I am twenty and need a colonoscopy?

[LizF14]

Hi,
I am a really healthy, athletic young woman. But for the last year and a half I have had five incidences with extreme abdominal pain. I would vomit after five or six hours of cramping, but would throw up undigested food. I was referred to a gastroentrologist through the emergency department, and recieved a gastric emptying test (liquid and solid), a barium follow test, an ultrasound, and a gastroscopy. All the results came back negative, except for a single abnormal cell on the gastroscopy. My specialist did not want to perform more invasive tests, for a single test and I was comfortable with that decision. I am now on Motilium, but had another attack three weeks ago. I went for blood tests, and now my specialist wants me to have a colonoscopy.
I am really uncomfortable with the idea that at my age I need to have that procedure. Also I am travelling to Africa for two months- I was assured I was fine to travel. But now I have no idea what I should be doing, what I could have, and if I should seek a different opinion. If anyone has any advice, or had a similar experience. I would really appreciate anything at this point, thanks very much.
Liz

[lozzyroo]

have you got a date for your conoloscopy let me know how it goes,i'm in the UK and got to go hospital to speak to a specialist and to book my conoloscopy i'm scared too but i guess that's natural lol i don't throw up like you do,but i've had diaahrea for 5 months with slight stomache pains...feel like stitches in a way.i think i may have crohns disease but we shall see.keep me update on how you are.i hope everything goes smoothly.
from lauren x

[LizF14]

Thanks for all your reassurances, I had no idea that young people had the test as well. I guess I had some sort of idea that only the invasive tests were for older people, I guess its true that young people feel invincible. And I dont even feel like I am an unhealthy person, or that I have some sort of condition. Hopefully I don't!
I just have to suck it up and get it done - I really appreciate everyone posting and everyone's suggestions. I hope this finds everyone well!

[djfredm]

Dont worry about your age, worry about your health. I am 17 and I have to get a colonoscopy. I dont care that I am young for the procedure, I am just looking for an answer to what the **** is wrong with me. Best of Luck~ Fred

[Angelina87]

So, I'm 21 now but I had my first colonoscopy a month after my 20th birthday. It's really not that bad. Just if you have the powder drink that your suppose to mix with water put it in the freezer. lol It tastes SO much better cold instead of hot and it tastes like old lemon rine water. OH, and be near a bathroom. But, it really isn't that bad. Afterwords, you have to pass gas, fart, before you can go home. I have Crohn's Disease and I've had it pretty bad. Yours sounds like a walk in the park so don't worry. They'll find a remedy.

[melissw]

HI Liz,
i had my first colonoscopy when i was 21.  i'm now 29... it's not a big deal to have the test done, just the preparation for it is a bit nasty.  but yes, like the others, you will most likely sleep through it.  i understand your frustration about wanting to travel... i've had the same problem... it doesn't mean you can't do it, just make sure you know what your problem is/how to treat it/if there is sufficient medical care/proper medication available where you're going in africa.  your health is the most important thing and if your plans have to be put on hold, africa will still be there when you're ready...

good luck and don't worry too much; just take care of yourself...

[lozzyroo]

I'm 20 too and i'm going to have a conoloscopy i don't care as long as it helps me get better plus like Coughting said they give you a mild sedative and you don't remember a thing

[coughting]

Young people have this test all the time.  Your dr is doing the right thing.  Ask any young person with chrons and they will tell you this is a common test.  No big deal, they will give you something and you won't remember anything.