Colonoscopy

Thanks DaphneBroon I'm thinking you're mibbee of Scottish origin... as I am! You're right about being put off as I've had the thing sent to me at least 3 times, but found that I kept putting it off even though I knew I had symptoms that needed to be checked! It's not that it's a difficult test but maybe it's the fear of what they will find that stops us particularly If we already know we have other symtoms! As my "nurse" says now the problem will be if I'm all clear and S-In-Law isn't ( and I already know she's not!) and that can be a negative guilt and so hopefully all goes well for both of us!

I am also awaiting an appointment for colonoscopy. I had pains in lower left side (sometimes excrutiating) my doc thought it might be diverticulitis and gave me a course of antibiotics which seemed to do the trick. I saw a bowel specialist and he agreed this was probably the case but wanted a colonoscopy to rule out any underlying problems. Must admit I am not looking forward to the drinks before as I believe they are unpleasant. I am, however, grateful that I am being so thoroughly checked. I do believe in all preventative medicines and tests. I asked to be kept on the breast screening list after I was 73. I found it quite easy here in Scotland - just a phone call.

Hi there, I'm so pleased to hear everyone has had a positive experience when having a colonoscopy And I hesitate to report my experience was not so good but it's always good to hear the other side of things. After a diagnosis of appendix cancer found during an operation for peritonitis, I underwent a colonoscopy to check my bowel. I was given a sedative but found the procedure very painful. I had to have gas and air as well. I was told afterwards that I had a very winding twisty bowel which was difficult to navigate! I've since been through a seven hour operation and now undergoing chemotherapy so I'm not a wuss! However, I'm obviously a 'one off' so I wouldn't worry Clematisa as there are lots of people that sale through it.

I can understand your procedure being painful Hotmama as they had to navigate the whole of the colon. I had a bowel resection but my tumour was low down on the left side, where I had severe pains. Colonoscopies since the operation are through my stoma thus avoiding the rectum and the bowel stump and consequently not uncomfortable.
Best wishes to you.

Thank you Harrigran. I have since had two parts of my bowel removed as well as lots of other internal organs so, hopefully, my next colonoscopy won't be so painful. Fortunately I got away with not having a stoma so I have had a bit of luck! Best wishes to you too.

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to every-one! But can I say thanks for all your advice and particularly advice re "Tena pants" and babywipes - those were a godsend! I had a polyp removed (not funny at the time but I can laugh now... consultant to nurse "polyp snared (or something similar) oh lost it! Going back up... got it! Ok we're coming down now... soon be finished!") Boy was I ever glad when I heard them say that!!!
Anyway now awaiting result of that, hopefully tomorrow... also told that I have "mild diverticulosis" and perhaps the Dr. will explain more about that too, meanwhile I have been put on folic acid tablets when my blood tests came back but the nurse didn't really explain why... maybe that'll be explained tomorrow too...? Apparently I can ask for a copy of my blood tests... I'm to have more this week though I've not been told why. My sister-in-law says I should ask for a Vit D test (insist she says if they're not forthcoming) - I did ask before if I should take a Vit D supplement as I live in Scotland and was told "No - you already get Vit D from your Adcal D 3" but since then they have changed me to Theical tabs and I'm wondering if they have less Vit D... does anyone know here know what the differences are between Adcal 3 and Theical?
Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New year!