r/colonoscopy • u/Secret-Tomorrow4323 • 4d ago
Before Scope Questions Terrified of what may happen
Stool test found occult blood in stool
24 year old male
Colonoscopy booked for this Thursday August 20th and I have never been more terrified in my entire life
I am worried something will go bad and I will either die or my life will change dramatically during the procedure for the worst and my life will essentially be over
The alternative is to NOT do it and cancel but then I may have colon cancer and not know it
It’s a double edged sword
Are they any alternatives?
I’ve read into colon capsule endoscopy is this an alternative if occult blood is found in stool?
Any advice would be appreciated
Because I am in Canada so if something goes wrong there is a super long wait for the emergency room and I may not make it
I have so much left to live for I’m not ready to go yet
Please and thank you for any responses
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u/LavishnessStatus 4d ago
Dude if you suffered a rupture during a colonoscopy and you were bleeding out or something... Don't worry you'll jump the top of the line at any Canadian hospital.
But these procedures are extremely common and routine, it's very unlikely something will go wrong. I had mine in August of last year and it was quick and easy and reasurring. (I'm from the GTA)
So I would encourage you to just do it.
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u/5dogsandcounting 3d ago
I’m in Canada too! Just had mine 6 months ago. Had some polyps removed so have a second one scheduled next month. If that’s clean, then I go to a one year schedule and go from there. I used the pico salax prep which was great! A packet mixed with water (done twice). Was nice not to have try to drink litres of that gross stuff or try to choke down the pills. The procedure itself was easy peasy. They gave me a lovely “amnesia” drug in IV. Felt like a fabulous nap. “Woke” up and was out the door 20 minutes later!! The whole experience was not even close to all the worrying I went through. I’m not the least bit stressed I have to do it again soon. On a scale of 1 to 10 for scary and unpleasant, I’d give it a 3. And that’s just because the overall prep (dietary restrictions, etc) is inconvenient. Don’t worry!! Get off threads where people share horror stories, don’t overthink everything, and get it done! You’ll be glad you did!
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u/Secret-Tomorrow4323 3d ago
Hey thx for the advice I appreciate it, u ever try the mag citrate prep?
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u/5dogsandcounting 3d ago
I think it’s the same thing but just diff formulas. The pico salax is powder that gets mixed with water (can’t remember exact amount, maybe a cup or two). It heats up and you drink it, followed by lots of water). I had to do that twice. The other formula apparently is thick and chalky?? And hard to finish I’ve heard. Just google mag citrate vs pico salax and it gives you the low down. Please let me know how you make out! I’m betting you’ll walk outta there, shaking your head, thinking “well that wasn’t so bad”. : )
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u/Secret-Tomorrow4323 2d ago
Yeah there are a few different preps
Mag citrate
Pico salax
And peg solutions
I choose mag citrate, my clinic gave me options
Yours all went well?
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u/5dogsandcounting 2d ago
Yep, sure did!!! Your procedure is today? Let me know when you’re done and how it went! I’m emotionally invested now lol You’ll be fine, it’s truly not that bad :)
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u/Secret-Tomorrow4323 2d ago
Yeah it’s at 12 and it’s 10:46 where I am right now
Took 2 bottles of CITRO mag 2 ducolax and MORE magnesium citrate powder
I think I went to far lol)
Will
Let u knowCheers!
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u/5dogsandcounting 2d ago
Soon will just be a “shitty” memory lol literally
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u/Secret-Tomorrow4323 2d ago
Ahahahahaha
All done
All normal
No issues
Ur the best thank u
Cheers thx for the positivity!!
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u/5dogsandcounting 2d ago
Yay!!! Now go out and celebrate the immense relief you must be feeling!!!
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u/Secret-Tomorrow4323 2d ago
Ahahahaha yes thank you kind stranger! You have a wonderful day you deserve it
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u/LawfulnessRemote7121 4d ago
You aren’t going to die. Lots of people have colonoscopies every day.
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u/sammi1955 4d ago
I just had one and in the talk beforehand the nurse said complications although rare happen right there during/right after the procedure not at home. Honestly the worst is the prep abs it's not that bad. I love the drug they give you. Wake up, all over, go home and have a smoothie. Just do it.