[Anonymous]

I've had "IBS" for years, and really want to see a dietitian or have noninvasive tests as I really believe its diet related (I know for a fact certain foods trigger me). Apart from urgency and pain, there are no particularly "extreme" symptoms, it all feels really unnecessary. I've never had blood in my stools and haven't lost weight particularly. My doctor says I "must" have a colonoscopy before I can be referred elsewhere (to dietitians, for bacterial testing etc). He says its very possible I could have IBD, despite me never having blood.

I'm already incredibly embarrassed about my bowel problems, and go to extreme lengths to hide it (like finding the most private possible toilets in work). My mother knew about it, but gossiped to my auntie who now always asks about it, it really embarrasses me. Its not that she doesn't care, she cares too much, to the point where she is prying; she's proven that she can't be trusted to keep it a secret.

I wouldn't mind if the colonoscopy was a day procedure, as I could go privately, but with all the prep you have to do the day before I would need to take two days off (and thus have to explain my situation to work) and also be forced to explain it all to my mum. Its also quite a travel to get it done. I'm also terrified of anesthetic, I wouldn't mind having mild sedation, but I don't want to be unconscious/unaware (with it being NHS they won't give you a choice).

I DO want to find out whats wrong with me, but I just don't want to have to have loads of people knowing (especially work). I'm thinking of calling and cancelling it, maybe waiting till a few years when I have my own flat/privacy, but obviously this would mean being untreated.

[Anonymous]

(Original post by Anonymous)
I've had "IBS" for years, and really want to see a dietitian or have noninvasive tests as I really believe its diet related (I know for a fact certain foods trigger me). Apart from urgency and pain, there are no particularly "extreme" symptoms, it all feels really unnecessary. I've never had blood in my stools and haven't lost weight particularly. My doctor says I "must" have a colonoscopy before I can be referred elsewhere (to dietitians, for bacterial testing etc). He says its very possible I could have IBD, despite me never having blood.

I'm already incredibly embarrassed about my bowel problems, and go to extreme lengths to hide it (like finding the most private possible toilets in work). My mother knew about it, but gossiped to my auntie who now always asks about it, it really embarrasses me. Its not that she doesn't care, she cares too much, to the point where she is prying; she's proven that she can't be trusted to keep it a secret.

I wouldn't mind if the colonoscopy was a day procedure, as I could go privately, but with all the prep you have to do the day before I would need to take two days off (and thus have to explain my situation to work) and also be forced to explain it all to my mum. Its also quite a travel to get it done. I'm also terrified of anesthetic, I wouldn't mind having mild sedation, but I don't want to be unconscious/unaware (with it being NHS they won't give you a choice).

I DO want to find out whats wrong with me, but I just don't want to have to have loads of people knowing (especially work). I'm thinking of calling and cancelling it, maybe waiting till a few years when I have my own flat/privacy, but obviously this would mean being untreated.

Hi OP, I have had one of these done. Im personally not as embarrassed as easily as you I guess, even though the reason I was reffered for one was Haemorrhoids- perhaps more embarrassing than IBS. Yes its unlikely you have anything serious, but it is a neccessary step to helping your condition. The previous day bites a bit with the hassle of emptying your bowels. By the way, you are conscious and not under any sedation during the process. (I wasnt anyway). My advice is get it done just in case-its a natural thing nothing to be ashamed of. Just on the off chance it is something serious-embarrassment shouldnt really come into things which could affect your health.

[randdom]

(Original post by Anonymous)
I've had "IBS" for years, and really want to see a dietitian or have noninvasive tests as I really believe its diet related (I know for a fact certain foods trigger me). Apart from urgency and pain, there are no particularly "extreme" symptoms, it all feels really unnecessary. I've never had blood in my stools and haven't lost weight particularly. My doctor says I "must" have a colonoscopy before I can be referred elsewhere (to dietitians, for bacterial testing etc). He says its very possible I could have IBD, despite me never having blood.

I'm already incredibly embarrassed about my bowel problems, and go to extreme lengths to hide it (like finding the most private possible toilets in work). My mother knew about it, but gossiped to my auntie who now always asks about it, it really embarrasses me. Its not that she doesn't care, she cares too much, to the point where she is prying; she's proven that she can't be trusted to keep it a secret.

