Had a few niggling health issues recently, and after a few visits to GP and a Consultant had a joint colonoscopy and endoscopy today.
Prior to going I was fearing the very worst. Especially after seeing the TV Ad about bowel cancer, and of course Dr Google.
Anyway...All is fine, just a few ulcers and inflammation...But thats not why I am posting.
If you are of a certain age 40+, and you have any doubts, get it done, not pleasant, especially the Moviprep you take 24 hrs before yr appointment.
I opted for the throat spray, rather than the general anesthetic for the Endoscopy, and at first it was really unpleasant, lots of gagging, loads of saliva, generally not good, but once it is inside it's not too bad. The removal makes you gag a bit.
Then for the colonoscopy I opted for gas and air, really strange feeling, the camera is about 1 metre long, and takes quite a few bends and turns to go all the way, and you actually face the screen and can see whats going on, the weird bit was when he inserts the scalpel to take a biopsy, you actually see it through the camera, and see it take its sample, obviously a bit of bleeding, which looks way worse on the screen than it actually is.
My advice to anyone showing symptoms such as a change in bowel movements, stomach cramps, bleeding, tiredness & feeling bloated is go and see yr GP, and insist on a referral to the Endo/Colon department.
I have been on pins for a couple of weeks, but the relief is incredible, and I was talking to a guy there today who had early stage bowel cancer diagnosed, and again, catching it early was a great relief, and he is well on the way to a full recovery.
Not a pleasant procedure, very intrusive, but vital in checking all is well.
