This may sound silly but try not to think about everything at once.

Take them in order so your first concern is bowel prep. If you haven't already done so, read up about it especially about low residue diet a few days ahead. Bowel prep is unpleasant, there's no doubt about that, but it's doable. Mix the drinks with cold water ie from fridge rather than tap, cover glass with cling film and poke a straw through - I find the smell nasty and this method masks it as well as possible. Don't over-rush the drinking as it may make you nauseous. Definitely be very close to the loo at all times! 

I haven't had a virtual colonoscopy only the real deal so can't offer advice there. I have always chosen to have sedation which I found very beneficial ( though not beautiful as autocorrect suggested here!).  If virtual is similar to actual, then it'll take a while - maybe up to an hour from start to finish including sedation etc. People will be with you,  you'll probably be talking nonsense as a distraction.

Finally diagnosis. You won't change this by worrying so try not to overthink. It isn't cancer until you're told it is and many people either don't have cancer or may not get a definitive diagnosis on the day. As it happens I did but don't expect to know there and then.

You may think I'm over simplifying but almost 5 years in to this "journey" I'm just offering my thoughts and wish you well.

Helen

Thanks so much for your advice, I'm trying to stick to a mostly soft diet this week with just liquids on Friday and again on Saturday when I have to take the laxatives. No meat at all this week. The virtual colonoscopy is done with a CT scanner taking continuous scans of the colon using a contrast plus carbon dioxide pumped into the colon. I'm really dreading it but at the same time I just want it over, luckily it only takes 30 minutes or so. Are you in remission or are you still battling it? I thank you for your good wishes and offer mine in return

Jayne xx

Hi, the procedure itself was OK, nowhere near as bad as I thought it was gonna be the bowel prep however......worse than I expected, 24 hours of non stop diarrhoea! And I'd been sure to eat very little  the preceeding week and nothing solid the day before! I really hope everything goes well for you, I'll be thinking of you and keeping my fingers crossed  

Thank you for getting back to me.You must be so relieved that’s over now .Take care and I will try and get back to you in the week x

I'm definitely glad it's over and done now, just the nerve-wracking wait for results. Take care and talk soon x

Thanks for the update. Have they said when you can expect to hear results?

Yeah I think they said 7 to 10 days 

Hi, how was your procedure? Have you had any news or results yet? I'm still waiting.....the waiting is driving me insane, I can't make any plans or anything until I know what's happening and patience is not a strong point of mine!! Hope to hear from you soon, take care xx

Prep wasn’t nice at all most of it came back up   The procedure it’s self wasn’t to bad . Yes like you I’m waiting for results.Hope everything turns out good for you .Ill let you now when I hear anything .take care.

Hi the procedure wasn’t to bad ,prep was another story not nice , I’ll spare you the details. Like you still waiting for the results.Hope you hear soon xx

Yeah the prep was worse than the actual procedure! Fingers and toes crossed for us now xx

Were you told anything when discharged from the colonoscopy? Is it biopsy histology you are awaiting- like I am supposedly?

sorry for the questions- trying not to panic myself more unnecessarily!

love C Xx

Were you told anything when discharged from the colonoscopy? Is it biopsy histology you are awaiting- like I am supposedly?

sorry for the questions- trying not to panic myself more unnecessarily!

love C Xx

I was told what the likely outcome was but had to wait about a week for 100% confirmation. I think I already knew before the telephone call. All were very supportive. 

He said he found to different types of polyps 1 was 3mm and the other was 10mm He removed them and sent them for biopsy x called my doctor and made appointment for Wednesday 26th my results are back.I am nervous like you I mind is racing.fingers crossed x for us all xxx

What they found in me was over 8cm or 80mm so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Fingers crossed for you.

I am so confused dot com why nothing was said nor put in the discharge report paperwork only await histology continue on cancer path.

this is what’s seeming so abnormal considering no one has since been in contact except to my eventual email responses from various secretaries!

i only know the histology will be linked to transverse colon biopsy samples where no size or type has been recorded!

oh & the endoscopist reports also admit the images were the wrong way round for each report ie colon is gastro gastro is colon- what a mess! 

just trying to explain all of it to my mum & godmother. If I get no joy by Tuesday lunchtime… after a pre booked a month in advance with my original lady gp that referred following fit & blood results guiding urgent referral. She also previously had referred for urgent bladder & kidney ultrasounds before that in August- which resulted clear & yet privately I’m told different- well before Xmas & doctors finally addressing my stomach/bowel problems with such DRaSTIC weight loss etc.

please forgive this negative reply but actually your own perspective would be great if you don’t mind.

Love C Xx

Sorry you are having a negative experience. Despite the results of my colonoscopy all was positive. The Dr and Nurse sat me down immediately afterwards and told me what was going on and even called my wife at work and invited her in too with tea and biscuits. A full plan was put into place and I am now 1 year into the 5 year plan. I’ll keep my fingers crossed very tightly and my advice is (and it’s very difficult) not to let your mind run away with negativity. I didn’t tell my parents, and they still don’t know, in fact I hardly told anyone. Occupy your mind with positive thoughts, get outside and keep busy. The problem is for you, as it was for me, the thoughts that take you to a dark place. I play sport and practice meditation which keeps me grounded. I still have bad days but they are becoming fewer. 

Remember thoughts are only thoughts and NOT reality. They will come and go. We cannot influence the past or future, just appreciate what you have and focus on what’s important to you. Be healthy and try to be positive