Guest Post: Colonoscopy Myths and My Mistakes
Today I am sharing a guest post from Sian Phillips, who is stepping outside her usual comfort zone to write about a recent health scare she underwent. Sian offered to share the lessons she learned in the hope that it may be of some help to anyone to you.
This is quite a hard post for me to write as it is so personal but when I thought about it I realised I’m always writing personal stuff as I normally give my own opinions so what the hell.
For starters everything is ok with me health wise and I felt a bit of a fraud writing this post but Marie assured me that it would be useful. I like to think it may help other people who need to have a colonoscopy and also not to be as silly as me in worrying alone.
I had some blood spotting when I went to the loo. I knew this wasn’t right and within a week I went to the doctor. One thing I don’t do is put something off if I think I may be ill – the sooner it’s sorted the better in my mind.
I have a lovely doctor in the Shandon Medical Centre in Dungarvan and she immediately put me at ease and suggested I see a consultant for a colonoscopy just to be sure. I think I also had a swollen tummy and that was another worry – personally I think that’s just something that needs liposuction. Luckily I have medical insurance so I knew I would be covered – although it was different depending on which hospital I chose so always confirm that first if you can.
Be careful what you read on the internet
So this is when I made mistake no.1. Of course after seeing the doctor I went home and looked it all up on the internet and read a lot of horror stories about the colonoscopy really hurting. Obviously this worried me. Besides the embarrassment of having a tube stuck up my bottom it was going to hurt too. Marvellous!
So I then had to wait to hear from the consultant for my appointment. The doctor thought it would be quite quick but it actually dragged out to three months. I didn’t have the blood spotting again but of course I still needed to be checked.
Talk to friends and family
Now came mistake no.2. I have my own personal policy whereby I don’t worry about something until I know there is really something to worry about. I try to keep to this rule as much as possible so as not to waste emotion and energy on something that actually turns out ok. And because of this policy I also don’t like to worry other people until necessary. So I didn’t tell anyone about the problem or the colonoscopy. I don’t have a boyfriend or husband or I’m sure I would have mentioned to them.
My Mum, older brothers and sister in laws live in Wales and I’m in Ireland so I’d hate them to worry from afar. My closest friends don’t live near me either. Although I did end up telling my neighbour who is a really good friend too, but that was only because I needed a lift to and from the hospital which was an hour away.
Of course it was still on my mind a lot. I know it’s the classic “coincidence” where you suddenly see lots of references to something you want to forget about .There were a lot of TV adverts recently about Colon Cancer and how it’s ok to talk to your doctor about it. I also watched what I thought was a RomCom film and it was actually that she had a colonoscopy and found out she had cancer and then died. But then she did get off with the dishy doctor so there was an upside 🙂
The Prep
The day before the procedure I couldn’t eat anything and had to take some medication to clear me out – that wasn’t too pleasant but I was at home and close to a loo so not really a problem. And the plus side was I lost half a stone in weight. I’d happily take that every couple of months 🙂
For most of my life I have had an unnatural fear of hospitals – I know most people do but I struggled to even visit people on the maternity ward. I’d get very shaky and panicky, feeling like someone was going to strap me down to a bed. In my 30’s my Mum mentioned this could have been because I had my stomach pumped when I was 2 as they thought I’d taken a load of junior aspirin. No one had thought to mention this before! Since then I’m a lot braver but it’s still not a great experience.
The Procedure
Thankfully I didn’t have to be in the hospital very long – I arrived at 11.30am and left at 3.30pm. There wasn’t any hanging around at all. It was a bit like a conveyor belt of colonoscopies – one out, next one waiting to go in…..literally. I found that a little strange but it did make me realise the nurses weren’t considering this as embarrassing as I was. I also didn’t want to tell people because it was such an embarrassing procedure. Stupid me – that was mistake no.3.
I was sedated so I couldn’t feel anything but still knew what was going on. I think I may have rabbited on to the doctors and nurses about something stupid – one of the nurses saw my name on the form and thought she had the famous actress coming in so I was very apologetic.
Mistake no.4 was expecting it to be painful. I can honestly say the procedure didn’t hurt at all and wasn’t even that embarrassing. I had colonic irrigation in London years ago when it was the “in thing” – that was a lot more uncomfortable and humiliating.
During the colonoscopy I was able to view my insides too on the TV if I wanted to – it looked strange but fascinating. I do remember saying to the consultant that it was a conveyor belt of bottoms which made him laugh but as he pointed out – it was the insides he was concentrating on, not how he got to see them.
The All OK
Before I left the consultant told me that he hadn’t seen anything wrong so all was ok and he would write to my doctor. So I was ok. I know there are probably a lot of people reading this that probably had bad news at that point and my heart goes out to you.
I wanted to write this post to just explain that the procedure doesn’t hurt and isn’t embarrassing so that should be one or two less things to worry about. Also please do speak to someone about it; don’t worry alone. Even if you don’t want to discuss it with those closest to you there is always someone like Marie to speak to. To be honest although we have only met online through blogs and social media, Marie was the only person I thought of to have a chat to, but I didn’t – another mistake.
