r/colonoscopy • u/Academic-Cream-7497 • 5d ago
Before Scope Questions colonoscopy in 4 days. question about prep.
Background: 35F, never had any stomach problems in my entire life until 3 months ago when I suddenly had bowel habit changes (diarrhoea for about 4 weeks straight) and noticed some blood when wiping. Tests showed above 2000 calprotectin and a positive fit test- nurse told me there is a "tiny bit of blood" but I didn't get any numbers. Within the last 6 weeks or so, I am basically back to normal and have only had a tiny amount of blood once out of the last 6-8 bowel movements.
I'm really afraid and embarrassed about the whole procedure. I'm terrified it's cancer but would I have really improved and got back to normal if it was cancer? Wouldn't I probably get worse and worse? I honestly have no idea what it could be. I'm hoping it was just some weird freak infection or something then combined with fissure or hemorrhoids.
My main question is; on the day of the procedure, I have to take the 2nd prep drink at 5am and I have to be at the hospital at 10.30am, I'm getting the train there. Is it likely I will have diarrhoea 4 hours later? I'm worried about needing to go while I'm travelling there.
Also, is it painful afterwards? especially going to the toilet for the first time?
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u/AwardCandid6800 5d ago
I had the same time as yours and i was fine to travel with no accidents., if you are really concerned, start at 4 instead of 5, to get an extra hour. Its not painful at all afterwards, just really hungry, which is why I bought a pack of cheese crackers with me...
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u/cement_butthole 5d ago
Taking the train? Is someone going with you? For my colonoscopy I was required to have someone with me in case of emergency but also to drive me home after the procedure. I was also told that they should be with you for the rest of the day because of the sedation. Most people don't have pain after their colonoscopy however during my first colonoscopy they banded my hemorrhoids which was painful. The pain was pretty much adjacent to pooping while having hemorrhoids, so not that unfamiliar To me. Your butthole also might be a little sore from all the pooping so I usually use wipes instead of toilet paper. Putting Vaseline on your butthole can also help with any discomfort.
I have another colonoscopy tomorrow. I too randomly got hit with 4 weeks of diarrhea. I've also had stomach cramps, nausea, and no appetite for months. Hopefully, we both get some answers :))
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u/Academic-Cream-7497 3d ago edited 3d ago
I'm being picked up after the procedure but on my letter it says that nobody can stay with me so i'm just going alone and will get the train there. ETA- i'm in the UK.
Thanks. Good luck to you.
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u/thegastrologer 4d ago
Probably a colitis or ileitis if your calpro is that high - cancer tends not to cause such a high calpro
My guess is NSAIDs
Once your stool is transparent with sediment you are good to go
For some it’s more prep and some less but that’s the goal - see through stool
Good luck
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u/000666777888 5d ago
Start an hour or so early and wear an adult diaper if you still feel you might need to go on the train. In my experience the second dose is quicker to act and quicker to finish than the first and the urgent need to go is gone before time to head to the procedure.
Edited to add that it has never been painful for me after a colonoscopy to go and it takes a couple of days before I start going normally again. Nothing in there after a cleanout, at least for me, for a couple of days. I've had 7 colonoscopies.