10 year colonoscopy for UC
Hi everyone. 10 year's ago today, I was released from hospital after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I have pancolitis as I don't do things in half measures. I'm from Scotland and received a letter from NHS for me to get my first colonoscopy in 10 year's. It's safe to say I am super anxious and panicky as I suffer bad with mental health. It is on the 26th of this month and I am in bits with worry ?
Hi @Dpaterson9, thank you so much for reaching out to us! These medical procedures can feel so scary. Colonoscopies are very routine procedures though and I haven't heard of many complications with them. Have you already had the exam since posting? How did it go? If not, please do let us know how you're feeling about it now! -Eshani (Team Member)
Hi
Surya I was meant to get it done on the 26th but I have severe anxiety which stopped me from going. I done the Moviprep on the 25th and that went ok but sadly got no sleep and, as I said, very anxious and couldn't get it done. I have however rescheduled it for a later date. I'm worried because its been 10 years since I was first diagnosed incase of any cancer etc but hopefully will be ok when I finally get it done 
Thank you for the update @Dpaterson9. I am sorry you were unable to go through with it--anxiety is a bugger!
Have you expressed your hesitations with your doctor? Perhaps there is something they can do to help you ease your anxiety so that you can get a proper scope and see what is going on inside and then feel better.
Please keep us posted!
--Julie (Team Member)
oh no! I'm so sorry your anxiety got in the way! When have you rescheduled for?
I get it. Honestly, I do! The way I always think about tests like this is that it's better to know if there's something going on so that it can be treated sooner rather than later. Later diagnosis often leads to poor outcomes.
Do you have any symptoms that are making you think you may have bowel cancer?
~ Sahara (team member)
Yeah I'm sadly on medication that they would usually give to someone who is anxious like diazepam and antidepressants. They can give me sedation for the procedure, it's just the going there and sort of 'pre procedure' anxiety. I also suffer from FND so have bad tics (like tourettes) when anxious also. I will however just need to try and relax as much as possible for the new appointment
I'm so glad that you have some options like sedation, but I can completely understand the pre-procedure anxiety as well. Is there any chance someone can come with you? My partner came to my recent one (of course not in the procedure, but pre-procedure) and it was so helpful. -Eshani (IBD Team Member)
how did it go?
It's 14 years since I was diagnosed, which is crazy because I remember it like it was last week! I had a pancolitis diagnosis too, but unfortunately, it had progressed so quickly, treatment with UV hydrocortisone didn't work and I had my colon out less than a week after being diagnosed. Whirlwind or what!
A friend of mine that runs the #IBDSuperHeroes Facebook group with me is from Stirling, Scotland 😀
~ Sahara (Team member)
