Colonoscopy? After HIDA, Upper Endoscopy, Enterography And Pelvic Ultrasound
Mar 9, 2016
Long story shot. On October 11th I woke up and thought I had some sort of stomach bug. I was more nauseous then I have ever been in my life. This continued on for months. I was vomiting a few times a week through till the end of December. I have since been on an upswing and feeling much better still have days were I don't feel great and I never feel quite normal, but I'm eating again and I'm about to get out of bed.
My GI set me up to do a Colonoscopy tomorrow. She wanted to rule out Crohns, but I have none of the typical symptoms of crohns. After doing some extensive research it really seemed unnecessary and, although the risk is very low, could possibly do more harm then good. I can't take antibiotics so even getting something simple to treat like C-diff, a UTI, or yeast infection would not be an easy fix. She wanted me to do an MR Enterography IF the colonoscopy came back clear, but for some reason the nurse scheduled it for last Monday, the results for my stomach, small bowel and colon, "appear unremarkable." And "There is no abnormal bowel wall enhancement, thickening or evidence of bowel obstruction."
I have also had a bunch of other testing done for this:
Gallbladder ultrasound
HIDA scan
Upper endoscopy
CT scan with IV contrast
MR Enterography with oral and IV contrast
A LOT of blood work and repeated blood work
Urinalysis multiple times.
Extensive stool analysis for blood, bacteria, parasites, yeast, beneficial bacteria etc...
Pelvic ultra sound
STI testing
Pap smear
I feel like doing the colonoscopy won't show anything and I want to know what you guys think. And what other avenues I might consider perusing? I have an appointment with an OB/Gyn on the 31st just to see if she has anything to add. I will talk to my GI when I get a chance and she can better explain to me why she thinks the benefits out weigh the risk.
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I have been taking omeprazole 40mg daily for a suspected peptic ulcer for 2 months. The pain has now completely gone. I'm due for an endoscopy in 2 weeks to check everything. I came off omeprazole yesterday, as instructed by the hospital, but have started today with indigestion and excess saliva production which is affecting my sleep. Will this subside? Any more experiences out there?
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I am sixteen years old and had an Upper gastroscopy yesterday!
Firstly DON'T WORRY! Alls I did was worry and it really was ok.
I checked into the hospital, and waited in my bed for about half an hour. I was then taken to a pre-theatre room, where i was told to lie on my back. I had my throat sprayed and it numbed it instantly. I then had the sedation put into a vain in my hand. The doctor then told me to lie on my side, but I couldn't as I was already sedated (That's how quick it works!)
DON'T worry about the air being pumped into you, I didn't feel a thing!
The next thing I knew, I woke up and it was all over. The procedure only lasted for 5 minutes.
I waited around for about one hour for the sedation to ware off and then I went home with my mum and boyfriend.
Today I woke up with mild stomach pains due to the fact I had a BIOPSY took of my stomach, but as the day wore on they gradually got smaller.
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I can see a Colonoscopy coming my way.
Just wanted to say about 4 years ago I had to have an upper tract endoscopy (tube down throat) and was beside myself over it. I'm the biggest wimp going and very frightened of invasive procedures.
Anyway, circumstance on the day were that if I had sedation I'd have no one to drive me home afterwards but I wanted to get it over and one with.
So believe it or not I asked for it without sedation. The nurse tried to dissuade me but I stuck to my guns. I did accept the throat spray though. I calmed myself as much as I could and walked into the procedure room.
I'm please to say I managed it without sedation and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. No pain and only minimal discomfort. I did mumble about getting the endoscope out quick just before the end but by then it was nigh on all over. The examining doctor said I'd done so well to tolerate it. That made me doubly proud of myself because at the time I suffered from severe panic attacks (now thankfully gone).
Back in recovery all my fellow endoscopes who'd had their procedure before me were snoring their heads off. I waited there a while because I wanted the numbness the spray had caused to my throat to wear off. During this wait I heard other patients who had been sedated fighting, groaning, moaning and shouting during their investigation. I'm sure that would have been me if I'd been left with no control.
Now possibly got to face a colonoscopy and heading to that section to see what the score is on that front.
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I just thought I'd post my experience with my upper endoscopy/gastroscopy today, as I'd been putting it off for ages due to the awful stories I read online. I think people are more inclined to post their experience if it's an unusually traumatic one, so I'd like to add another good story to balance it out!
Background: I'm a 26 year old female. It was about a year ago that my GP pushed for a gastroscopy, but after doing my research, I refused. Even the thought of it made my heart skip a beat. I was in the hospital once for an ultrasound and walked by the endoscopy unit... I remember thinking, no way am I ever going in there! Then this year I suffered a few bad bouts of vomiting, and my GP again encouraged me to have a gastroscopy. By then I was so sick that I just wanted to do whatever I could to help myself.
