Colonoscopy??

[coosiegirl]

If you browse back through you'll see my original question/concern regarding "dull ache/semi-bloody stools....".  I went to see my physician (actually she's a PA) and she listened to me try to explain and felt the sore area of my abdomen and after I mentioned the bloody stools (not extremely bloody, just intertwined with some blood and I suppose it's a mucous of some sort.... she simply recommended me to a gastrointestinal doctor.  I can't help but wonder if it might be an ovary that is giving me the pain????  She talked about an internal exam, but didn't pursue it any further.  I do have an appointment with a gastro doctor, but am hesitant to go.  I feel I should look in to other options, perhaps the internal exam first??  And, yes, although I do still have some blood in my stools, it doesn't seem to be EVERY time I go and the lower left side below navel does still ache.  My appointment is the 28th of this month.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks for your time.

[bowler179]

I just recently had an colonoscopy. I just wanted to let you know that I did not have any meds for this procedure. This was my decision as I don't like meds. It was not bad at all. There was a small amount of discomfort with the air they insert but all in all it was not, by any means, intolerable. The discomfort would last for a few seconds then be gone. I also had the sigmoid and did the same. It was nice to be able to converse with the doctor and nurses. They had the IV hooked up just in case I needed it. Maybe this would be an option for a few of you. I also know a nurse who told me to take 4 TBL. og Milk of Magnasia at 12:00 the day before the procedure and the take 3 Duculax at 5:00 the same day. This worked great and it cleaned me out fine. You can use this instead of the phophos stuff. Any questions please e-mail me at ***@****.

[woriedJ.]

Hello,colonoscopy is the best way how to find if there is something wrong in you colon.Colonoscope has a camera and a light on the end of that "cable" with a hole. The colon must be completely clean, for doctor to see details.If there is a polyp, they insert trough the "cable" instrument which will remove the polyp. There is not any discomfort after you wake up, only dizziness so you can't drive. The polyp is goes for biopsy to find what origin it was.Taking polyps away is taking chance to cancer to develop. Also only colonoscope can go through your whole colon and only SPECIALIST has that instrument.Medical centre has colonoscope which can reach ONLY A PART OF COLON. Now they have a new solution with some fruit flavours for more pleasant drinking.Next sunday I will be drinking this LOVELY solution and getting ready for my test, I have been already 3times,always OK, it is worthy to eat pretty well so you don't push the trigger to get cancer.It's in my family, my brother was succesfuly operated about 12 years ago.Today's medicine is much in advance.But the biggest part is on us,I realize now more than before that the most important is our lifestyle.I was always careful, but not always eating vegie as required. No smoking, no drinking,working - moving, and healthy no fatty food. There is still some time to change your habbits, but don't delay! I hope that it will help to somebody to keep our treasure - health.Voried J.

[wailan]

Hi,
   My doctor never mentioned anything but a colonoscopy. Maybe because there is a history of colon cancer in my family and a colonoscopy is the most definitive way to tell if anything is wrong. I was nervous about this procedure but found it to be a pretty easy test and you wont feel anything. The only yucky part was drinking that prep stuff but if you get the fleet phoso soda there isnt as much of it to drink. Hope I helped answer some of your questions.

[teep]

I would definitely go.  I have been experiencing symptoms almost identical to what you've described on and off for the past few weeks, and my physician (an internist who also does my annual internal exam) referred me to a GI.  If she thought reproductive organs were involved, I'm sure she would have mentioned it.  Based on my symptoms, the GI's suggested a sigmoidoscopy, which I am having done this week.  My question, to anyone, is this routinely a "first-step" diagnostic test, before proceeding to a colonoscopy if nothing can be diagnosed from the sigmoidoscopy?  Everyone here seems to indicate colonoscopies as the first diagnostic test prescribed by their physician when they present with abnormal bowel symptoms.  And to anyone who has experienced a sigmoidoscopy, what's the discomfort level?

[woriedJ.]

This is very important to go for colonoscopy, we have in family colon cancer.If would be possible colonoscopy as prevention in 1970' my mother wouldn't have to die in age 47! I am going for prevention check up every a few years and next week again. Blood in stool is never good, my advise is not to delay and just go for the colonoscopy. It's really fast... Only the drinking of that gallon of "water" is harder. But still worthy for exange of your health!!! Vorried J.

[nadia]

My first diagnostic test was a barium enema.  I did not find it to be too unpleasant.  The prep was the same as for a colonoscopy but there were no drugs used during the procedure.  It was over in about an hour and the after effects, I found were minimal.

[wailan]

Hi,
Just wanted to say that if you do need a colonoscopy that are not bad at all. I had blood in the stool also and they recommended me to have this test done. I was extremley nervous about it but it was a breeze they give you a little medicine to make you sleepy and the next thing you know you are done. I dont know if you will get this procedure done but it is not one to be scared of.  wailan

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.  

Left lower quadrant pain can include the following: diverticulitis, irritable bowel, inflammatory bowel, inguinal hernia, gastroenteritis, and GYN causes (i.e. ovarian causes, ectopic pregnancy).  

Since you are having occasional blood in the stool, it is reasonable to look for a GI cause first.  A colonoscopy would be the definitive test to search for a diagnosis for blood in the stool.  Other tests for your personal physician to consider would be an abdominal CT or barium enema.  

If there is no obvious GI cause, then a GYN workup would be reasonable.  This would include a pelvic exam to look for any adnexal masses and possible ultrasound to further elucidate the cause.  

I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

Medline Plus - Abdominal Pain
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/abdominalpain.html