[OneProudMum]

A few months ago I was given a positive FOBT result. I was referred to the local hospital which doesn't have a brilliant rep for care for patients with gastrointestinal issues. After about 2 minutes of discussion the physician just ticked me off for an endoscopy and sent me on my way.

A little about my history:
I have suffered from "lazy bowel" from birth which means I only go once every 4-10 days
I have been using medication with codeine which I think has exacerbated my constipation
I frequently have bright bleeding from fissures and haemmorhoids
I have a low fibre diet
I have had no changes to my bowel habits other than a once off when I ate an entire bag of licorice which caused my usual banked up self to evacuate quite quickly
I have no history of bowel cancer

The problem is I have a huge fear of going under GA. I can't put my finger on the issue other than being under twilight for a small procedure in which I could hear the aneasthetist talking about me with nurses while I was "asleep".

I have called the local imaging centre who has strongly suggested I am a good candidate to try a virtual colonoscopy considering my risk factors. They said I would be more likely to have a bowel perforation from the colonoscopy than I would have cancer. A virtual colonoscopy is done by CT where they empty and inflate your bowel and you then go through the CT machine.

The only downside is that if they did find polyps something that I would need surgery anyway.

I have let it go because my Chiropractor and Naturopath (friend) said that I have a lot of dietary issues that need to be addressed and that they strongly doubt a colonoscopy would be necessary.

Would you?

This post has been edited by OneProudMum: 13/11/2012, 10:08 PM

[yabbadabbadoo]

I have had a colonoscopy about a year ago and it was not under a GA. I was knocked out but I was told it was not a GA, it was just something to make me forget about the whole process. A few months ago I did have a GA due to a laparoscopy and I really felt the effects of that, it was definitely different to whatever they gave me for the colonoscopy which was much easier to deal with.

I have to tell you, having a colonoscopy was so much easier than I was expecting. I would rather have one than go to the dentist. It really was not as bad as I was expecting.

[OneProudMum]

I have had a colonoscopy about a year ago and it was not under a GA. I was knocked out but I was told it was not a GA, it was just something to make me forget about the whole process. A few months ago I did have a GA due to a laparoscopy and I really felt the effects of that, it was definitely different to whatever they gave me for the colonoscopy which was much easier to deal with.

I have to tell you, having a colonoscopy was so much easier than I was expecting. I would rather have one than go to the dentist. It really was not as bad as I was expecting.

Did you go to a day surgery?

[yabbadabbadoo]

It was done as day surgery in a private hospital. I was the last to go in as I was the youngest, so it was a long day, but the actual procedure was very quick and painless. The worst part was the gas/bloating afterwards, but that didn't last long oh and maybe the drink I had to have to prepare for it, which actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

[*cough*]

I've had three.

Seriously the prep is worse than the actual day.

Day surgery, no drama, you go under twilight for a bit, wake up and go home. I agree, I'd prefer that then the dentist. Seriously.

[OneProudMum]

It was done as day surgery in a private hospital. I was the last to go in as I was the youngest, so it was a long day, but the actual procedure was very quick and painless. The worst part was the gas/bloating afterwards, but that didn't last long oh and maybe the drink I had to have to prepare for it, which actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

How was the sedative administered?

[OneProudMum]

I've had three.

Seriously the prep is worse than the actual day.

Day surgery, no drama, you go under twilight for a bit, wake up and go home. I agree, I'd prefer that then the dentist. Seriously.

I have terrible veins but I have one good one on the inside of my elbow, do you think if I asked they would administer the sedative there rather than via a big drip?

[yabbadabbadoo]

I have shocking veins, always have, it took nine attempts to get a canula (?) in when I was in labour as I went in to an emergency caesar. Ever tried to be still during a contraction?

I can't actually remember them administering it for the colonoscopy, perhaps I had gas first.

[Glowworm80]

I have had both an endoscopy and colonoscopy done as day surgery. The anasethic they gave me keeps you just sedated not like a full GA. I woke up during the Procedure but was put back under so quickly. I only remember 'waking up' and saying something, before he put me back under.

I now have to go for a capsule endoscopy where you swallow a small capsule sized camera and then wear a receiver which collects the data. I am having it so that we can see the portion if my intestine between where the endoscopy and colonoscopy can see. Is that what you mean by a virtual colonoscopy?

To be honest my endoscopy and colonoscopy was pain free and besides the prep (which you also have to do for the capsule endoscopy) hassle free. I would just bite the bullet and do the colonoscopy. I agree that you have some dietary issues that need to be addressed, but no-one can know if they are the sole cause of your symptoms. I certainly would not be ignoring the medical advice you have received to get one. If it is something serious like cancer you would be better off knowing sooner then later.

[purplekitty]

I think the worst part is the prep. beforehand. You need to do this as well for the virtual (usually a CT scan).
I've had colonoscopies/endoscopies done under both GA and twilight and prefer the GA but both are OK.

Don't ignore medical advice to exclude other causes even though you do have existing conditions.