HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Major anxiety......colonoscopy procedure on tuesday.....

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/23/2014 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
WOW! michaxx2, I sware, the way you write about your anxiety, I would think it was ME writing!

I know it's now been years since you posted here - 2007. It's now 2014 and I'm fixing to have my first colonoscopy. I am EXACTLY like you were. Exactly! It made me feel better, knowing I'm not the only one feeling totally terrified!

Anyway, I'm sure by now (2014) you had a colonoscopy. And I say, good for you! IF you should read this please, wish me luck! LOL!
Posted 3/24/2014 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Zabeth and welcome!

We have had a lot of posts on this subject...so know that you are not alone!

If you like, you can do a search here and read more. Do this by clicking on the 'search' icon (upper right toolbar) and inputting corresponding words.

You are also most welcome to start your own thread of introduction anytime that you feel comfortable doing so. In this way more members can welcome you.

Wishing you the best for you procedure, and in general.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/26/2014 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Scaredy Cat!

Thanks so much for the warm welcome. turn

I really like this forum and I'm glad there is a place to come where I don't feel so alone.

I'm going to click on notifications, so next time there is a post in here, I'll be notified.

To be honest, I am really exactly like michaxx2, as far as her anxiety went for the prep and procedure. It just shocked me to read something that would have come from my mouth. As much as I hate saying this, because I don't like seeing anyone anxious or terrified, it DID help me, seeing that I am not the only one absolutely, positively, hysterically terrified! LOL!

Some people go to a procedure with a little anxiety, some a lot. Some none. And then there is that small percentage (which I fall in) that gets just unnerved, upset, freaked out and just worries sick! I have even dreamed about this!

I dreamed one night I had a colonoscopy and the very next night, I dreamed I did the prep! That is backwards. Haha!

Anyway, my grandfather died in 1987 (he was 75) of colon cancer. My mother, aunt, uncle and sister, have all had polyps. I'm the only one that hasn't had a colonoscopy. They are the brave ones.

Thanks again for your welcome and I'm so glad I found this place. yeah I'm so glad we can edit! I'm 48, by the way.

Beth
Posted 3/28/2014 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
3-28-14. Well, I decided to cancel my appointment. It was causing me way too much stress and anxiety. I was in a mental fog and on "auto pilot" ever since the appt. was made. It's ravaged me emotionally and I've lost almost 7 pounds (which trust me, that's a good thing). It's not worth it, to me. Everyone is different and has to do whatever is right for them. For me, being able to breathe, lose that anxiety I've been living with, and sleep, is more important. And I can't just turn the anxiety off now. It's like it's stuck on! So, even though I know I'm cancelling on Monday, my chest is still full of anxiety.

THANK YOU for letting me write here and I appreciate the response and welcome, in your earlier post, moderator.

Post Edited (ZaBeth) : 3/30/2014 7:43:27 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/29/2014 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
ZaBeth,

Your statement is true...everything has to do what is right for them...and maybe now is just not the time for you to try and have this test done.

Perhaps you and your doctor could come up with a plan to help you manage this fear (therapy/meds?) so you can eventually get to that next appointment that you schedule.:)

Keep posting with us if you find it helpful!

S.C.
Posted 3/29/2014 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
S.C., thank you! I agree with everything you said. I may, down the road, try again. I'm sure I will. It's funny that this one part of my life (an appt. for this procedure) turned it upside down! Before the appt., I was great in every way - no anxiety, no worry, no nothing. Just going to work each day, coming home and that was that. It was like my life was consumed with this, in my every thought!

I would like to stay on here, because many years ago, when I was about 17 (I'm 48 now), I use to have what I called "Anxiety" attacks. Many people would refer to those as panic attacks, as they are commonly known. I called mine anxiety attacks. I'd have to carry around a paper sandwich bag, for when I would hyperventilate. My butt and face cheeks would go numb. My palms would get sweaty. I'd feel like I couldn't breathe. My throat would feel like it was closing up. My heart would pound, and sometimes, I'd even throw up! I'd have to literally change my environment, which meant sneaking out of the house sometimes, and go riding around at 2:00 a.m..! NOT GOOD! I never used medication back then, because my MD just told me to use a bag to breathe in, which did help. Thank God those days are long gone. With all that being said, I do understand anxiety, for sure! :-)

Anyway, I'd like to stick around. And again, thank you for being so helpful with your replies. Mostly, thank you for understanding and not giving me a hard time for my decision. THAT helps more than you know!!

