Colonoscopy with a stoma

Hi thanks for raising your concerns I've never had one but over the years many members have reported on their experiences of having one.

To supplement the information you've received from your surgeon this leaflet might give you more of an understanding of the procedure.

http://www.colostomyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Colonoscopy-through-the-stoma.pdf

Many of the members have reported that it was easier than having the conventional one.

Hope it all goes well and would ask that you come back and tell us how you got on and how it felt for you.

I'm sure it won't be as bad as you think.

Ian

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Hi

thank you as always for your prompt and thorough response. I haven’t got the date yet, currently coping with second line chemo (folfuri) after FOLFOX failed to reduce my spleen and lung mets. 

This appointment came about as a result of me wanting to poo occasionally through my rectum but couldn’t even though I feel there is something in there.

The surgeon examined me and wasn’t unduly concerned but nonetheless has arranged a more thorough check by way of the colonoscopy (both entrances)

So I’ll keep you posted on progress. It will be after my next CT scan scheduled for 3 June. 

Best wishes to everyone whatever you are managing at the moment x

Hi Boxerlady,

I've had a colonoscopy with a permament stoma and it's absolutely nothing to worry about. You will be sedated, but by going through the stoma, it's a shorter colonoscopy (for obvious reasons!). I wondered what it would be like, and to be honest, it's over and done with quite quickly, and there was no discomfort as there's no real bends for the camera to work round! Hope this reassures you.

Linda :-)

Thank you so much for that Linda. It does make sense what you have said. And I feel reassured from that. 

julie

Hi, I have a permanent stoma and had to have a colonoscopy through it. I was sedated and honestly did not feel a thing. I vaguely remember being in the room, I remember the tube thingy going in, then it’s all a blur! The worse bit of the whole thing is the two days of the prep. It’s horrible and I lost 4lb over those two days. I was never so grateful for a hospital sandwich after the colonoscopy! Provided you have the sedation, it’ll be fine. Good luck x

 Thank you for that helpful response . and I will certainly opt for the sedative. Yes I am wondering how the prep will go - my stoma clinic has given me some drainable bags to use. 

Best wishes to you

julie x

Hi Julie

The prep is not too bad with drainable bags. Obviously the drink itself is still disgusting but the dashes to the loo are more manageable and I found it fine with the bag and no issues with a sore bottom!

Good luck

Liz x

Thank you . Every bit of advice helps . Will I still need a drainable bag after the procedure? 

Julie x

Hi Julie

On the hospital’s advice I waited a bit (20-30 mins) before putting on a new bag for any wind to escape. After that I think a closed bag is fine as there is not really anything left to come out. 

Liz  x

Thanks . I was also wondering whether you experienced much or any discomfort afterwards once home?

julie x