Colonoscopy

Hi every one I’m due for a colonoscopy on Tuesday I’m feeling really scared don’t really feel.upto the procedure as I really suffer with stress and anxiety but I know I need to do this  I have been feeling as if I need to poo but some times it’s just reddish pus and feeling very gassy but because of feeling I need to poo I’m always in the bathroom , been having problems for a while now. I thought maybe I just had internal piles but when I went to my gp doctor couldn’t see or feel any thing so did a fit test which came back positive  so I was referred for a colonoscopy  I’m so scared of having cancer  not looking forward to the bowel prep  I think your all a lot braver than me   Xx

  • Thanks. I love hearing these success stories. Probably the thing above all that keeps me calmer and positive.

    I am told I will definitely have a stoma (i think due to location of the tumour) but it will most likely be temporary.

    I will get used to the stoma, but cannot comprehend it yet. Knowing of people like your friend who can do everything with one is hugely reassuring for me. I was even told recently by the stoma nurse that you can play rugby with one! (I dont play it as such but do coach it).

    Getting back to being active, working, driving, playing and coaching sport are all big targets for me. Im a pretty optimistic person, but obviously this whole situation leads to being up and down. But im generally fitter than most people my age (and younger), had strong results on the CPET test 2 weeks ago (checks lungs, heart, pulse, aerobic etc), so lots of good indicators i should be able to recover well. Hopefully my biggest issue will be that I won't want to rest enough! 

    Just taken first bowel prep meds, so the fun and games begin soon.

  • That is a wonderful, positive attitude and you are starting from a good place in respect to the pre-op tests and fitness.

    In regards to rest, it is vital to listen to your body during the recovery period. Was thinking about a guy I met several years ago.. spent a few weeks with him and his wife on holiday.. permanent Stoma since 31 he was such an inspiration, his positivity shone like a beacon.. 19 years ago and we keep in touch, he is fit and enjoying life.. training and showing sledge dogs across the globe  

    As for the prep... drinking plenty of water afterwards really helps ..

    Thinking of you James xx

  • James the bowel prep I had was brilliant it was called citra fleet it worked within half an hour of taking it I was still going when I got to the hospital I told the nurse I was still going she said it was ok  bowel prep was easier than for a colonoscopy  it was only one mug  and next morning the second one the same  nicer tasting as well   You will recover well James I had all the heart tests and things to see if I was fit enough and luckily I was  I’m 71 years old and I was thinking maybe they wouldn’t do the op but I was fit enough for it   You will know when your body is fit enough to do things  don’t rush things listen to your body. Xx

  • Thinking of you and sending special love for a speedy recovery.. remember, every day is a step closer to better health. x

  • Thank you, Kate.

    An update for you and for anyone else on here, including those who might be earlier in their journey.

    So, 6.5months after initial diagnosis, and since having chemo and lots of scans, I went in for surgery on Tuesday morning.

    The care has been great, and everything has been well communicated before, during and since.

    The op went very well. They have removed the tumour and nearby tissue, as well as a suspect lymph node nearby which nobody could conclude was cancerous or not. The chemo had shrunk the tumour nad moved it away enough from the resection margin. It was all very close to other nerves etc but they say they were able to remove all as planned without damaging anything else. A huge relief.

    Lots of the post-op stuff might sound scary, but it has been fine. Im fortunate that my general health and fitness is good so im well prepped for recovery.

    In hospital now. Will be a week or so. Lots of challenges: I have many tubes going in and out of me; didn't eat anything for 96 hours, and since then only tea, apple juice and veggie stock (i was worried about not eating but its been fine).

    Im learning to appreciate small things, and little milestones that feel enormous. Today I washed myself and my hair on my own. Yesterday I walked 60metres round the corridors.

    I'm not fully out the woods yet, but doing really well. Pain is very well managed, so few worries there. Mostly, everything is tiring.

    I'm grateful to the various hospitals' staff, my loved ones, and the support and friendship on here.

    I thought my world had fallen apart 7 months ago, but I hope my story will help others dealing with the fear and anxiety of a diagnosis. There is hope. There are amazing people in the world.

    Take care, everyone. I hope to update with more progress a few days/weeks.

    Much love

  • James, thanku so much for taking the time to reply to my message, just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you..

    What a wonderful, positive attitude and so good for others to hear, when starting on the journey.

    Your general health and level of fitness obviously was a good foundation and very important for anyone embarking on a similar situation..

    Your positivity shines through, gaining strength and being able to maintain personal hygiene has such a huge impact on us, following a major procedure..

    Walking 60 metres is a marathon, well done to you existing is exhausting in the early days of post op recovery.. sheer grit and determination along with rest and being kind to yourself  

    You have made my day, thanku again for taking the time, greatly appreciated

    of good wishes xx

    .

  • James4000. Hi James thank you for your up date. So pleased every thing is going as planed  been thinking about you  you will get stronger every day one day at a time. You sound to be doing really well  you are so right James there is hope and like you say there are lots of amazing people in the world. Lots of healing love to you looking forward to more up dates. Xxx

  • Hi James, hope you can feel the love, best wishes and positive vibes coming your way..

    Everyday is a step closer to recovery xx

  • Thank you. Feeling better day by day. Was in hospital 8 days. Back home now.

    Eating fairly normally, but low fibre.

    Managing to walk a little further each day.

    Have hundreds of different meds but only taking some of them. Painkillers, blood thinning injections (ugh), and something to protect stomach/bowel lining.

    Hoping for good news when theyve done histology. I think they'll give me chemo tablets in a couple of weeks to sweep up any traces possibly missed or spread.

    It's a massive amount of info to absorb.

    Mostly just tired, not too much pain. Bit easier each day. Im amazed really at the surgeon and team and their work, and at how relatively quickly im recovering.

    As far as I understand, the tumour and all such tissue is out, but I dont want to get my hopes up completely. Still, a massive step largely complete in the journey to being cancer free and a strong chance still of total recovery.

  • Being back home is wonderful and terrifying at the same time, I've always found.. great to have home comforts around along which comes with the loss of security from the medical team..

    The surgeon and his team are part of the journey, you, your hard work and dedication make up the the other part, they go hand in hand towards recovery.

    Staying positive and realistic is vital and as you say, a massive step in your journey, well done James, you should feel proud of yourself..I am xx