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Posted 6/10/2021 9:13 AM (GMT -5)
So i'm scheduled for a colonoscopy/endoscopy next week w/ an infectious disease GI to look for any possible causes of all this GI distress, plus I'm almost 40 and polyps run in the family so makes sense.

But I'm curious if anyone has had any issues w/ a colonoscopy? I.e. causing more gut disturbances or infection? I'm a bit leery suddenly now that is approaching. Perforation is also a very remote but awful scenario.
Posted 6/10/2021 9:23 AM (GMT -5)
i think perforations are v rare and doc would have to be cack-handed.

i have had one - the procedure itself was nothing

the prep with the massive laxative doses they routinely give to make sure the colon is entirely empty is another matter.

DO NOT PLAN TO BE MORE THAN 20ft FOM A WC AT ANY TIME AFTER TAKING THOSE!
Posted 6/10/2021 9:45 AM (GMT -5)
With my dad having polyps early, I had to start having colonoscopies in my early 40s. As Garzie mentioned, be prepared for "go" a lot with the preparation stuff you have to take the day before. That has always been the toughest part, for me.

Never had any post colonoscopy problems, except feeling a little off after anesthesia. You'll be awake one minute right before procedure, then you wake up wondering if they have completed it. Nothing to stress about. You have enough of that.
Posted 6/10/2021 10:39 AM (GMT -5)
My mom died of colon cancer at age 55.
Diagnosed at 54. She had never had a colonoscopy even tho her Aunt died of colon cancer (she was older though - 80 something)

My GP told me in my early 40’s that I should have one.
I was so freaked out about having one that I didn’t do it until recently -- almost 10 years later.

The prep wasn’t so bad - nor was the procedure. The med they pump into you made me so high that I wouldn’t shut up. Then more was pumped into me and knocked me out.
A polyp was found - it was taken out and turned out it was the type that turns into cancer.
It typically takes a few years for polyps to turn into cancer.

So I had an appt for one and covid hit… and it was cancelled.
I can call now and get one scheduled
Posted 6/10/2021 12:36 PM (GMT -5)
i was fully conscious for mine - v mild sedative only i think.

I had a gastroscopy at the same time / same day - also no problem - v mild discomfort having a tube up your nose and down into your stomach

but really the procedure itself is a doddle - they took about 8 biopsies and you don't even feel them
Posted 6/10/2021 1:24 PM (GMT -5)
“ was fully conscious for mine - v mild sedative only i think. ”

Yah - that’s how most of them are - in my case, the surgeon didn’t want to hear my constant chatter (can you blame him?? Lol) I was giddy from the drugs.
Posted 6/10/2021 3:28 PM (GMT -5)
No issues. I found the procedure interesting it was fun to watch the screen. They said they sedated me but I didn't feel sedated and remembered everything. The prep as Im sure you know sucks. Im supposed to get another one this year as its a year since I had part of my colon removed. I assume I will get a discount if they are looking at a much shorter colon.

Oh yea and when you get a ride to the hospital sit on a trash bag or something. I nearly went in my pants in the car if I had stained the seats I would have been mad.
Posted 6/10/2021 5:53 PM (GMT -5)
Perforation happens more then you would think-I know three people.
I would still do it if I was you and I did one when my stomach was terrible.
If my tummy was good then I would do cologuard-crap in the box deal
Posted 6/10/2021 8:52 PM (GMT -5)
You know 3 people that had a perforation magoo?

Yikes
Posted 6/10/2021 9:52 PM (GMT -5)
Happens more then you think
Posted 6/14/2021 9:56 AM (GMT -5)
Colonoscopy/endoscopy came back pretty normal.

No signs of inflammation of the colon, no ulcers, no polyps.

Ran tests to check for microscopic colitis, malabsorption, low stomach acid and tight junction issues, should get those back in a few weeks.

Only finding was minor inflammation of the ileosecal valve, which in theory could cause some SIBO and not a finding I was happy about. Not sure that explains explosive stools for 2y tho.

I expected it to come back clean. Anyone w digestive issues actually have a colonoscopy/endoscopy come back w something definitive and actionable?


This fast is sounding better and better

Post Edited (dcd2103) : 6/14/2021 9:00:09 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/14/2021 3:38 PM (GMT -5)
I have no ileocecal valve anymore. Pretty sure I dont have SIBO, been tested and dont have any symptoms. So while the ileocecal valve plays a part I dont think it prevents SIBO.
Posted 6/14/2021 3:50 PM (GMT -5)
oh interesting skinny this actually is both helpful and reassuring. Why do you not have an ileosecal valve anymore, what happened to it?
Posted 6/14/2021 4:16 PM (GMT -5)
my combined gastroscopy and colonoscopies showed 2 things that were not normal - but to the conventional medical world this was normal enough not to warrant any further investigation -

i tried for some weeks to get a clear answer as to what exactly they looked for in the histology of the biopsies they took and what they were able to rule out - but never received a satisfactory answer.

1, mild- moderate gastritis in the stomach - no known cause - "some people just get it " - however - acc to Burrascano's and his guidelines bart is 2nd most common cause after h. pylori

2, unusual brown colouring in the walls of the colon(normally pink) of no known cause - "melanosis coli" - can be caused by white blood cell infiltration - eg as seen in intracellular infections

so nothing conclusive

most useful thing - and the main reason they do them is to rule out any gross physical problem with the plumbing - blockages, fistulas, tumours etc - after that they tend to label everything else - a "functional issue" and that's them done!
Posted 6/14/2021 4:18 PM (GMT -5)

dcd2103 said...
oh interesting skinny this actually is both helpful and reassuring. Why do you not have an ileosecal valve anymore, what happened to it?

I had a right hemicolectomy and some small intestine removed a year ago the valve came with it. I had a tumor in my appendix. The removal of the right side of my colon and small intestine was preventive/prophylactic.

Food does move through me fast 12-18 hour range for most of it. I think that in itself reduces SIBO risks, but you risk malnutrition if things move too fast.
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