Tests ahoy!

Starburst
Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
edited 14. Jan 2014, 05:04 in Living with Arthritis archive
I've seen a gastroenterologist, who was so lovely; he said "well, things are XXXX for you, aren't they?" which summed it up nicely. :lol: He needs to do an endoscopy and colonoscopy to check for mechanical problems and/or inflammatory bowel disease. Apparently, long term use of celebrex (celcoxib) can cause damage. :? He did warn me that it may show nothing and then we'll be in the difficult position of trying to work out which medication is suddenly causing these unpleasant symptoms. I'm really scared about the tests but I'll be given sedation and pain relief, so hopefully I'll just sleep through it. Deep down, I know that I can't continue this way if I want to finish my degree.

If ok, I'll be requesting pocket dwellers for support but I don't have the date yet. Hopefully, it'll be within the next few weeks.

Comments

  • Megrose489
    Megrose489 Member Posts: 782
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Try not to worry about the endoscopy and colonoscopy. I've had both in the past few years and I found that the anticipation about them is much worse than the actual examination. I had sedation for both and didn't feel a thing with the endoscopy. I did find the colonoscopy more uncomfortable, but I had pain relief and it was over in a matter of minutes. The nursing staff are well used to people being nervous about these procedures and were absolutely lovely. It's well worth it if it begins to sort things out for you. I'll be available for pocket duties when the time comes. I hope you don't have to wait too long.

    Take care,

    Meg
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I will be on Pockets duties when needed...I hope the test give you the answers you want..not easy suppose if they don't show anything up then you are know better off..xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh bother. I am so sorry to read this. My first anti-inflammatory was Celebrex (prescribed by my rheumatologist) and it worked wonders but, because my GPs' surgery couldn't afford it, I was given other stuff.

    I thought that Celebrex was meant to reduce this kind of trouble, hence my sorrow at reading your post. No matter what we take things can (and do) do wrong. I have not yet experienced the 'joys' of those particular examinations but I reckon sedation and pain relief is the way to go. I wish you well and will be there. Promise. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ready and waiting for pocket duties. Mig
  • Kittkat
    Kittkat Member Posts: 309
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Best of luck Sophie hope they find what is up! x
    How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sophie
    Just shout when you need the pocket duties.
    I'll be there {if possible}
    I've had both done as well and they weren't too bad.

    Love
    Hileena
  • fortuna
    fortuna Member Posts: 149
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I am new on here so cannot offer much advice. But I can tell you that the thought of a colonoscopy filled me with absolute dread. My fears were completely unfounded. Everyone was kind and considerate and I fell asleep whilst it was happening!
    Good luck,
    Fortuna
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Maybe they're hard on you in these parts but they don't offer sedation routinely. I've had an endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enema without and it wouldn't worry me at at all if I'd to do the same again. There are no nerve endings in the colon so nothing to hurt. Let's know the date when you get it, Sophie.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've had an endoscopy and colonoscopy more than one time! I do recommend having sedation because if your lucky and you do sleep through the test you will be blissfully unaware of what's going on. But of course afterwards you will feel a bit sore for a while. They found pollops when they did both, and I have a hiatus hernia. I still don't know how either of them effect me and I don't really want to know! When you get the date I will of course be in your pocket.