I hope this post helps somehow and if anyone wants to ask me questions about what happened during the procedure I’m happy to answer to the best of my knowledge.
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About Sian
Sian Phillips is the Managing Editor of TweakYourBiz.com, an Associate with The Ahain Group and a Moderator on Bizsugar.com. With over 20 years’ worth of experience in business and accounting, Sian provides help to the SME sector. The other half of Sian’s day is spent working in the Social Media space; writing blog posts and conducting interviews for TweakYourBiz.com, plus writing for clients globally about Social Business and Accounting. She is a qualified Accountant with an Honours Diploma in Journalism.
Sian, thanks for sharing your story. Embarrasment can end up killing us..especially many of us males, so thanks for sharing honestly and reassuringly about this common procedure
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Thanks David, embarrassment certainly does cause problems so hoping that will change one day
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Thanks Tom, I must admit that once I had it in my head that the nurses and doctors see this every day it wasn’t so bad
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I agree that the colonoscopy is not particularly painful but I did find it very embarrassing – still as David says.. embarasment can be a killer, and what’s a little embarassment to be reassured as you were.
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This has been very helpful. I appreciate Sian’s sharing her experience and demystifing the procedure
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Sian, was there any degree of pain post procedure?
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Hi Helena, there wasn’t any pain afterwards at all. My neighbour collected me and we stopped off for food shopping on the way home. I had a good sleep that night and back to normal then
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Sian, I think it’s great that you shared your story, because this is an issue that would most people to the point of not having the procedure. You’re right about the nureses; I had tests for constant migraines and spent 50% of the time topless….the nurses just chatted on and I forgot to be bothered. Always best to get these things checked out, as early treatment means more chance of resolution….Glad you’re all ok ; 0 )
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Thanks Tina – it’s realising that the nurses and doctors have seen it all before day in day out that makes it easier I think
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Just want to reiterate what Sian says about this procedure and to encourage anyone who has been advised to have one not to put it off. I resisted getting a colonoscopy for a long time, when my doctor first told me I should get one for my IBS. I hated the thoughts of how undignified it sounded, but the sense of relief when I did finally get it done and the realization that my imagination was worse than the reality was worth it all
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Thanks Susan – yes imagination can work overtime and often not in the right direction
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I lost an uncle to colon cancer last year so i know how important it is to get this test done – as others have written here, please don’t let embarasment put you off something that might save your life
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Hi Angela – I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle. Embarrassment certainly shouldn’t get in the way of health
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I had my first colonoscopy last March and while the procedure itself was fine, the prep beforehand wasn’t very pleasant.
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to all those who think having a colonscopy is embarassing, just imagine the indignity of having colon cancer! I watched my aunt die of this dreadful disease and have gladly undergone testing since
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I agree with that Catherine. However I had my gallbladder removed about 8 years ago and I have a dodgy tummy most days so it wasn’t much different for me. However when I spoke about it to a friend afterwards she said the prep was the worst part for her.
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Well done on sharing your story Sian, I’ve had the same procedure several times and have learned over the years that most people going through it are embarrassed as it’s not something we talk openly enough about even though it’s a test that can save lives.
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Thanks Debbie – it definitely needs to be talked about more to save the embarrassment. Just as with most health problems I guess
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Although it gets far less attention than breast cancer, colorectal cancer is a leading nonsmoking-related cancer killer, and it is largely preventable, and if diagnosed early, nearly always curable, often with surgery alone.
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Thanks for your comment Mark. That was something the doctor explained to me too – I must admit I did start to worry as a couple of months went by without hearing from the consultant. I just hope it doesn’t have to take 3 months for everyone.
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Hi Sian,
Well done on sharing your story, this isn’t a procedure I’ve had to face (yet) but having had 3 scares in recent years and a very large one this year I understand only too well the strain that shock and worry can create. I am so very happy to read that you are fit and well, I’m sure that you’re furry family are also delighted 🙂
Big hug to you
Catherine
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Thank you Catherine – and I’m also glad you got through your scare ok too
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Wow well done for such a brave revelation – am glad it all turned out well- an half a stone gone too!
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This is an important topic – thanks for discussing it openly
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Great writing, Sian, and thanks to Marie for spotlighting her great writing! It’s funny, but it was a colonoscopy which lead to my getting a mammogram. I’d been having some intestinal pain in the Summer of 2010 and my primary care doc sent me for a colonoscopy (my first). I felt the same way as you: embarrassed, expecting pain, and it really was not a big deal and (compared now to all the surgeries that followed), a piece of cake. But going through that test and waiting for the results (and getting an all-clear!) gave me the confidence and gumption to get my mammogram, since I was on a doctor roll, so to speak. And it was that mammogram that ended up leading me to discovering my breast cancer. So it’s funny (in a coincidentally funny way) that I am reading about a colonoscopy on a breast cancer blog, since that is how my story unfolded. Again, thank you for writing this post!
