Colonoscopy is tomorrow ADVISE me folks
#287842 - 10/25/06 08:52 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Sufie
Reged: 10/14/06
Posts: 148
|
|
|
Hey friends. My colonoscopy is scheduled for tomorrow. I am so nervous--not sure why...probablly b/c I will finally receive some dreaded news but that's life and I have to be stronger than that. Any advice on what to eat after the procedure or how to to handle things b/f? Thank you so much!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Colonoscopy Prep Made Easy
This really helped me! It gives you great ideas about how to make it a more pleasant experience. I actually did OK with it--after dreading it so much! The prep isn't fun, but the tips in this link help to stay calm and relaxed.
Good luck...you'll be so glad you did it--and so proud of yourself once it's all over!
--------------------
IBS-A
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Wow! Thanks Aly. Perfect. I will check this out and let you know how things go. Man, I guess being really nervous is normal for this type of thing. Especially since I have been to so many darn specialist b/f finally getting to the right one! Yes--I am dreading it big time but I will get throught it. Thanks so much!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had one in Sept. I, too followed the guidelines. I will tell you that the phospho soda is rather revolting. Ginger ale is probably the best thing to mix it with. Taking it in the morning almost made me gag. It is true that the prep is the worst. By the time you wake up you have no clue as to what happened. I didn't have any side effects after...not even the dreaded gas I was warned about. Just take it easy the day of, and you will be fine. Good Luck!
--------------------
Amy
IBS-A
Stable and thankful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Good advice, I will try the ginger ale. I am seriously dreading the nasty stuff!! I appreciate your support. I hope all is well with you.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Sufie...How did it go? Are you feeling ok? I was thinking about you!
--------------------
Amy
IBS-A
Stable and thankful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Lumiere,
Great to hear from you. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Good news--everything is clear--including my IBS diagnosis (funny how bad news can also be good news, huh?). The prep was not fun but thanks to Aly's advise on the prep I knew just what to do and what to expect. The procedure was fast and virtually painless. Now it's all about learning how to control this monster called IBS. How do you manage? I noticed from your profile that you have your symptoms well under control. Do you just follow Heather's diet?
By the way, did you find that your IBS symptoms were a lot worse in the beginning and started to improve drastically over about 3-6 months by controlling your diet? I seem to be improving quite a bit but I am not sure if I will improve further or if it's all just a pipe dream. Just wanted your thoughts on that.
So, fill me in on how you are doing, okay? Hope you are well.
Many thanks and hugs,
Sufie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Aly,
Thank you, thank you sooo much for the info. you sent me on the colonoscopy prep. It was just what I needed. All is well by the way--IBS-D confirmed. Now it's just a matter of stabilizing. Please tell me how you have done this. I am trying probiotics, complete change of diet, and exercise. My problem started about 2.5 months ago and I am steadily improving but I was just wondering how long it has taken you to stabilize. My abdominal discomfort and pain are the dominant symptoms. If you have any tips I will greatly appreciate it.
Many thanks and I hope you are doing well.
Sufie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
HI there! Glad the prep info helped. It's a realy tough thing to get through, but once it's over it is such a relief. As for getting stable, well it certainly is an uphill battle. For me, I first got IBS when I was 15 (I'm 23 now). It didn't get in the way of living too much until 2 years ago. I found that the hypnosis tapes helped me dramatically. Check those out, if you can. Also, when it got so bad, I took Lexapro- 10mg. It got me through my roughest times and allowed me to live my life outside of my home! I am off the Lexapro now and doing OK. I've had more bad days than I would like, but I am able to deal with them better. Most of the time they never turn into the full out horrible attacks. So, as for stabalizing, Acacia helped me. (I'm an IBS A) and lots of SF. As for IF, I added that very very slowly. It's rough, but another thing that got me through it was talking with my fiance. I realize some couples don't like talking about digestive issues, but having someone so supportive and willing to listen to me complain or just cry helped a lot--so a therapist has helped lots of people on this site...hope something I said helps...and rely on these boards--it's a huge comfort to know you're not crazy and other people feel the same belly pains you do! Take care!
