Hi there
I am a Registered Nurse in New Zealand in the South Pacific. I work in a Surgical Unit where we perform many Colonoscopies and Gastrocopies among many other procedures on a daily basis. On a average day we perform 8-10 colonoscopies. This is a very safe procedure which you will have heavy sedation for and not be able to drive for 12 hrs following.
From the symptoms you describe, I agree with the online doctor that it is unlikely that your symptoms are caused by cancer. However, even with the presence of a negative barium enema, I feel a colonoscopy could be helpful in ruling out cancer, assessing for polyps, and reducing your anxiety around the issue.
Therefore I would suggest if you can financially fund yourself into getting a colonoscopy, this might be a good option. Doctors are more than often correct, but a second opinion can always help. If it were me I would try and get one done if only for peace of mind.
All the best
B. Edwards RN
Thanks for the quick reply.... and now i feel much better..:) but i just want to ask one more thing. After reading everything do you think i need to do a colonoscopy? The reason i am asking is because the consistency in my stool has changed. I dont know if this is because my diet has changed. I am no longer eating meat and i am eating more fruits and veggies now the only type of meat i eat is seafood.
My stools are more soft and sometimes smaller... meaning a little thinner... nothing to talk about but then again sometimes they are thick and normal. I drink alot, alot of water like 8-10 glasses.
Please give me some advice.
Thanks again.
Please do not worry. This will increase anxiety and depression.
Your cousin and you are 2 different individuals and every individual is special.
It is unfortunate what happened with your cousin.
In you case the Barium enema is negative suggests that you do not have any problem.
You do not pass blood continuosly and you do not also have haemmorrhoids.
Your family history is also negative.
You do not have an ulcer and there is nothing suggestive in any of your tests.
You go to a clinician for an yearly checkup and when everything is negative feel rest assured and do not worrry.
Take care!