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Hi Renn, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had breast cancer. I guess I should have expected people on here would have. You’ve made me think about it now and as you say I’m on a “doctor roll” so I will look at getting a mammogram too – something that is often on my mind. Thank you for your comment
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A great post, Sian. It’s so good to talk about these things and break past the taboo. It sounds like your experience wasn’t so bad – I like the image of a conveyer belt for bottoms. And cheers to you for the positive results.
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Thanks Catherine – it literally was like a conveyor belt so that kind of got rid of all embarrassment really too
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I like Sian’s open and honest way of writing – the patient stories really are the best way sometimes to get things across
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I have had a number of colonoscopies and the main unpleasantness was in the preparation. I also have had four babies, so my embarrassment quota has been more than exceeded. In either case, the pain factor has been overrated.
After the last colonoscopy, my doctor said that I was too old to need another one. Well–is that good news or bad?!
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Hard to tell Lois 😉
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I’d guess after child birth most of the embarrassment factor has gone out the window. I wouldn’t like to comment on your doctor saying you won’t need another colonoscopy – seems a bit strange as who knows what is around the corner
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Sian’s guest post certainly sees to have struck a chord – well done for highlighting
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I’m currently going through the riggers of breast cancer and treatment. Recently someone mentioned how they were struggling with bloating etc.. she was checked nothing found. I had mentioned how I suffered from IBS for years. Poo issues no-one likes discussing, but I don’t care. So many issues health why’s I believe in talking about making others aware what I know. My mum mentioned the capsules called Colpermin which she used for IBS too me. With chemo everything becomes hard or runny and can cause irritation of the vessels in the rectum. Peppermint capsules can help in so many ways.. it calms those vessels..
Anyway what I’m trying to say your post highlights that any info to ease stress and kick the old wives tales is greatly needed.. just like me telling someone about Colpermin which I might add two ladies are researching in America now.. just to ease their poo worries.. ;D and of cause will pass it on.. Knowledge is power in this game Sian
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Thanks so much for your comment Sarah and I agree – anything to help ease peoples worries is at least something. I’m very sorry to hear you are going through breast cancer – I hope all will be well soon
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Sian thats so much for sharing that with us. If I ever have to get one done I wont be scared now 🙂
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A wonderfully personal story Sian.
I am pleased all is well with you, and that you agreed to share your experience. We all think we are so unique and different to others, that the doctors will see something new. You describe the “conveyor belt” so well, it helps to realise that the practitioners are just doing their daily job, and see bums inside and out, every day.
I like the doctor’s response about what he is interested in, and not how he gets there – a little humour can go a long way when we feel anxious or terrified.
Your story will help many, Sian and it has a fitting place here on Marie’s blog. Well done to both of you!
Wishing all a wonderful, health focused 2013.
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A wonderfully personal story Sian.
I am pleased all is well with you, and that you agreed to share your experience. We all think we are so unique and different to others, that the doctors will see something new. You describe the “conveyor belt” so well, it helps to realise that the practitioners are just doing their daily job, and see bums inside and out, every day.
I like the doctor’s response about what he is interested in, and not how he gets there – a little humour can go a long way when we feel anxious or terrified.
Your story will help many, Sian and it has a fitting place here on Marie’s blog. Well done to both of you!
Wishing all a wonderful, health focused 2013.
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Colonoscopies can be a good thing, but it’s not as simple and as safe a procedure as people go on about. My mother had a routine colonoscopy and the dr perforated her bowel. He didn’t catch it. She developed sepsis a few days later and died of the complications. I say this not to scare anyone but to make others aware that this procedure is not without risks. It is a good idea to consider your risks vs benefits, because perforations happen more than people like to think. Do your research about this procedure, please. Also, know the symptoms of sepsis going in, and always make sure to get checked out if anything after your colonoscopy seems suspicious.
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I’m so sorry to hear that RJ. As with all procedures there is a risk but I didn’t realise with something that is supposed to be just exploratory that such a serious mistake could occur
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Each of us is of course different and has our unique set of priorities. I decided against ever having a colonoscopy for a number of reasons, with the main one being I simply felt the procedure, even with an all-female team, would require too much exposure and would be too demeaning and degrading for me to ever wish to experience.
In other words, I happen to value my dignity above the relatively small risk of detecting colon cancer in a person such as myself with no family history of the disease or other known risk factors. For me, the research indicates the odds would be considerably less than 5%.
I wouldn’t expect everyone to agree with my decision, but I made a fully informed one and firmly believe it’s the right one for me. Even if I should later be diagnosed with colon cancer, I will still be at peace with knowing I made the best decision for *me* with the information I had available at the time. Moreover, I respect the decisions of my friends and others who choose to go through the procedure. In fact, I have provided rides to and from the clinic for two of them.
Thank you for permitting me to provide a different perspective. Respecting the opinions of others without criticizing them or attempting to alter their views helps us all make better decisions.
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