So, in preparation, I read as many encouraging experiences as I could. By the time I arrived at the hospital today (University College London), I was in good spirits and excited to finally get it over with. I knew I was going to opt for just the throat spray and no sedation, as I always feel like my best chance of getting through anything is mind power.
After an hour's wait, I was led into the procedure room and prepared by two lovely nurses. The doctor sprayed the numbing stuff into my mouth (it kind of stung and tasted weird, but it didn't bother me). I was expecting to feel uncomfortable as my throat was numbed, but it wasn't bad at all. I could still sort of feel myself swallow. If you feel like you can't swallow and it weirds you out, just put your hand on your throat and feel yourself swallow from the outside.
The nurses then inserted the mouth piece, and the doctor told me to close my eyes. I felt the endoscope go to the back of my throat. He told me to swallow, and next thing you know I felt it (very faintly) go down my throat. I could breathe normally, as the endoscope was a lot narrower than my esophagus (I had pictured it as being so big it would block the air!), and I could even swallow without choking. Swallowing had been my main concern, because I find it hard not to swallow for long periods. But I was able to breathe and swallow as normal.
While the endoscope was in my stomach, I was comfortable enough - I could have lasted like that for another hour. A few minutes in, the doctor moved the endoscope into my duodenum, and this is when it felt a tiny bit sore for a few seconds. It was more like discomfort than pain. He took some biopsies, which didn't hurt at all, I just didn't like the general feeling of something in that part of my intestine. But that part was so short (20 seconds or so) and the doctor reassured me by saying the procedure was almost over. Next thing I know, he pulled it back into my stomach, then all the way back up my throat. The whole thing lasted about 5 minutes max, no gagging at all. I would do it again right away if I had to! I'm really glad I didn't opt for sedation, as being aware of how easy it was going is what kept me calm throughout. I was out of the hospital and on the bus home within 15min of being done.
Here's to reassure you about some common fears people have:
Gagging and being sick: The throat spray will do a lot to stop gagging, but even if you do gag, remind yourself that it's okay. It doesn't feel nice, but you're not going to die or have permanent damage, and there's probably nothing in your stomach for you to vomit up. I've had plenty of nights vomiting continuously for 10 hours, thinking I was going to suffocate, bursting blood vessels in my face from the violent gagging. So, absolute worst case scenario, I'm sure you can manage a few minutes of that surrounded by nurses that are taking care of you. But you probably won't be near that bad!
In preparation, I actually trained my gag reflex to be less sensitive. Touching your gag reflex over time will desensitise it. If gagging really has you worried, I suggest Googling instructions (sword swallowers do this, as do people who... ahem... deep throat). This could be especially useful if you're the kind of person who gags when they brush their teeth or swallow pills. Sensitivity should return when you stop "exercising" the reflex (it's not good to weaken it forever, as it's there to stop you from choking!). Making a fist with your left hand and squeezing your left thumb inside it is also said to suppress your gag reflex.
Not being able to breathe: Nothing to be afraid of here, there is plenty of space in your throat and nose to breathe.
Not being able to swallow: I managed to swallow just fine throughout, but you may not even need to, as the nurses suck out excess saliva with one of those dentist tubes.
Pain: Many people experience no pain, others just a tiny bit of soreness or discomfort at points. But probably nothing worse than the symptoms that have led you to do this test.
Panicking: If you are vaguely comfortable with things going past your gag reflex (as I was after desensitising it), you shouldn't have anything to worry about. I could hardly feel the tube in my throat. Thank goodness for that spray stuff! And just keep telling yourself it's a very short, safe, painless procedure, and each second you bear is one second closer to it being over. In the lead up to test, read other people's good experiences, and focus on the positive of how glad you'll be to have finally done it.
If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. If you're still really scared about having a gastroscopy, just remember, I was exactly like you a few months ago! And I managed to change my mindset to the point where I was laughing and joking with the nurses as they prepared me.
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A little background information about myself: 23 y/o female, diagnosed with PCOS at 19, suffer from multiple UTIs and kidney infections each year.
Starting in about September, intercourse would be incredibly uncomfortable and painful, causing me to cramp severely after and bleed. These symptoms became worse and worse, and I began spotting between my periods. So, after meeting with my GYN in October and her suspecting cervicitis (inflamed cervix), I had an appointment beginning of December for a colposcopy and cervical biopsy. Upon touching my cervix with a q-tip it bled out and was EXTREMELY sore to touch. Waiting on further consultation from the results, but according to my GP: pre cervical cancer cells, uterine lining infection and cervical infection.
