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Colonoscopy

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gwennysue

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Type 2
Hi. Am type two on meds and have today arranged an appointment to have a colonoscopy. Was told I would be contacted to discuss this as I am diabetic. I know what it can involve as other bowel issues in family but they are mot diabetic
. Just wondering if anyone else has had experience of tnis
 
Hello Gwennysue, I'm type 2 but don't think I've had a colonoscopy unless you have one of them with Diverticulitis. Did have some uncomfortable tests at the time, but nothing too bad. I didn't have D then though.
 
Hi, welcome to the forum. I had a colonoscopy in January when they were looking for cancer (thankfully I was clear). The colonoscopy itself was fine, I even watched what they were doing on the screen. My hospital sent out a very detailed pack that explained the procedure and what to do and not do in the days leading up to the procedure. There are certain foods you have to avoid and a day before you have to take some medicine that will clear out your bowels (for me this was the worst part). The pack also explained when you can have your diabetic medication and when to stop taking them.

Try not to worry about it. Sounds worse than it really is. Let us know how you get on
David
 
Hi gwenneysue and welcome.
I have a 5 yearly colonoscopy as there is family history of bowel cancer. It's obviously a bit of 'inconvenience' with the prep the day before confining you to the house but the procedure is really ok. You'll be fine 🙂
 
Yes no big deal really apart from the prep and even that isn't that bad.
 
gwennysue said:
Hi. Am type two on meds and have today arranged an appointment to have a colonoscopy. Was told I would be contacted to discuss this as I am diabetic. I know what it can involve as other bowel issues in family but they are mot diabetic
. Just wondering if anyone else has had experience of tnis
Click to expand...
Hi and welcome gwennysue - I'm also Type2 - yes I underwent a colonoscopy last year - the actual procedure (digital rectal examination) isn't that bad at all and like Davo I watched the entire procedure on a monitor which took about 40-45mins.

If appropriate, the Endoscopicist may offer you a sedative or painkiller which they can give through a small needle in your arm or the back of your hand via a canula. Or the Endoscopist may offer you a mixture of oxygen and a gas called nitrous oxide (a painkiller & weak anaesthetic) that you breathe through a mask or mouthpiece. The Endoscopist will ask you to lie on your left side.

The health care team will monitor your oxygen levels and heart rate using a finger or toe clip. If you need oxygen, they will give you it to you via a mask or small tube in your nostrils - I had this.

The Endoscopist will place a flexible telescope into your back passage. Air will be blown into your large bowel to help the Endoscopist have a clear veiwing. The Endoscopist will be able to look for problems such as inflammation or polyps. They will be able to perform biopsies and take photographs to help make the diagnosis. If a polyp is found, it may be possible to remove it during the procedure
I had a polyp removed and I didn't feel a thing.

Of course prior to the procedure you have will have to take a solution called Moviprep (Aptly named!) is a strong laxative to cleanse your bowel - my advice is make sure there is an ample supply of loo rolls in your bathroom - air freshener - and plenty of water also - this is because you will become dehydrated and you need to drink plenty of water. The procedure sounds worse than it is so try not to be too anxious beforehand. I let the nurse who admitted me, know that I am diabetic and what medications I take.

As you are diabetic you must tell the hospital about seven days prior to your sceduled procedure as to which medications you are taking. It is possible that any one of your medication maybe withdrawn beforehand but you will be able to continue taking them after your procedure. Take care and good luck x
The above may sound daunting gwennysue but you will be fine. Take care x
WL
 
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Oh - and apply Sudocrem or Zinc & Castor oil cream unstintingly to the outlet of the place where the sun don't shine as soon as any movement starts - cos eventually you'll be passing clear liquid, and bums don't really appreciate being wetted and forceful expellation of it, if not appropriately lubricated, LOL

And talking of expellation - that air they pump into your bowel - it comes out again very soon after they finish the procedure! Mine was really loud - made me laugh - but no-one's embarrassed - they know it has to happen and they'd be worried if it didn't - and it can't possibly cause any offence or any mess - cos there's nowt in there to cause any.

I chose the sedation but think they infused enough for an elephant cos I slept like a log for about 2 hours after and they had to wake me up to go home! Brilliant stuff, anyway.
 
Haha! Oh yes the farts - very loud & very frequent 😱 no control. Grandson thought it was hilarious! I opted for the sedation too but needed it topped up when the scope went 'round the bends' of the colon - such an undignified invasive procedure but worth it to get the all clear. A polyp was removed for biopsy but pleased to say it was entirely innocent.
WL
 
I found the anticipation worse than the actual procedure which I didn't find problematic at all but ask for sedation and you'll need someone to collect you.
Good luck!
 
Yup, I've had lots of colonoscopies, with and without sedation. I've only done it once without sedation which tells you something- do it with sedation. And take TWs advice with the prep, it's inconvenient but forceful in the beginning -later it's just like turning on a tap, and totally pain free. And with sedation, the colonoscopy is a sight easier than the prep.

I know this is odd, but at my latest colonoscopy a few months ago, I didn't get the post colonoscopy farts, first time ever - the recovery Ward usually sounds like a brass band tuning up. I was quite disappointed.
 
Ditto said:
Hello Gwennysue, I'm type 2 but don't think I've had a colonoscopy unless you have one of them with Diverticulitis. Did have some uncomfortable tests at the time, but nothing too bad. I didn't have D then though.
Click to expand...
All I can say Ditto is - you would know & remember if you have had a colonoscopy!!! 😉o_O:confused:😱:D
 
Double ditto to all of the above🙂
 
LOL well there was a chance I could have the big c so I went along to see a consultant and he said I was so fat he'd do an exploratory op but would then perforate my bowel or whatever and that would be that. Really filled me full of confidence the numpty. I just went for other stuff then, I remember getting tipped about on a table. Not very comfortable and that's when they said I had Diverticulitis. Got off light then I feel. I still have symptoms for the other which I just ignore, what can you do otherwise? I've still not lost weight and that was a number of years ago. Fool to myself.
 
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