Colon......

[neytoynia]

Hi all, I havent been around alot lately, been having lots of issues. The latest problem is something is wrong with my colon. Has anyone ever had this problem? I have to have a colonscopy done, sounds like fun, huh style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/scaredy.gif !! I am scared out of my mind, my uncle died from colon cancer 2 years ago, but Im hoping its not that serious, if anyone has any insite to this situation.............please let me know.

[Woofmonster]

<span style="font-family:Book Antiqua"><span style="color:#990000">Neytoynia, I have had the colonscope plus the other one, my colon problems started several years ago as IBS-certain foods would cause me to go running for the nearest restroom, and at other times I could be stopped up for as long as two weeks, total misery, During this time I had stomich ulcers and a then developed rectal ulcers that were open and bleeding, after doing the colonscope they determined it was either IBD or Crohn's Disease, between the two specialists they couldn't decide, I also have RA and Lupus SLE. They decided to consult I may say finally with my Rhumy and since the RA has been flaring almost non stop, decided to Try Remicade IV Therapy. The reason being it is used for both-Crohn's&RA. I have had 3 treatments and the Colon problems have improved vastly, they are now going to up the dose of the Remicade in hopes that as the crohn's is responding it will help the RA at the higher dose. I don't know if this helps, the colonscope proceedure you will not be awake for, and you will know the results fairly soon. The GI doctor gave his initial impressions after the proceedure, and said the biopsy's would be back in 5-7 days, which would give them a firmer diagnosis. I am no expert by any means, but wanted to reach out and share my experience in hopes it would ease your fears, take care Woofmonster style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif </span></span>

[helloos]

I had the ole colonoscopy done, you will be medicated, the preparation time is the part that stinks.

Why are they doing it?

I hope your tests come out normal and will praying for that.

[Lis]

Neytoynia - I've been having problems with my digestive tract and colon for the last 18 months - i've lost a lot of weight and have been quite ill with it. I had an endoscopy - they discovered the lining of my stomach was bleeding. However, I then developed recurring hard lumps in my abdomen so the gastroenterologist has said I now need a colonoscopy - I've been waiting since February for it - and like you am feeling nervous about it all. My rheumy seems to think it is more connected to the fact I have sjogren's rather than the lupus and I've read elsewhere that sjogren's can cause these problems. For me they want to rule out Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.
That probably doesn't help much, but just to let you know I understand how you feel and hope your problems are sorted out quickly.

Lis style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

[neytoynia]

Hey all thanks for the responces, that makes me feel better knowing that I will probaly zonked out the whole time. Just the thought of it makes me cringe. Im having it done, because I have knock down, drag em out pain in my side. I have had constant diarreah for 3 months which looks like black coffee grounded up with mucus like material into, I know TMI right, LOL. It is sometimes ****** and whatever I eat comes right back out, guarenteed within an hour. THe down side is, I havent lost any weight from it, BOO ! I cant even sit a certain way sometimes and the pain is unbearable, I know and they know something is wrong with it, I just hope it aint too serious. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif

[ReneeNZ]

Hi there neytoynia,

I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy at the same time a few weeks ago.

I was very nervous but the sedative they administer does indeed put you right 'out' and there is nothing to fear about the procedures - just make sure you have someone to drive you home because you are not allowed to drive for several hours - at least that is how it works in this country.

I had to have the procedures during the process of trying to find a diagnosis because my iron levels and haemoglobin are very low an d they wanted to find out if I was bleeding internally.

The result was that I have a hiatus hernia (had one many years ago and had surgery for it but it's back) and also a condition of the colon - diverticulitis. Apparently this latter problem can cause severe abdominal pain - and I may be wrong but almost certain I was told particularly in the left side. Anyway - my diverticulitis causes no pain so I am fortunate in that respect and there was no bleeding - also fortunate - though bleeding needn't necessarily be linked to any malignancy. (Just reporting what my specialists told me!) Of course these results were no help in diagnosing what is going on with me personally - but onwards and upwards.

So - the best of luck with it all - please don't be afraid - and I hope you come back and let us know how it went, and the results!! Mine were given to me shortly before I left the hospital when I was compos mentis again! ! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

[Lily]

((((((((Neytoynia))))))))

Just wanted to wish you good luck with your procedure, may it lead to answers and solutions style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

love
Lily

[neytoynia]

Thanks for all the replies you guys, I go on May 25, so I wil let you all know how it goes.

[frilly6]

You will find the prep the worst part as every-one says. The rest you will sleepo.

the best of luck, you will breeze thro it, hope the results leave you happy

hugs

frilly style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif

[neytoynia]

Hi everyone, here is my update.... Ok I went to today to have the colonscopy and endoscopy done, it actually went ok. There is a spot that he has to do a biopsy on, but thinks it will be ok. I also have an ulcer, which I know have a new med (nexium)to add to the list. I dont think it hurt because I zonked out in I think like 5 seconds, best sleep I ever had. But the prep part, OMG, I never want to see another Fleet 1 kit again style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sick.gif . I told my hubby that I wouldnt wish that on my worst enemy, LOL.

[alobreto]

Hi, Neytonia! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
Glad to hear that your experience (other than the cleanout beforehand) went without incident. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif Wouldn't it be great if we could get sleep like that every night?

It will be interesting to see what they find out about the area of tissue they're checking on. There are things besides cancer that biopsies can uncover and with the correct diagnosis proper treatment can begin.

Glad to hear they are treating the ulceration they found. It sounds like your insides really needed to be examined with the different problems you've had as well as the things that were discovered.

Glad it's over with! I wish you well!
Angela style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[ReneeNZ]

Glad all went so well neytonyia - and thanks so much for 'reporting back' as it were!! I think feedback's so good and valuable to others who might be fearing the procedure. They took about 5 biopsies when I had it done but all turned out ok!

Am I the only one who wasn't bothered too much by the prep?? I must be odd!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ermm.gif