I have now been on 2 rounds of different antibiotics with no improvement, I believe I am getting worse. Ever since the biopsy, I have bled EVERY DAY FOR SEVEN WEEKS! I have a fever that comes and goes, chills, nausea, constant pelvic pain and am extremely tired all the time.
I have been researching (bad idea I know) what could be causing all these symptoms and am thinking PID or uterine fibroids? Any advice out there?!
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I had a HIDA scan today and my gallbladder is functioning at 7%. does that mean i need to have it taken out?
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Brief history-Ive had left sided pains for years and acid. Drs suspected pancreas as lipase always a tad elevated but scans normal. Had a hida over a year ago- was slow at 28% but not extreme.
Now I have very soft BM every day, sometimes D-rarely a normal BM. Is this typical of a slow GB (without stones)? Also, I have pretty bad acid issues on and off.
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I have been having classic gallbladder symptoms for about a month now. The ultrasound was clear, however the hida scan showed 25% rate.
I found out today from result of ct scan that I also have kidney stones. Is it possible that these kidney stones caused my abnormal hida scan or are they two separate issues?
In other words, do I have both gallbladder problem and kidney stones or can the kidney stones do all this?
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I was in the hospital about 4 weeks ago with pancreatitis (I'm not a drinker) and was told it was probably due to my gallbladder. CT scan and ultrasound didn't find any stones or sludge, but my gallbladder wall was thickened. I also have a 9mm enlarged common bile duct. I have had numerous attacks over the couple of years, so my gastro dr. ordered a HIDA scan. Showed a 35 % ejection rate and he doesn't think there's a problem with my gallbladder, but did agree to get me into the surgeon I requested for a second opinion. My mother also had a gallstone that blocked a bile due causing jaundice and had to have her gallbladder removed. He did put me on Creon DR 24000, a pancreatic enzyme today to see if it helps until I see the surgeon.
I have lost over 15 lbs. in the last 4 weeks because I can't eat very much and have no appetite and stay nauseated 90% of the time. I've been on a bland diet during this time as well. I have a constant dull pain under my ribcage that tends to radiate around my back and right shoulder.
I'm very frustrated right now and would appreciate any input from others who might have faced the same diagnosis.
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I had an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy this morning. I didn't know whether I wanted to do with or without sedation until the last minute. I had read this forum and asked about every single person I know, and everyone said I was crazy to consider doing it without sedation. In the end, talking to the nurse, I decided to try without it. And I am so glad I did! I would be surprised if the endoscopy itself lasted longer than 5 minutes. It is very unpleasant, don't get me wrong, I did not gag or vomit, but there were a couple of moments where I thought I was going to have a panic attack, so I just concentrated on breathing deeply and keeping calm. When it was over I was up and out of the hospital in 10 minutes, which is great!
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So I saw my GI doctor today. Did a rectal exam, went over all of the testing I had done. She does not think my symptoms are anything serious (yay!) but she does want to do an endoscopy on Monday to see if there is an ulcer or anything.
I am SCARED! I have never had any sort of sedation or medical procedure. Anyone been through this? What can I expect? I have classes the next day and I am hoping I will be able to function fine the next day. Any input helps
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I am 20 years old and am due to have a colonoscopy. I cancelled my first appointment as i was so scared and was having night tremors and panic attacks at the thought of it!
Have read so many horrible stories and want to know actually how painful they are?
Would also like to know whether the painkillers and sedation is recommended as i hate needles and don't like the idea of not being aware of whats going on, dont want to feel like i'm not in control.
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So I am scheduled to have an endoscopy done on Friday. I have read all the bad things that happen after having the procedure. How often do you have really bad symptoms? Bad gas, bloating, abdominal pain, etc after the procedure.
I am really tempted to call off having it done right now. The pain that I have is not daily and doesn't last long. It is something that I can live with and wait out a few months if need be.
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I had an endoscopy in February to assess why I had a lump sensation in the throat and some stomach pain. Prior to the procedure I had no chest pain whatsoever.
After the endoscopy, I was diagnosed with silent reflux and Barrett's Oesophagus and have had chest pain ever since.
I told the consultant about this a few days ago and he wants to perform another endoscopy to find out why I have had chest pain since the initial procedure. I'm a bit hesitant as I'm not 100% sure that he didn't cause the problem in the first place. Would anyone else go ahead or get another consultant to have a look?
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i had an endoscopy on Monday afternoon and ever since I've been having these sharp pains during and after eating. Is this normal? The pain sometimes radiates to my back or over my whole chest area making me panic and think I'm having a heart attack. I have a heavy set girl and keep thinking I'm going to die!
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I'm having a first colonoscopy soon, and am concerned at the pain aspect, Doctors tell me it is virtually pain free, and I have a history of poor reactions to anaesthetics with previous hospital procedures and Dentists, where they just don't work, anybody else have this problem and how do you overcome it.
