After seeing my consultant to talk through a recent CT scan, they’ve seen that my bowel lining looks thicker than usual but they’re not sure whether it’s something to be concerned about or whether it’s just inflammation caused by the immunotherapy.
They’re sending me for a colonoscopy next week to have a better look at this and I’m very nervous about it. I’ve had 2 sigmoidoscopies last year but because of my cancer I now have a stoma (ileostomy) and so the colonoscopy will be through the stoma. I feel really uneasy about this which I know may sound silly. My stoma doesn’t stick out much and the opening doesn’t look very prominent and I think I’m overthinking it quite a lot. I’m thinking I just want to be sedated enough to the point I’m not aware of what’s going on as I am very prone to getting upset easily when I have anything medical done.
I just wanted to see if there’s anyone who could share their experiences who have had this procedure, whether it’s tips and tricks or just words of reassurance. Thank you.
I havent had quite the same experiance but when I first had my ileostomy I was having problems with ileus so they wanted to have a check around.I had a camera via the stoma and honestly it was ok.they gave me some gas and air and chatted to me throughout the proceedure.( in fact some student nurses asked to watch as it didnt happen too often,so they kept my mind off it.)
Hope that helps a little and also bumps your post up the list so hopefully others will see it.
I have an ileostomy and a colostomy. The last routine check colonoscopy was via my colostomy, which is flat and has a small opening. I learnt from previous experience to opt for sedation. The procedure was conducted with me flat on my back and was less uncomfortable than the conventional point of entry! You will be OK and yes, it is easy to overthink the process. Don't forget, the team are there to help, not hurt, you.
it’s nice to hear that you had a positive experience with this and thank you for sharing this with me! It’s helped me feel a little bit better about having this procedure done :)
It’s relieving to hear that you had a positive experience and that the procedure was still fine to do given your stoma being flat and small like mine. I think I will be opting for sedation as it will help me stay relaxed throughout it. I will try my best to not overthink too much given both yours and Kath’s replies have put my mind at ease a little bit. Thank you :)
I have a colonostomy and had my first colonoscopy through my stoma in April. In the US they always sedate you. It is a very light sedation but you cannot drive afterwards. The doctor also examined my rectal stump which left me a bit sore but no discomfort in the stoma at all.
