Colonoscopy Worry - Cancer: Colon Message Board

knitting · 06-18-2002, 06:20 PM

I would appreciate any advice you all may have. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on July 3. (What a great July 4th treat for me as some have ribbed me about) I am scheduled either am or pm and scared to death.

For the last few years I have had occasional rectal bleeding (always red) after bowel movements. Usually one to three times a year. This recently changed as of a month ago. This has gone to extreme pain during and after bowel movements, and much more frequent bleeding during bowel movements lately. My other symptoms are that I am fatigued, gaining weight, and difficulty moving my bowels (at times I need to wait 12-24 hours to do it). They aren't sure what it is, but my doctor seems the colonoscopy will help with a diagnoses. I guess my biggest worry is my family history of cancer. My father’s family is riddled with all types of cancer, while I have no family knowledge of my mothers due to adoption.

Do any of you have any advice for me as this test date approaches?

Thank you for your help

Tammy

Jay Tor · 06-18-2002, 06:42 PM

First - it's normal to worry, esp. if it's a major test and you fear bad news. We still get apprehensive about one to two weeks before follow-up tests and this is a couple of years after.

Suggestions:

Get busy - the busier you are, the less time you have available for worry.

Breathing exercises - e.g. yoga - this is worth doing anyway and is effective during anxious moments.

Good luck,
Jay

plc · 06-22-2002, 05:58 AM

I am also facing my first colonoscopy, However I had a sigmoid first...and my doctor found a polyp. Therefore the fear of finding something is now over,however now I want it out... I know how anxious you are, but keeping busy is the best answer. I hope you have someone to share this with for that helps too. Good Luck I will be thinking of you..Let me know how it turns out

knitting · 06-22-2002, 07:10 AM

Actually my husband thinks I am fine. So no real worry from him. He knows I am young (29 in a few weeks) and doesn't think it could be serious. On the other hand with my family history, and not knowing my mother's side due to adoption, I am very nervous. I know very well it could be cancer; I try not to think of it as much as I can. I do have a friend who I can talk to, but she is now on vacation for a week and is dealing with the future loss of her father looming over her because he has prostate cancer and is ravaged by the disease now. (She helped me through my father’s loss from the same disease too) I am trying to keep busy, but it doesn't help that I am almost done with school for the summer (returned to school to pursue my dream of teaching) and that means all of my volunteering is done too with school being out. I hope to get back into exercise much more. A few bike rides and walking with a tape player blaring good music would probably help me a lot. Now it comes down to time and waiting. Jay, I never could get into yoga, I guess it is because I like to move in fast speed for everything. I never sit unless I am on the computer or with kids.

Does anyone one know if they remove a polyp, do they immediately biopsy it and give the results same day?

Doesn't help that I get this done day before July 4th and it probably is an afternoon appointment, only way I could get in until July 15, my doctor rotates days every three weeks.

Thanks for caring

Tammy

HAYDON · 06-22-2002, 04:04 PM

Hi Tammy,
If I said "I know exactly what fear you are feeling", would it help? I have had bowel/stomach problems for the past 5/6 years. I have abdominal pain almost every day and nausea. Just before Christmas last year I started to pass blood during bowel movement. I tried to ignore it.(How stupid can fear make you!!) My wife made me see my G.P. who immediatly did a sigmoidoccopy and took a "bite" from what he described as a wart like growth for biopsy. The result was benign!
I have since had another sigmoidoscopy done at outpatients. The result of that one was the same but was still made to have a colonoscopy. I had a barium enama on 10th June then was recalled for a second colonoscopy on 17th June. By then I was a complete wreck!!! The colonoscopy itself is not too bad at all.
The worst bit is when they pump air into the the colon so they can get a clear veiw. I felt like a balloon that was about to burst!! It realy isn't that bad and you get tea/coffee and sandwich after. The worst bit is the fear of the unknown beleive me. I had sedation and muscle relaxant before the procedure which realy does help. If they do take a "bit" for biopsy it takes about 2 weeks for the result,at least that is how it is here in the U.K. The doctor that did my second colonoscopy was very good and explained that I would have to have the "polyp" which has grown quite large will have to be removed along with part of my bowel.
The reason for this is any type of growth in the colon
has the potential to turn "nasty". After the initial shock it realy is surprising what the mind can accept, also the relief of knowing the wonder of major surgery today. I hope this has helped a little. Please try not to be to anxious (although I was before I knew how much
surgeons can do today!!!)
My thoughts will be with you.
HAYDON.
P.S.
My second colonoscopy was on fathers day here in U.K. so missed out on slap up Sunday Roast booked by my daughter at posh restaurant!!!!
Please let me know how things go.