I have always told the Doctors who tend to just ignore what I say, I have to assume that any pain relief I get will not work until much later in the day, is this manageable?
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My husband was referred to a specialist to undergo ligation for internal hemorrhoids using the CRH O'Regan System. They told him they will need to rule out colon cancer before the ligation procedure. He is 39 and has dealt with hemorrhoids since his 20s, no familial history of colon cancer, no anemia or other red flags that he is at risk for cancer. I am more concerned about the colonoscopy than the ligation. Do all physicians require that testing?
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Just came home from a colonoscopy this afternoon and with the experience fresh in my mind -
I thought I'd share my thoughts.
Never having had a colonoscopy before, I was really wound up and worried in the days before the procedure.
The question in my mind was, just how painful is this going to be? Would I be able to deal with it ?...
So on the day - after a delicate conversation with a nurse on the day, I decided to go for entonox with sedation as a backup if things proved too much.
To get to the nitty gritty - So how painful is a colonoscopy? Well there is a difference I believe between pain and discomfort.
During a colonosocopy - With all that endoscope piping inside you, your insides will get thoroughly pushed and pulled, and so your body will be stretched.
The best I can describe it, is that feeling when you're carrying very heavy shopping bags for some time and your arms really really ache. Not pain but potentially a lot of discomfort.
So If you are someone who struggles with any discomfort, then maybe sedation is the way to go.
However- if you're someone who is prepared to put up with some stretching pulling discomfort (again not really pain) then confidently go for entonox.
In the examination room for the procedure, I was handed the mouthpiece and not given any instructions at all. So here is my take...Just take what you need. When you feel a bit of pulling and pushing, just take one or two lungfuls of gas and then breathe normally for 30 seconds or so. Don't take any gas if you are not in any discomfort as it was simply make you feel lightheaded and woozy. Again just take what you need. It kicks in with 20-30 seconds. Gas & Air is really quite *powerful* pain/discomfort relief.
Best advice - The most important thing is to try to relax.
Two reasons :-
1 By consciously trying to relax, it makes it easier for the job to get done, there is less pushing and pulling needed to fight your tense muscles and so therefore is less discomfort.
2 if you really think anything is going to be unpleasant and focus intently on it, your mind will create a sensation despite what is actually happening... A self fulfilling prophecy.
Just listen to the radio and take your mind somewhere else...
In my case, with a few lungfuls of entonox here and there, the whole procedure was very manageable. Important - accept you will have some discomfort, but it really is no worse than overstretched shopping arms...The staff at good Hope Hospital Birmingham were brilliant, and looked after me very well.
So in summary, I found the experience nowhere near as bad as some of the horror stories you read the forums. I suspect it is only when things go wrong, or people just have a bad experience, that views get shared.
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I too am terrified of having a colonoscopy scheduled for this Friday. I have read the different experiences and don't know what to think as the experiences are so varied. Last year I had a flexi sigmoidoscopy without sedation, or pain relief, which was okay - just a bit uncomfortable. A polyps was found and therefore the doctor wants to check for more higher up. But the colonoscopy seems to be more undignified and painful. I do not want to be sedated as (a) I need to keep my memory for work; (b) I do not like being out of control; and (c) I have read some awful experiences of people being sedated. Therefore I am just going to have the pain relief. During the flexi I was embarrassed at the sensation of wind needing to be released and regardless of being told it is part of everyday work for the medics - it is not for me. This adds to the undignified process. So, although intellectually I know that having a colonoscopy will save my life, I am still very worried about the prep, the procedure and of course the results.
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What is this new thing they are doing now?
Last one I had, I had to drink all the bowel prep the night before.
Now, they are doing one on me the 26th of this month(January)
and I am to drink half of it the night before, and I am supposed to get up at 4:00 AM to start drinking the other half (Half Gallon I guess)
Last time I had one, they found a growth, as I had been putting off my colonoscopy, as I was afraid. Plus I do not/Did not have any one to stay after me. I sucks when you don't have anyone around that cares about you, and will stay after you. I told my doctor to stay after me, but she never did. It is really my fault though.
But it is nice if you have some one to stay after you.
Anyways, the growth WAS cancerous, and they had to remove part of my colon, and it had spread to the lymph nodes, so they had to do Chemo, and now I am worried about it coming back, and killing me. Don't put your colonoscopy off if it is due.
Also was anyone allowed to drink less bowel prep because they have part of there colon removed?
I asked the doctor today, but they have to call me back.
I told them I wanted it looked into, and not just told to drink it all.
I did have a hard time drinking it all last time, but that was when I did have the growth in me.
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