I wouldn't mind if the colonoscopy was a day procedure, as I could go privately, but with all the prep you have to do the day before I would need to take two days off (and thus have to explain my situation to work) and also be forced to explain it all to my mum. Its also quite a travel to get it done. I'm also terrified of anesthetic, I wouldn't mind having mild sedation, but I don't want to be unconscious/unaware (with it being NHS they won't give you a choice).

I DO want to find out whats wrong with me, but I just don't want to have to have loads of people knowing (especially work). I'm thinking of calling and cancelling it, maybe waiting till a few years when I have my own flat/privacy, but obviously this would mean being untreated.

I know that it can be embarrasing but if your doctor is worried that you might have an inflamatory bowel condition then it is probably worth going and getting yourself checked out.

Have you tried talking to your GP about your specific concerns are? There might be options of having sedation rather than a GA at a hospital that is close but not your local one. It is probably worth going in and having a talk with them because if they don't know what your concerns are they can't help you.

When it come to work if you really don't want to talk the time off as sick leave could you take it as annual leave. That way people don't need to know what is going on.

Rather than just calling up and cancelling it I really would advice having a chat with your GP first to see if there are any other options.

[Chucklefiend]

You don't have to explain the real situation to your work if you don't want to, just phone up the day before and say you've come down with flu and won't be able to come in the next day.

And personally I'd much rather be unconscious.

[monk_keys]

I've had a colonoscopy for Chron's disease.

It's tempting to try and self cure through diet but going through the hospital is the first step to a much more comfortable life.

Don't tell work what you're doing, just tell them you are going into hospital for 2 days, that's reason enough.

Ultimately though, it will be better for you if you come to terms with your IBS. You don't have to be embarrassed and everything becomes easier once friends and family know what's going on and it just becomes another part of your life.

[Thorax]

(Original post by Anonymous)
unconscious/unaware (with it being NHS they won't give you a choice).

I DO want to find out whats wrong with me, but I just don't want to have to have loads of people knowing (especially work). I'm thinking of calling and cancelling it, maybe waiting till a few years when I have my own flat/privacy, but obviously this would mean being untreated.

Regarding the BIB, you could stay in a hotel for a few days. Put a 'do not disturb' on the door and you would have utmost privacy for as long as you would want it.

You could just tell your work that you have a virus, and tell your family that you just need a few days away by yourself.

By going private, you could choose the day and the time. You would just need 3 days for yourself. The day before - for the prep, the day of the procedure and possibly the day after. No-one would really need to know.

I've never had a colonoscopy, but I do suffer from IBS so I understand the embarrassment factor, but really, you need to accept that, as gross as it is - EVERYBODY ****s. Everybody gets diarrhea. It's not that big of a deal. I'm sure that your mum would like to help you through this.

Would you rather have a few days of embarrassment and suffering or many years more?

[woman_overboard]

(Original post by Anonymous)
I've had "IBS" for years, and really want to see a dietitian or have noninvasive tests as I really believe its diet related (I know for a fact certain foods trigger me). Apart from urgency and pain, there are no particularly "extreme" symptoms, it all feels really unnecessary. I've never had blood in my stools and haven't lost weight particularly. My doctor says I "must" have a colonoscopy before I can be referred elsewhere (to dietitians, for bacterial testing etc). He says its very possible I could have IBD, despite me never having blood.

I'm already incredibly embarrassed about my bowel problems, and go to extreme lengths to hide it (like finding the most private possible toilets in work). My mother knew about it, but gossiped to my auntie who now always asks about it, it really embarrasses me. Its not that she doesn't care, she cares too much, to the point where she is prying; she's proven that she can't be trusted to keep it a secret.

I wouldn't mind if the colonoscopy was a day procedure, as I could go privately, but with all the prep you have to do the day before I would need to take two days off (and thus have to explain my situation to work) and also be forced to explain it all to my mum. Its also quite a travel to get it done. I'm also terrified of anesthetic, I wouldn't mind having mild sedation, but I don't want to be unconscious/unaware (with it being NHS they won't give you a choice).

I DO want to find out whats wrong with me, but I just don't want to have to have loads of people knowing (especially work). I'm thinking of calling and cancelling it, maybe waiting till a few years when I have my own flat/privacy, but obviously this would mean being untreated.