Beth
Posted 3/30/2014 10:17 AM (GMT 0)
Everything in its good time. Ill share with u a little story. about 4 yrs ago my mother in law then had a colonoscopy procedure. A supposed routine procedure but something went wrong. The Dr punctured her colon and they had to open her up to repair the colon wc if they didnt do she wouldnt have survived. Maybe a yr after i notice some blood in my stool. Consulted a Dr who recommended I do a colonoscopy. Because of what happened to my MIL I was hesitant and instead opted for a safer alternative but less accurate procedure a virtual colonoscopy, showed my colon to be clear.

Still blood in my stool persisted, I decided to switch doctors who insisted that I have a real colonoscopy or he would not accept me as his patient. I eventually did and they found and removed a polyp. Being a polyp grower and below 50 yrs old I was instructed to undergo another procedure 1 yr after. I complied albiet delayed by another yr because I dreaded the prep...

Whst i am saying is Somehow things do work outnin their own time. You gotta do your part too but trusting and believing in a natural order is needed as well. Peace!
Posted 3/30/2014 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
WOW! That was some story about your MIL. I'm glad it had a good ending. I know you are. I know she is. Yep, those "routine procedures" (even the super minor ones - like a shot or even taking an aspirin) can always have risks. Having read up on everything colonoscopy, I was aware of all that could go wrong. I was just afraid of the whole 9 yards: Prep (possible side effects of that), the IV, going to sleep..........Anyway, I am glad your Mother In Law came out ok. That is very scary. Things surely can happen.

I'm glad you went the VC route, the first time. I can understand why, too. I'd be the same way. And I'm also glad you were brave enough to get the gold standard, as they call it the 2nd time, because they found that polyp.

It's so hard for some people. I'm one of those "some people." For example, my husband. He is the type to figuratively walk into a doctors office, with his arms outstretched as if ready to give blood or get stuck! Me? I'm the complete opposite. I walk in, figuratively with my arms wrapped around my body, shaking! LOL! Sad, but true.

Anyway, thank you for sharing your stories with me. I'm very glad you had the nerve to get the gold standard. Too bad you can't pour some of your courage in a bottle and mail it to me here, in Raleigh! :-)
Posted 3/30/2014 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
you will find d courage in due time :)
Posted 3/30/2014 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. I hope so. I wish I could be like 98% of everyone else: If something needs doing (medically) just do it. I feel like such a failure, because I know that while a few may cancel, the vast majority, do not. But I have to admit, the anxiety has dissipated and for that, I am very thankful. Living that way, in pure fear, was terrible the last two weeks. Thank you again for the support, groverpower. :-)
Posted 5/9/2014 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
I have just been given appointment for colonoscopy too , i had gastroenteritis in feb which cleared after a 5 or 6 days and loose stools for a few days after , because I hadn't experienced stomach cramps before I booked to see gp 6 wks after I had it she said it was gastroenteritis too but arranged a blood test which showed raised inflammation markers but when I had the bloodtest I had a large dental abscess and oral thrush I haven't had a blood in stool test but gp examined me but says was ok . I have felt fine and normal since my gastro but since she arranged for colonoscopy I can't sleep , have had panic attacks resulting in chronic asthma so am thinking of cancelling and going to get stool test and ask for another blood test in 4 weeks
Posted 5/9/2014 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Dave 1.,

Yes, sometimes we have to balance the things that we choose to go do/go through with our current anxiety levels.

If you feel that re-testing and delaying your colonoscopy for now is best for your anxiety levels, then I think doing so is appropriate.

If you end up not indicating that you actually need the test done, then you have saved yourself some anxiety and an uncessesary prodcedure...

If you do need to go ahead with it, then you will be able to prepare and get through it as best as you can.

We will be here to support you either way!

Peace and progress.:)

S.C.
Posted 5/9/2014 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for your support
Posted 5/9/2014 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Dave 1,

I know how you feel. I do wish you luck. The moderators here are wonderful ~ as you can see! :-)
Posted 1/31/2017 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
I can so relate to you about the anxiety of getting a colonoscopy. Just had my fourth one yesterday morning. Even though I have had three before this one, I was anxious but that was because I was unable to sleep due to the prep for this procedure. Not being able to sleep and the prep, I think, brought on the anxiety but as many here have written, it is important to have someone with you before, during and after the procedure because you will feel quite groggy and out of it.

The prep is much more difficult and time-consuming than the procedure itself. The procedure is actually smooth and before you know it, it's over. I have learned from this one that I need to "go with the flow," and understand that the procedure is necessary to ensure that the lining of your colon is in good shape.

Also, keep in mind; almost everyone who goes through this has some anxiety and that is normal. Express how you feel to someone and that will help a great deal! You will do fine and once it's over, you will feel great!
Posted 1/31/2017 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
sorry you do scared You will be fine I'm sure, just go and get over and done with ...lol shame !
Posted 1/31/2017 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Don't cancel it, you will
Be mo te worried with what ifs. I have had 3. No problem and in less than an hour you are done.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12