Colonography

Hi I'm Debbie I'm 63 and been experiencing really bad pains in my bowels with bleeding and bloating I've lost 5 stone unintentionally and I've now got a colonography booked for 28th Feb I'm terrified of taking the gastrografin and having the test done please any help would be appreciated I'm thinking g of just backing out and ending it all I've had enough xx

  • Hello Debbie and a big welcome to Cancer Chat, 

    I am so sorry to hear about these bad pains and the weight loss you have been experiencing. It's completely understandable that you are feeling very anxious at the moment as you are waiting to have these tests and then again will have to wait for the results, but it's good that they are being thorough and that you will be seen very soon. Given your symptoms, it's really important to have this test done so that they can find out the cause of your issues and give you a suitable treatment so that you can start to feel better. Our website has useful information on the CT colonography and gastrografin and I hope that it will reassure you that it is a very safe procedure. 

    I hope that you will hear from other forum members who have taken the gastrografin and had a colonography recently and that they will share their experience with you. It may do you some good to ring our nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040 prior to your appointment - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. They will be happy to talk you through every step involved in having the colonography and to tell you more about the gastrografin so that you feel better and reassured before you go to your appointment. 

    I know it's really hard to be waiting for a diagnosis and to be going through all these steps and there are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. Keep strong Debbie - I know it's really hard but we know you can do it and we keep everything crossed for you that the appointment goes well and it all goes smoothly for you. If you feel really anxious and want to talk to someone about it, don't hesitate to contact Samaritans . Their helpline is open 24 hours a day and you can ring them on 116 123 for free at any time. 

    We're thinking of you during this anxious time and wanted you to know that we are there for you and hopefully other members of our forum will come along shortly to share their own colonography stories.

    You are definitely not alone and everything crossed for you for the 28th! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

  • Thankyou for your reply im out of my mind at the moment xxx

  • Hi Debbie, 

    I've been experiencing the same symptoms,  after finding blood in my poo and high inflammation. 
    Within 2 weeks I've had a colonoscopy mri and a ct and ctc scan.just waiting on the results.

    The gastrogaffin medicine was not nice tasting at all, but there's not much of it to take.. I flushed mine down with water straight away. please don't back out. It could save your life x


     

  • Hi thankyou for your reply dizziehead did the gastrografin make you unwell , and was the air pumped into you bad xx

  • Hi ... it made me gag a little, but didn't make me feel unwell. It did make me go toilet after a few hours. They was lovely at the hospital, the air goes in slowly and there a machine that you can see it going in, it's all measured and monitored. Slight discomfort, but no pain. I was worried about going, but was all really ok . I'm just waiting on  The results now.

    it's been 6 days since the last scan x

  • Thankyou for saying that I'm just beyond worrying hope your scans come back with good news xxx I no I've got to go though it but just so terrified xx