Hi,

I am scheduled for an upper/lower GI on Fri. and get to do the prep tomorrow...ugh:)

For those that have done this - what symptoms did you have(if any) that warranted a colonoscopy? Did your doc tell you what they were seeing while they did the test? I know the meds sedate you - so, did you remember any of the experience or what was said?

Did anyone have unexplained anemia as a symptom of possible internal bleeding?
With regards to *poop*...did you consistently see the same color or did it vary from day to day...or by what you ate? Was it difficult to poop?


I had gastric bypass 4 yrs ago and my surgeon wants to do this to determine if I am bleeding internally. My anemia is so bad that I eat ice by the bucket...and can't find the energy to brush my teeth. My bowel movements have changed from typical to having diarhea and constipation in the same trip to the bathroom. They range from clay colored to very dark...to explosive...well, you get the idea. The past few days, I have realized that what I thought was constipation is actually the inability to go while sitting upright, I literally have to recline while on the toilet in order to go. Gee, the anonymity of the www...lol....discussing my potty issues w/ strangers...

I appreciate any feedback and/or similar experiences...
As each doc has done different tests, I have gotten to the point where I am ready to deal w/ any diagnosis...but, am impatient to know. I thought I might have celiac's...that came back negative, so unless I am unable to absorb iron...I really want to know what else is going on w/ my bowels...

Thank you for reading..sorry for the long post
T

T,

A colonoscopy is not much of an experience really. The prep is the worst part. As far as what will happen you will be escorted back to get a medical history by the hospital /testing site then given an IV. The IV will be used to hydrate you along with giving you IV drugs such as Valium, Versed, or others in order to sedate you. Most people go completely asleep. I know I did. One minute I was talking to them, the next I was in recovery. And after 8 surgeries, I have a really astounding drug tolerance. They fill you with CO2 in order to get a better view, so you will experience lots of gas after. And, most doctors, discuss the results of what they found after you are awake. Most even show you the pictures. If biopsies are done, they will notify you in about 2 weeks. For me, the colonoscopy was ordered for stomach issues I had that I believe now to have been related to GERD. But, I think she also wanted to check out my IBS, as I have suffered from it all my life.

As far as the anemia and your stools , things will differ from you than most people. The gastric bypass surgery will have affected your body in such a way that most of your bodily reactions will differ from that of others without the surgery. I know you are aware of this so I do not mean to sound condescending in any form. However, it is hard for anyone outside of the medical field to address the differences between your body and their's due to your stomach has been redivisioned. I wish you the best with this and the tests. And I pray that it is not something that cannot be fixed easliy. Please let us know how your testing goes and I apologize for not being able to address your question throughly.

Best wishes,
Angelia

Hope all goes well with your colonoscopy! Mine is going to be next week Friday and the only thing I am really dreading is the result! I am not looking forward to the prep but not really worried about it. My only symptom is an unexplained pain in the left lower pelvis. I have no bowel problems as such. I already have lymphoma so I am really hoping they do not find any other cancer. Being treated for one is bad enough!

Love and prayers,

I am only 16. I have been suffering from stomach and intestinal pain. I have had 3 surgeries this year. I've been diagnosed with slow emptying of the stomach and bacteria grows. Yet, I still have sevre pain. Mostly when I eat. My Pediatric GI will not consider me going for a colonoscopy. But what am I supposed to do for my pain.? I am going to a different GI and seeing if I am able to get a colonoscopy. ANYONE WHO KNOWS ANYTHING THAT CAN HELP please let me know!