I have had a colonoscopy for Crohn's Disease and it's not a big deal.
You don't have to tell work, just say you're going into hospital for some tests which you'd rather not go into detail about.

Also in terms of anaesthetic, as far as I'm aware you are mildy sedated, not unconscious. I remember being awake for parts of mine (frankly, I'd rather have been unconscious).
I used to hate my mum telling people about my Crohn's but to be honest, if this is a condition you're going to have for a long time, you might as well bite the bullet and just talk to people and accept it. It's pretty liberating and the majority of people are sympathetic and don't want to make you feel uncomfortable.

Please don't cancel the procedure, if they can be more conclusive in finding out what's going on with your digestive system, you might be able to receive better treatment for it.

[Anonymous]

(Original post by randdom)
Have you tried talking to your GP about your specific concerns are? There might be options of having sedation rather than a GA at a hospital that is close but not your local one. It is probably worth going in and having a talk with them because if they don't know what your concerns are they can't help you.

When it come to work if you really don't want to talk the time off as sick leave could you take it as annual leave. That way people don't need to know what is going on.

Those are other things, the hospital (nearest) is about 15 miles away (40 mins directly on the train). I'm a little worried the laxatives would still be kicked in in the morning, the stations have no toilets and the one on the train is rarely working. Also with coming back, I know the hospitals don't like you taking public transport, but surely I'd be OK if I sobered up for 3-4hrs in the hospital cafe? Its only a five minute walk to the station each way.

With work I cannot take it as annual leave. With being in training my work are VERY tight on holidays, them having to be booked months in advance and only one person can be off at a time. It would definitely have to be taken as sick leave.

I think this is the problem though, I can't just "talk to my doctor", it takes weeks even getting a telephone appointment, and there is no pre-surgery talk with the hospital, literally just "booked in, turn up, next".

[monk_keys]

If you reduce what you're eating a day or two in advance it shouldn't be an issue. Laxatives can only get rid of what's already in there

[daisydaffodil]

You will not be anaesthetised if you don't want to be - there are consent forms for such things and as far as I know unless they were going up there with the intention of doing surgery they wouldn't need to give you a general .. Most likely mild sedation *but* that can cause amnesia and can feel as if you weren't aware of things, despite the fact that at the time you were aware of it.

It's very odd to explain but I was given "twilight sedation" not too long ago and whilst I remember being given the medicine and feeling a bit woozy, the next thing I clearly remember is looking at the anaesthetist, him telling me we were almost done and me saying "Ah yes, but then we have the operation to do!" - he tried to explain to me that the operation was over ("Eh, no, we've done that.." "Whaaaa? I don't remember !!" ) and I'd been talking to him (talking utter waffle) for the last two hours. I do have some hazy memories - I remember being given oyxgen, and I remember being given a hairnet (!) and being asked about a medication I was on, but that is really it.

I can't imagine you'll get it without that kind of sedation to be honest, probably isn't the type of thing you want to remember!

[Anonymous]

(Original post by daisydaffodil)
You will not be anaesthetised if you don't want to be - there are consent forms for such things and as far as I know unless they were going up there with the intention of doing surgery they wouldn't need to give you a general .. Most likely mild sedation *but* that can cause amnesia and can feel as if you weren't aware of things, despite the fact that at the time you were aware of it.

Can you refuse sedation on the NHS? From my experience so far the NHS treatment doesn't seem focussed on what patients want, rather what is convenient/efficient.

I don't want full on aneasthesia; its like with drinking alcohol, I don't mind being tipsy, but losing consciousness against my will terrifies me. I've had minor surgery with only local anesthetic (which wore off halfway through), wasn't too bad, but obviously there isn't a local aneasthetic for bowels.

Especially with getting public transport I want to be reasonably "with it" within a few hours (and not end up asleep on the train whizzing through my hometown).

Could I just have a light muscle relaxant, or painkillers? Or half of the dose?

I don't mind analgesics just don't want the sedation.

[Kayl<3]

When I went for my colonoscopy, I got the choice of having either the sedation or gas and air. I chose the sedation as I was really nervous and scared about the procedure, but ended up having gas and air aswell because it got very painful for me in my stomach.

