Post Colonoscopy Problem

[dedeliz]

I had a colonoscopy 2 days ago (also and upper endoscopy).  Colonoscopy results showed no polyps; upper endoscopy showed a small hiatal hernia and short segment Barrett's esophagus.  I experienced a tremendous amount of gas pains following the procedure - quite painful!  Yesterday - one day post procedure - I still had  alot of gas and I noticed that when I take a deep breath I have a rather sharp pain in my left shoulder area.  This is still present today and is quite uncomfortable. I did have a small BM this morning - so things are "moving" (I hope!).  I wonder if this shoulder pain is associated with the procedures - like dilated bowel irritating the diaphragmatic nerves causing referred pain.  I have never had this pain before - in spite of the upper endoscopy findings.  Is there something I should do?  Medication?  Report this to the doctor?  Eat vs. not eat?  Your insight and advice is appreciated!
Thanks!

[ebjb]

As ggreg said Alka Seltzer can help but I use Wind Setlers which contain the active ingredient Activated dimeticone. Says on the pack 'For the symptomatic relief of flatulence, wind pains, bloating, a swollen stomach and other symptoms associated with intestinal gas'   I find they help me.  Hope either the Alka Seltzer or these will help you.

[candybabe1012]

I just had a colonscopy today... and I too am experience extreme gas pain... so bad i honestly felt like someone was cutting my insides out.... but i am having a very hard time passing the air.... is there anything which can help get it out? the results showed no problems but I went in for it due to extreme and chronic constipation. please let me know

[ggreg]

Air sometimes gets trapped in the bowels after a colonoscopy procedure, which can hurt quite a bit.  Eating lightly what you usually eat should eventually expel all the gas.  See, when you eat, the gas in the bowels keeps food from going down right away, so your tummy will sometimes bloat up, which can cause discomfort when you breathe, which might explain shoulder pain.  In the meantime, an alka seltzer helps relieve gas pain.  Plus, since you don't eat a few days before the exam, it takes a while for the digestive system to get juiced up and accept food again, so just go easy on what and how much you eat for a while.  Also, the hernia may be feeling a little painful in the place it's located, but usually that goes away in time, too.  If you're still having a lot of pain after a week, visit your family doctor.

[savik]

It might be from the colonoscopy.  Maybe there was some swelling.  When I had mine done, I was uncomfortable afterwards as well. Try not to eat irritating foods.