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Colonoscopy Fear

DLB1990
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Hi,

 

I'm booked in to have a colonoscopy on Tuesday and reading people's experience with this procedure I'm now petrified.

 

Ive gone with just gas and air as I'm prone to passing out with needles as well as the sedation being straight before the procedure starts I'll be so tightly wound and not relaxed at all but most people seem to say it didn't work for them as it's not left to start working before they start "going in". 

 

I have no history of bowel cancer in the family and usually a good stomach but I'd been having really bad stomach cramps/pains. I've lost control of my bowels twice. I've had blood, sometimes alot, in my stools for years but I always thought it was just piles. 

 

My bloods came back fine but the faecal calprotecin content >6000ug/g. On my doctor's notes just states "consistent with active bowel inflammation, urgent referral needed". I've not spoken to anyone who's able to tell me what this means or why I've even been put forward for a colonoscopy. 

 

This is just sending my anxiety into a spin as even when I asked the nurse on my pre-op phone call why I was booked in she said my notes just had "stomach pains, no diarrhoea" which is incorrect anyway.

 

Someone please give me some hope that I'm not going to be in almighty pain and what this marker being high means as the internet just keeps pointing at a dark road.

 

 

  • Hello DLB1990 and thanks for posting, 

    A calprotectin test is used to look for inflammation in the bowel which can occur for several reasons.  A test result above the normal range like yours suggests inflammation but doesn't say why or where in the bowel the inflammation is.   

    A colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel (colon) and I expect it is being done to find out what is causing the inflammation. Hopefully you should know more on Tuesday, but at the moment no one can really say much else about what might be the matter. Try and keep an open mind about what is going on - a number of conditions can cause bowel inflammation. 

    Colonoscopies can be uncomfortable, but most people are able to put up with them, I haven't heard of anyone finding them agonising and of course doctors would stop a procedure if a patient is in terrible pain, but I think this would be unlikely.  It can be difficult to relax while things like this are being done, but if you can, it usually helps.  At the weekend try and do some relaxation exercises and see if you can master them as it could help on Tuesday.

    I hope you are ok with the colonoscopy. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

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    I can't speak for the tests bit but I can say having had the procedure for the first time this year it isn't as bad as people say. Try although difficult to relax. I was more nervous around the prep. But ignored the "scary" comments and focused on what would help. 

    Make and chill the moviprep. Drink through a straw. I sucked on clear glacier mints after or had a bit of lemonade to boost me.

    The emptying wasn't as bad as I expected.... Dare I say I was under whelmed. My bowels on a good day move more but be prepared incase you are different. Moist toilet wipes, vaseline and a hot water bottle. Be near the loo. 

    The procedure with sedation was still a little uncomfortable a few niggling feelings in your abdomen. But suffered worse with reaccuring pain. My biggest issue was laying on my left as I find this painful in itself. But honestly I wouldn't be put off going again. I prepared for the worst and it didn't happen.

    Good luck. 

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