New here...colonoscopy tomorrow

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Registered: 03-26-2003
New here...colonoscopy tomorrow
5
Mon, 08-21-2006 - 5:24pm

I have been lurking here for a really long time and thought I should finally post. I am 36 yrs old and had my gallbladder out when I was 24. Ever since I have had terrible diarrhea off and on with no warnings. Sometimes I will go for months or even years, but lately it seems like it is more on than off. I have 5 children under the age of 9. During my last pregnancy I had a terrible time with the diarrhea and only gained 10 lbs during the pregnancy. I am a bit overweight anyways. Regardless, I had a heck of a time eating. I pretty much know what my trigger foods are~high fat, salads ,greasy etc. also corn,popcorn and things like that. I swear I will never ever eat at McDonalds for the rest of my life as it has almost done me in a few times. It took me forever to figure that one out! Anyways, the last week I have had diarrhea non stop. I have also had blood present. The blood has been there for a long time~at least 18 months or more. My OBGYN said I have hemrrhoids. Anyways, this past week the bleeding has been awful. Not much pain anywhere, I just can't keep food from going straight through me. I guess I have that Bile salt Diarrhea? IT is bright yellow. I had been doing the Calcium carebonate via tums and that seemed to help slow it down, but the blood has me frightened. I finally went to the ER yesterday and what a waste of time that was. THe DR was rude and did not even give me an IV until I asked for it. I was so weak from not eating and have lost 10lbs in one week. I was in the process of getting into a GI Dr anyways, so I called them this AM and they have me scheduled for the procedure in the AM. Thanks to this board I think I am prepared for the prep. I stocked up on all the stuff and am getting ready to start it. I am just scared and nervous that I am going to get horrible news tomorrow. I can live with Colitis, cHrohn,s anything. I am just praying it is not cancer. Please keep me in your prayers. I want to be well to take care of my 5 children. Thanks so much and if anyone has any ideas or input I would appreciate it.


 

Diane~proud mom to~


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Diane~mom to

Laura(13.5) Sarah(11) Steven(9.5) Jonathon(7)

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Registered: 03-04-2005
Mon, 08-21-2006 - 7:10pm

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I'm glad you finally decided to come out of the lurker mode and join us Diane! Are you sure you are actually having a colonoscopy done tomorrow? Usually there is enough prep to be done that you would need a bit more time. It also is a bit easier (if that's possible!) if you are able to stay on a liquid type diet for a few days preceding the test.


Did the office give you the list of things to do between tonight and tomorrow? What time is your procedure scheduled to be done?


Keep us updated and we'll try to hold your hand thru cyber space, OK?


AND, we will not even mention the 'C' word again...no need to focus on that, not when so many other, fixable possibilities need to be figured out, right?

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Avatar for mytwogals
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 08-21-2006 - 8:42pm

HI ELise,


THank you for responding so quickly. I have not eaten for days so they were able to get me in tomorrow.

Diane~mom to

Laura(13.5) Sarah(11) Steven(9.5) Jonathon(7)

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Registered: 03-04-2005
Mon, 08-21-2006 - 10:23pm

Did they tell you that you should stay away from anything red? It can show up looking like 'blood' and should be avoided.


You will probably be pretty 'dopey' all day and usually are told no driving at all and to not sign any documents until the following day, because your senses may be off, even if you think you are fine. Will someone be around to handle the kids for the rest of the day? Most people feel sleepy and are able to snooze the day away.


If anything like a polyp is in there, it will be removed and biopsied, but you probably won't get any definitive results immediately. I also doubt that the doctor will Rx anything until any biopsy results come back.


You should be able to attend the concert on Thursday, but be sure to write yourself a note, to ask the doctor if there is something he can Rx to help you.


We'll be waiting to hear from you...good luck!!

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Avatar for mytwogals
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-22-2006 - 4:50pm

Just wanted to give a quick update. I had the procedure today and the Dr removed a 1 1/2 inch polyp from my lower colon. hHe said it did not appear cancerous but of course have to wait for biopsy results. HE said I was very lucky to have had this done now as if I had waited a few more years I may have been in full blown cancer. NowI must have a colonoscopy every three years for the rest of my life and need to notify my brothers and parents to get checked immediately. MY children will have to have colonoscopies done after they turn 25. Pretty scary, but at the same time a sigh of relief. I am going to do some research when I get a chance. THanks for all your encouragement!


He also wrote me a rx for the diarrhea. IT is something to bind the bile. THe pharmacy will not have it till tomorrow-so one more day!! I forget what it is called~cholest~~~~~~something or other. ANy info???


Thanks again!


Diane

Diane~proud mom to~


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Diane~mom to

Laura(13.5) Sarah(11) Steven(9.5) Jonathon(7)

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Registered: 03-04-2005
Tue, 08-22-2006 - 10:29pm

Sending you extra healing hugs tonight Diane! You should be able to sleep off the anesthesia and feel OK by morning...let us know, OK?


Thank goodness you had this done now and hopefully the biopsy results will come back negative.


Let me know the name of the med when you are able to get the full name. Most Rx's come with an info sheet, so you can share more about it with us.

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