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Diarreah & terrified about referral to colorectal clinic

Kellyga
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Hi,

I have had chronic diarrhoea for about 5/6 weeks now, constant, every day at least 2 or 3 times. It started in Sept when I was put on anti depressants and it was on/off depending on the brand. I imagined it was down to the side effects. I've never had any bowel issues before this.

Then at the start of Jan I swapped to another brand then the diarrhoea was constant.

No blood though.

Saw the doc, did stool samples, came back clear.

Started to wean off the tablets, hoping that would stop the side effects. Had blood tests. Inflammatory was ok, but I am very anaemic and the doc said he was concerned about this.

Referred as an urgent 2 week to the colorectal clinic. But I am terrified as there is NO way I am having a colonoscopy.  I have a huge fear of this, of anything invasive.  I have to be drugged to go to the dentist!

I dont feel ill. Apart from washed out from going to the toilet so much.

I dont know what to expect. Are there other things /tests they can do rather than a colonoscopy?

Help!

  • Offline

    Hello,

             you ask if there is anything else they can do rather than a colonoscopy?, aside from having a stab at their best guess.Looks like they have done bloods and changed tablets so this is the next step.You really would not wish a blind doctor to operate on you, just as they could not see the extent of any problem without looking

                  l have experienced several colonoscopies and each time l was so sedated l could not feel a thing or remember very much, and certainly no pain apart from the joy of having to flush my bowels before the examination.

                                          It helps you to be relaxed during the proceedure,and not overly stress which makes it a doddle.Balance that against the ongoing stress you are undoubtably going through not knowing the root cause of your current problems, and the fact that this could lead to a definitive diagnosis and early resolution.

                                                  As with all things in life the fear of the unknown is always far worse than the actual reality.Please go ahead and have the examination,l was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer that subsequently spread to the liver,and l am here today six years later leading a full active healthy life because l did.----- The only sign l had was loose bowels,no pain,not even tired but if l had put off having it investigated that would have changed very quickly thereafter.

                                                                                                        Good luck with the test and enjoy the food and drink afterwards,l know l did

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    I have seen comments in here where people have had a general anaesthetic as they couldn't face the colonoscopy but I've had 2. Go for sedation rather than gas and air if you can. I was conscious enough to watch the procedure on screen on sedation but it wasn't painful. Just uncomfortable.

    Good luck and best wishes

    Andrea

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