With regards to the bowel cleansing, on the day of my procedure I kept feeling the urge of needing to go to the toilet, but nothing was left to come out so I dont think you need to worry about that, its really just the feeling of needing to go.

Good luck if you do arrange to go for a colonoscopy, im sure you will be fine and will be over before you know it

[CheesePuffff]

I also have IBS although mine is not diet related (possibly undiscovered IBD?)
I had a colonoscopy in September and I missed my first week of year 10 (we started on Wednesday but you know :P)
It was my first time being under GA and I was really scared, but honestly, I was fine, just a bit woozy the day after.
Edit: The day before (the "bowel cleansing procedure") is the worst part. It's embarrassing and your mum needs to understand. However, once you get into the hospital, the nurses and other people will probably already know you might need to go to the toilet urgently and people really won't mind. The actual colonoscopy is nothing, especially if you're asleep
I also think the best way to get over the embarrassment is to tell people about it. I still get embarrassed a LOT of the time, but honestly I am so so much more comfortable having my family and friends know about it. It's hard to tell them at first and obviously you only want to tell people you trust, but you will feel so much better about not having to make up excuses and stuff if they already know what's going on.
I hope you go for the colonoscopy even if they tell you everything's okay; then you will either be able to get the real help you need (like from a dietician) or they can treat you for anything else they find, like IBD, which can get progressively worse and is something you don't want to go untreated for too long.
Hope you're okay, anyway

[RobJ93]

I've had a couple for my crohn's disease. The sooner that you accept your condition, the less embarrassing it'll become. I tend to tell my friends everything and let them make a joke or two, just makes everything easier and more lighthearted. I had to have it done without sedation last time (last week) due to my blood pressure being low. I just had painkillers.
Having had it done both with and without sedatives, I'd suggest to get sedated, it just makes the whole procedure less unpleasant. Having said that, it's really not that bad. It's a little uncomfortable and painful but that's it.

[WildBerrySpirit]

How uncomforatable/painful is a colonoscopy? I'll be having the procedure soon, and just wondered how it compared to the uneasiness of a endoscopy, which I found just about bearable?

[RDavies93]

(Original post by WildBerrySpirit)
How uncomforatable/painful is a colonoscopy? I'll be having the procedure soon, and just wondered how it compared to the uneasiness of a endoscopy, which I found just about bearable?

It's not too bad. I found the endoscopy about 100 times worse tbh. The only bad part is the laxatives you drink the day before, tastes disgusting and is altogether unpleasant and the next day you're very worn out. The procedure itself is ok, obviously you're drugged up a little, and since you can't see what's going on, you can detach yourself from it. Honestly nothing to worry about

[RDavies93]

(Original post by RobJ93)
I've had a couple for my crohn's disease. The sooner that you accept your condition, the less embarrassing it'll become. I tend to tell my friends everything and let them make a joke or two, just makes everything easier and more lighthearted. I had to have it done without sedation last time (last week) due to my blood pressure being low. I just had painkillers.
Having had it done both with and without sedatives, I'd suggest to get sedated, it just makes the whole procedure less unpleasant. Having said that, it's really not that bad. It's a little uncomfortable and painful but that's it.

This. Makes life a lot easier, people are much more understanding than you expect them to be. Plus supportive

[Anonymous]

I recently had a colonoscopy done because I have IBS too and its really not as bad as you think.

Yeah, the idea of it isn't nice and it is a little embarrassing, but you don't even know that you've had it done under anesthetic. I woke up an hour and a bit afterwards in no pain at all and I would've just thought I'd been sleeping. I felt a little out of it or the rest of the day but felt fine the day after.

The worst part is the prep the day before! I had to drink 2 litres of this really horrible laxative that tasted really salty and I couldn't finish it because it was just making me gag in the end. You will be going to the toilet continuously for about 6 hours once you've started taking the drink, so you'll practically be living in your bathroom!

I'd definitely go ahead with it though, its really important to rule out other conditions and get the best help. You don't need to tell your work, just call in sick or tell them you're going to the hospital but you don't want to discuss it. You don't have to tell them.

[RobJ93]

Yeah the laxative is unpleasant. Stock up on baby wipes.

[Daniel_R]

I got one on monday :\