I had a colonoscopy yesterday, I managed to have it just with gas and air, it wasn't that painful (childbirth is far worse!). They should be able to tell you straight away if they find anything, including piles, polyps etc. What symptoms have you had? How long ago did you have the birth complications? I only ask because I had a forceps delivery 4 years ago and have had a lot of problems from it, prolapsed bladder and I get a lot of pelvic floor and anal pain, which wakes me up at night. 

My birth complications were 15 years ago, my son was 11lb 2oz and facing the wrong way, after trying to turn him I had an emergency c section. Whilst in recovery I heamorraged and was rushed back into theatre where I almost died because they couldn’t stop the bleeding. I have serious trauma because I can remember so much, how cold it was, the panic in the doctors voice etc.

my sysmptoms started last year with anal itching getting progressively worse, then the back pain started. I started noticing I was going to the toilet more and more but not much was coming out each time. Then I lost the feeling of needing the toilet and only knew I needed to go because I would get itchy and then my stool would just sit in my rectum, I rarely pass them naturally anymore and it’s not because I’m constipated. The back pain is horrendous and I’m tired all the time. I’ve had a little bit of blood which it why I wasn’t thinking cancer until the consultant said she was concerned and sending for urgent colonoscopy x

My birth complications were 15 years ago, my son was 11lb 2oz and facing the wrong way, after trying to turn him I had an emergency c section. Whilst in recovery I heamorraged and was rushed back into theatre where I almost died because they couldn’t stop the bleeding. I have serious trauma because I can remember so much, how cold it was, the panic in the doctors voice etc.

my sysmptoms started last year with anal itching getting progressively worse, then the back pain started. I started noticing I was going to the toilet more and more but not much was coming out each time. Then I lost the feeling of needing the toilet and only knew I needed to go because I would get itchy and then my stool would just sit in my rectum, I rarely pass them naturally anymore and it’s not because I’m constipated. The back pain is horrendous and I’m tired all the time. I’ve had a little bit of blood which it why I wasn’t thinking cancer until the consultant said she was concerned and sending for urgent colonoscopy x

H Kerry

No wonder you are in trepidation. Your current symptoms sound as if they are having a big impact on your quality of life, so they do need to be investigated. You are on the right path now and will soon have some answers. The unknown is a scary place to be, so irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better once you know what is going on.

Medicine has advanced a lot in the past 15 years and doctors are better equipped to prevent the type of problems you had then. It sounds as if the haemorrhage was  the cause of all your trouble last time and you certainly shouldn't have the same problems with a colonoscopy. No amount of worry will change anything, so try to enjoy what's left of the weekend. 

You're stronger than you think and you can do this.

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much, bowel prep tomorrow which isn’t going to be fun but as you said getting an answer either way is going to be good x

Hi Kerry,

The prep is not the most pleasant. Do as NonnaH advised and pop it in the fridge. Many people divide the doses into 4 and take it in stages.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

This is my plan, it says I need to start at 3pm so going to go for a walk in the morning and get some fresh air x

Hi Kerry,

Good idea.

Jolamine xx

Hi Kerry

Jolamine has given you some good advice. It's a good idea the walk hope the weather is nice for you.  If you start to feel overwhelmed at any point try a distraction method - there's some good ones on YouTube.  There's lots of support for you on here. Check back in were here to listen. 

NonnaH

Oh that sounds good, I’ll have a look on YouTube, thank you x