--------------------
IBS-A
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Aly,
Thanks for the good words. The IF's are hard to incorporate...I am trying to increase my intake but slowely. I have a diet based heavily on SF's--as I should. By the way, what is Lexapro? Sounds like an antidepressant. I am on one as well but I just started it, so not sure if it is helping yet. Speaking of crying---I have cried A LOT in the past two months. My family and boyfriend have all been supportive. I am thinking of going to a hypnotherapist. She is good but expensive and I think it maybe worth the cost. I am switching from benefiber to the acacia today--so I hope it helps me further.
Lately I can't concentrate much on work but I am going to have to change that b/c IBS should not control my life. Anyway, I hope to keep up with you on this site. Thank you for your support. Have a good day.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well, Sufie...thanks for the update! I am happy for you--you finally have a diagnosis. IBS can be difficult to control, but it is possible and it's good other things have been ruled out. I know I felt that way--there's alot to be thankful for.
I have basically done alot of emotional work to get the anxiety under control I would still like to get the hypnosis CDs that Heather has as I need to continually work on calming thoughts- I begin yoga tonight! I also have been trying to incorporate meditation...for breathing and various other things. It is so simple yet so hard to grasp from a western vantage. I am still hopeful though I will get the hang of it. Diet wise has been a struggle! I love chocolate, red wine and Thai, Indian and spicy foods. Coconut milk is a big no-no, and I have it very seldomly now even though according to the diet, it's forbidden. I do better when I eat minimally processed foods, and I have been eating less meat (no red) more and more with the hopes of eventually giving it up together. I just don't feel good eating it. I love vegetables and fruits, beans and carbs, and feel better when adding more of these. Oatmeal and acacia in the am is a staple, and being aware of fat intake is a big one for me. What has really helped me are digestive enzymes (2 before meals) and a good probiotic. There is lots of info on both and scientific support through our biologic makeup that states they really do support the digestive system...most people's are at a very compromised state due to the environment, stress and diet. Having understanding loved ones is a big plus as well. I had to lessen visits with those that added stress and just couldn't understand IBS, or didn't even try to. Attitude is huge, and I look forward to hearing your journey to health...whatever you do, be patient with yourself. I support you!
--------------------
Amy
IBS-A
Stable and thankful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Lumiere,
Thank you for all of the wonderful feedback. As you stated attitude is huge..I am still in progress with that. IBS distracts me daily and I get very tired sometimes. I feel empowered when I am cooking up something really good from Heather's book b/c I don't feel that I am compromising good food. Luckily for me I am basically vegetarian for about 10 years now. I only eat seafood, so that part is not difficult. My major issue is anxiety and stress over the whole thing. I am on a low dose antidepressant, which I started over 10 days ago. I am not too thrilled about being on them but I am willing to try it temporarily.
As for probiotics---they have helped to completely stop the D... combined with an IBS safe diet and a SFS I am doing a lot better (I am also on Librax). I still have this uphill battle with abdominal pain and discomfort (gas sucks too) but for the most I must say I have improved tremendously. About 1 month ago I could barely sit up without terrible pain.
Friends, family, and boyfriend are great and understanding for the most. Some friends just don't call me anymore--I figure they obviously are not friends I need.
By the way, the digestive enzyme you are taking---what is it called? I was recommended Flora Q by my doctor. Also, do you take Primal Defense tablets? I have them but I have not started on them yet. I am currently taking a liquid probiotic that needs to be refridgerated and I don't want to mix up a bunch of different stuff since I won't be able to tell which is working. Recently a doctor recommended VAL#3 to me and said it was a "medically proven" probiotic. This doctor is working with a major hospital on studies regarding the effects of the antibiotic Rifaximin, so I trust his word.
Let me know how the meditation and yoga are going. Exciting that it is your first night! Good luck to you and I hope your class goes well. I am thinking about yoga too but I may try hypnosis first with a doctor in the L.A. area (she was listed on Heather's list). I will keep you up on that. Let me know how the class goes.
