Going to see a doc...
So, 7 years ago my gut issues started, urgency, constipation, a little blood etc. I went to doc and he just said possibly IBS and gave me some medication to slow down my gut - Worked and on I went. For 7 years I have had periods where I have been fine and then periods when I have had symptoms - I just told myself it was IBS.
I visited doctors when things were bad but never followed up and because things always improved and returned to normal I always said to myself - Must be IBS.
My sister was diagnosed with UC 4 years ago, she had terrible dhiarrea and lost a lot of weight, this has never happened to me so I, again thought must be IBS.
Now I was in a good period but In December I started having urgency again and then my symptoms appeared again and have been with me for 8 months.
Urgency to go, then all that comes out is gas, mucus and finally a stool - sometimes smallish other times bigger, most of the time with a little blood on it.
When I wipe it's always very wet, think it mucus.
So I am finally going to go to the doctor and get a colonoscopy, I have anxiety over it - I have always had anxiety but with doctors and medicines etc I have loads of anxiety.
Any tips or adivce? Is it usually an outpatient procedure? Can you go home same day? What about sedation, do they put you fully to sleep? This worries me as my axiety makes me think I wont wake up etc?
Finally, how can one tell the difference between IBS and IBD? I usually go around 3 times a day, always with some gas, lots of mucus and formed stool or small balls - Can you have UC and still have formed stool?
Any tips or advice appreciated, be kind - Im struggling...not only with the thought of the colonoscopy but also with the thought of having to accept I might have this embarassing disease. And how it will affect me and my family, and small child.
Thanks.
Hi
- I just replied on your other post as well, but also wanted to address some questions here. I know this is from a couple days ago- have you had your colonoscopy yet? I understand your anxiety and fears over not knowing what to expect and not knowing what the outcome could possibly be. You aren't alone in this. If you haven't had your colonoscopy yet, I wanted to share this article regarding tips for your colonoscopy.
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/colonoscopy-prep-tips/You will be put to sleep and you can go home the same day as the colonoscopy procedure.
Irritable bowel syndrome is classified as a disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBD involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. This chronic inflammation can cause serious damage to the gastrointestinal tract and often results in painful cramping and persistent diarrhea.
IBD can also have accompanying symptoms unrelated to the gastrointestinal system, such as arthritis or eye inflammation. IBS does not include underlying inflammation or symptoms outside the digestive tract that are present in IBD.
Irritable bowel syndrome may share a few symptoms with IBD, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, but it is located only in the large intestine.
I shared quite a few articles in your other forum post that I hope will be helpful to ease some anxiety. Please keep us updated on how you're doing- we're here for you!!! Sending hugs - Pam (team member)
