fear of colonoscopy

A

Alisha Shay Shay

New member
I'm 55 years old and scheduled for my first colonoscopy next Friday.
Monday I'm scheduled for a blood test and EKG required because I'm going to have an anesthesiologist present (because anesthesia doesn't usually work on me -- 30 years ago I had a C-section with anesthesia not working, and 3 years ago I had cataract surgery with anesthesia not working).
I'm terrified that everything that can go wrong will go wrong. That I'll vomit from the prep or have other problems with the prep (I have a prolapsed rectum).
I'm afraid of a perforation during the procedure.
I'm dreading the air puffing into my colon.
I'm dreading digestive problems after.
This is only being done because it's routinely recommended. I have no symptoms of colon cancer.
I'm thinking of canceling the procedure.

Does anyone have any experiences to share?
 
I hope I can resolve some of your fears about colonoscopy.

Things have advanced so far in the last few years, that your old experience does not really pertain anymore. The drugs are different, and the procedure is safe.

The most difficult part is the prep, which honestly is not that bad! The secret to the prep is to keep it very cold, and I used fresh limes, and lemons to make it taste good. Follow the directions, and be calm! Allow yourself to be clean and clear.

Becoming freaked out is not worth it, because the procedure is fast, and you will remember nothing. Once it is over, you will have the great satisfaction of knowing you are clear of any problems. You will feel completely clean, which is nice...I was much more conscious of my food intake following my colonoscopy, because I wanted to keep as healthy as I felt.

I think fear is most damaging. It does not follow statistics, facts or common sense. In the long term, it is a very unhealthy to our bodies, and in the short term, makes life miserable. Of course, it is also a natural reaction to things that we do not fully understand, or like.

I did not have any post-colonoscopy issues...I slowly introduced soft foods, rice, potatoes, crackers, jello, fruit, and soup.

Best wished to you...keep us posted, OK?
 
Thanks for your reply, but I'm probably going to at least postpone this until November. I have a migraine, which require me taking medication for the next 3 days.
 
The worst part of the colonoscopy is definitely the prep. All I remember is seeing that white liquid coming into my arm and then waking up in the room after it was done. Afterward you will have some gas and some cramping, but that will be gone very quickly. I was able to go back to eating normal foods immediately after. In fact, the hospital gave me regular food.
 
Of course...It is admirable that you are honest with yourself, and it is your decision, based on all that you know ...that another time, will be better for you.

You know the best. "Elective, or diagnostic" medical procedures have to be measured by the risks being less, than the optimal result. You will know when that time is best for you.
 
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