I wish you the best always and keep in touch.
Hugs,
Sufie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi again,
The name of that probiotic is VSL#3...I just realized that I screwed up the name of it in my response to you. Duh! I need some sleep, I am so out of it.
Sufie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
HI Sufie...Your attitude sounds bang on! I know that yes, we always have to be cognizant of our thoughts/preceptions/mood...it is ongoing. That's great that you are cooking healthily and Heather's recipe book is getting utilized. I don't have it...but I may very soon.
Yoga was great...but I definitely need some more flexibility. My abs really got a work out! (I forgot I had any) and the instructor is fabulous...she has a MEd and knows alot about ayurvedic medicine. We chatted about eating in the seasons, and other interesting stuff pertaining to diet after the class. I felt relaxed and calm all day...considering it is Halloween AND I talked to my Mom (sometimes a source of stress.) About antidepressants: I took them years ago...they helped, but don't beat yourself up over needing them. Make sure you get some good exercise in...natural serotonin high!
Digestive Enzymes: Multi Enzymes from GNC ($17) No fridge needed. What an improvement for me! Yes, the probiotics are awesome as well...
Those friends that aren't around anymore: They weren't really your friends (my experience)...I feel fortunate that I have a few incredible friends that are always there when I need them including a great sig. other.
I found these words to be very insightful--I discovered it at my fave card shop (I'm the sucker in the card aisle tearing up!  )
"for a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin-real life. but there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. at last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. this perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. happiness is the way. so treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. happiness is a journey, not a destination." ~souza
Hugs and Happiness, Amy
--------------------
Amy
IBS-A
Stable and thankful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Lumiere,
As usual I love your responses and it is always awesome to hear from you. Well, cooking is a new phenomenon for me but believe me it is fun once you get the hang of it. I does take time though and we all know that is hard to find.
Sounds like you really loved the yoga! Fun! Once I am in a better place I will try to join yoga too. I am actually going to start hypnotherapy soon. I have an appointment in L.A. with a doctor tomorrow. I don't know how much it will help but I am willing to invest the money and time and give it a try.
The probiotics are a great help for me. I think I will try the digestive enzymes you recommed. Together they may help even more. I don't know about you but I have problems with pressure in my abdomen that makes me feel like I have to pee! Is that weird? I told my GI about it and he said that gas can build up and cause that kind of pressure. So crazy! As for the antidepressants they help me sleep and I don't feel too many side effects just yet, so I am going to stick with them until I am a lot better. May be you are right though--they may not be the best thing for me. We will just have to see.Hopefully in time I will have my symptoms under control.
Hey, good news---my man is taking me to Hawaii in 3 weeks!! I am so excited and I really need a break. Initially I was a little intimidated since my diagnosis is so new and I am not sure about my stability some days but I decided I can't live my life afraid to do what I want, right? So, I am giving it a go and hoping for the best.
Anyway, keep me up on things. I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend.
Best,
Sufie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Sufie...
Regarding the peeing thing...I have found that I will just have a sudden urgency--gas is quite bizarre, isn't it?
Well that boyfriend of yours--sounds like a keeper. Have you been together a while? Sometimes, when IBSers are on holiday and relaxed, they have less symptoms. I would definitely take some enzymes along..you may need them for extra support. The probiotics work great...I really noticed how great when I ran out for 4 days. My body clearly needs them!
I am having a mini holiday in 2.5 weeks for 5 nights in Boston. I have never been, it's a b-day/holiday. I am looking forward to the hotel, food and shopping! Have you been there? I hear you can walk everywhere...I get tired of being bound by the car.
Speaking of hypnotherapy...I would do it myself.Let me know how it goes...I may buy the CDs. I think if it works, it's worth any amount of $.
We are going to my sister's in NY this weekend...to see my niece and nephew, spoil them a bit and have a BBQ. We just laugh for hours...catch some late night comedy and exercise our abs.
