 12/6/2008 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
I'm about to embark on my very first colonscopy ever, the one test I've actually been avoiding for over 10 years. I know I have to get it done to rule out other problems and to say that I've done it all, but I'm still quite scared to be honest. I know I won't feel a thing during the procedure. But the prep! OH, the very thought of such a long and draining day puts me in a state of stress. I have been reading about other people's experiences and suggestions and I have found comfort and confusion all at once. Any suggestions on how to calm my nerves? Going to the bathroom all day doesn't scare me, but not knowing what else to expect, the unknown has got my stomach already in a twist. I need a magic chill pill! Any help would be a grand blessing! Thanks.
Posted 12/7/2008 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hello there,
I just wanted to say hi and send you a hug. The prep for the colonoscopy is not extremely pleasant, but try to relax so you do not get more stressed. Use a heating pad on your belly and lots of magazines or a book for the frequent bathroom visits. I promise the test itself is quick and painless and you will have no pain :) Hang in there, hugs!

Mala
Posted 12/7/2008 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
I've done a lot of preps over my 17 yrs of having crohn's (later developing IBS as well), if you're doc wants you to use the phospho-soda 45ml bottles, the best thing to do is pur only 1/3 of the bottle into a full cold clear glass of pop and drink it as fast as you can (as this is directed to do regardless of diltuing it in clear pop or not), doing this 3 times in total will get one full 45ml bottle of phospho-soda down, stay close to the toilet, don't make any plans for the day you prep...

Eat as lightly as possible for a day or 2 before prepping, this will cut waaaaaay down on the cramps and even the frequency, you'll get cleaned out a little faster and a lot less painfully.

Once you've gotten all your prep drank, follow with plenty of water to help flush it through.

Good luck and I hope your test comes out clean/healthy.

:)
Posted 12/7/2008 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
It is mostly an evening thing for a few hours. I don't know what Prep you will be using. If it is the Fleets phospho sode I have found apple juice is the best thing to mix it with. Eat lightly the day before and the day of taking the stuff but do eat. I usually do only a few trips before I am cleaned out but we are all different. Some Tucks or something soothing for you bottom irritation but that is not really necessary, just nice to have. The colonscopy itself is easy. Make sure they know you don't want to feel anything and not be a martyr. Eat lightly after. It will be over before you know it. I have had 3 and not that bad. It is the thought of it that is worse than anything. Just stay close to bathroom and try to relax. Everything will come out fine. LOL
Posted 12/7/2008 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
To be clear, don't eat the day of the colonoscopy until after you've had the test, as in don't eat breakfast or lunch or snack, just water...then after the test of course you are free to eat. You'll likely be very hungry after so eating lightly after isn't necessary really because you'll have already done the prep the day before.

:)
Posted 12/7/2008 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
The prep is the worst part of a colonoscopy.

You will be sedated, don't worry.

I recommend sipping water after the procedure (recovery room). You will be very thirsty, but go slowly when resuming consuming fluids again. Also, I bring along a baggie of Club Crackers in the car and eat just a few on the way home and sip from a chilled water bottle I pack to. When I get home, I usually nap an hour or two, but I keep a glass of water and more crackers by the bedside, eating a few more and sipping more water. When I awake I usually want a light lunch, half of a turkey sub or sandwich, cup of soup, small salad, etc. By dinner time my appetite is back to normal. You will likely go to bed early the night of the day of your test and wake the next day, back to normal. Able to return to driving, work, eating normally.

Good luck with your procedure. Let us know how it goes.

This is not the horrendous test you've heard about. I was shaking like a leaf for my first one (I've had about 9 by now). The nurse told me to relax, that it wasn't as bad as I heard. She was right but I did not believe her until I woke up in recovery. If you can tolerate a needle stick for the IV, that's it. The worst you will feel for the actual procedure! Trust us, we've all been thru these procedures.

I do wish people wouldn't complain so much about colonoscopies. They save lives and are not the dreaded procedures people think they are!

Post Edited (Marsky) : 12/7/2008 9:02:16 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/7/2008 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the advice and calming my nerves. I know the test is the best thing for me right now, just nerves always get me into trouble. I'm currently in the midst of prep as we speak, with the toilet being my best friend. Round 1 of Fleets is going swimmingly, and hopefully so does the 2nd round at 6. I know that after all this is said and done, I will feel good about what I have gone through and know what's next in my healthy lifestyle that I'm trying to attain.

PS.<APPLEJUICE hits the spot perfectly! Didn't taste a thing, and I can't chug, so it took me awhile. Wasn't that bad at all! Drinking Sprite and have my lil crapzu/Bishon pup keeping me company while the boyfriend does the household chores and keeps my other pup, BUD out of trouble. I should be thanking God for such a supportive man in my life, especially with him having to deal with all of this at 21 and in college himself. My mom always said it would take a patient and caring guy to deal with and love me, and I'm lucky to have found him. THanks DEREK!
Posted 12/7/2008 9:21 PM (GMT 0)

Glad the apple juice worked. It took me until my third one to try it. My girlfriend had had one the month before my third and she said try it. I had always used Gatorade. The apple juice was sooooo much better. Sounds like you are doing well. I would eat light the rest of the day after endo. I would also recommend that you get some good bacteria in you gut so maybe some yogurt with active cultures or a good probiotic. I find my digestive system off a little more after the test probably because we have swept all the good and bad away.

Yes, you are lucky to have Derek, that is plain to see.

Posted 12/8/2008 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Clean bill of health! No Crohn's, no UC! Now I know exactly were to go from here. Having to do all the prep and the procedure clears my heads of "what is this?" into a sense of peace. Thanks all and thank you God!
Posted 12/8/2008 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
Be aware that a colonoscopy alone does NOT rule out crohn's since crohns' can affect any part of the GI tract and is more commonly found in the small intestines...I'm assuming you've had small bowel follow through test, upper GI x-ray, blood and stool samples taken as well as the colonoscopy procedure?

:)
Posted 12/9/2008 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
done all of it! and yes, I am aware of the chance of still having crohn's, it took them 30 years to diagnose my aunt with it. but as of now, I'm feeling a sense of relief. And that is enough to give me some closure from now. I've had over 5 tests in the last month and are ready to start a new fresh lifestyle that is based on a high fiber diet, exercise and stress control.
Posted 12/9/2008 5:11 AM (GMT 0)
Well I'm glad to hear that you've had the typical tests done and especially glad to hear that you're new lifestyle is a turn for the good, diet (including enough fibre daily), exercise and stress control (which you'll receive a lot from exercising alone) will most liekly be a huge all around benefit to your health in general.

:)
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