Have a good week, my friend! 
--------------------
Amy
IBS-A
Stable and thankful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Oh Hawaii, can I stow away in the suitcase??? Sounds lovely!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Lumiere! Sorry man, I have been so gone these days. Thanks for the good advice regarding vacations---man it makes me pretty nervous but you are right the relaxation may be just what I need. Boston--never been but heared it is really nice. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope you have a wonderful time and a great birthday. You must be a scorpio...awesome sign! That must be why we get along...I'm a cancer.
Yes, my man is the best. We have been together for about 8 months now. It's very serious but we are not all crazy rushing into things. We are talking about advancing our relationship further next year. What about you and your girl? I know you two have a great relationship..have you been together long?
As for hypnosis--I am going to have to wait on that till December. Reason is I just had a hydrogen methane breath test and the results indicate that I have an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the intestines. The doctor is about to put me on a 10 day dose of antibiotics to treat my symptoms. You may want to speak to your GI if you already haven't regarding this test b/c it means some of your symptoms maybe reduced significantly or eliminated by a 10 day dose of antibiotics (rifaxamin). There was/is a study being done on the effects of rifaxamin on patients with IBS at Cedar Sinai in L.A. The results show that there is a significant decrease of symptoms in patients with IBS that take rifaxamin. It's a newer study and still needs more clinical testing but my GI said that if the test showed I had abnormal levels of gases in my breath I can start the antibiotic.
Anyway, I will keep you posted on that and the hypnosis. In the meanwhile have a great weekend and let me know how the yoga is going.
Big hugs! Have fun in Boston!
Sufie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey Michele!
How are you these days? Better I hope. Yes, ofcourse you can stow away in my suitcase women! I am really looking forward to the trip... I know it will be great.
I hope you are well. Keep me posted on your health.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well, Sufie...I am glad you sound well. I chuckled that you thought I was the person on the right of the photo. I am the one on the left (not that I specified...I think it's great that one can remain mysteriously gender neutral) I have been with my man for 7 years. It feels like only a few months though, as we laugh constantly and travel alot. We have brought out the best in each other. I never thought I would meet someone so amazing for me, although I had dreams about him before meeting him. Yes, I am a Scorpio, and I find I get along well with all water signs as well as Aquarius. I have alot of Geminis in my life too...I need entertainment! I find Cancers are family-centric,(not necessarily kids)and sensitive souls...that's probably why I like them. Yoga is going well--I can really feel it the next day as my muscles get woken up! It's in a church hall in the middle if the country and last week it was a full moon--just beautiful as the light peered in and we were all chanting! Magical. Take care...you enjoy your weekend!
--------------------
Amy
IBS-A
Stable and thankful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
FUNNY!! I really thought you were a guy!! HAhahaha! I guess I should never have assumed but for some wacky reason I thought your username---okay never mind with the weird explaination...great to know you are a women and such a wonderful, beautiful person. You have been so helpful to me through all this madness. It is so great to know someone like you who no matter what difficulties you may endure personally you manage to give support and encouragement to other people. Thank you again for all of your support. I know I get all mushy but I can't help it sometimes.
I cannot begin to tell you how your advice has helped me. IBS has been such a bitch and getting hold of this madness is so trying.
I am starting the antibiotics I told you about tomorrow and will fill you in on how the treatment is working. I was reading up on some of the old posts on the subject of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and some people on this site have been treated for that sucessfully but have IBS for sure. My GI says that the two problems may go hand in hand but I may very well have SIBO and not IBS, which is why he sent me for the hydrogen methane test to begin with. I won't get my hopes too high but I am sure I will see some improvement.
Anyway, I am always so happy to hear from you. Happy birthday to you again and do let me know how your Boston trip went. You have a great weekend too. By the way, yoga is sounding awesome. I need to get on that soon but I can only do so much right now and I need to realize that.
Hugs,
p.s. sorry about the gender assumption--I feel so stupid to put it lightly and I still don't know why I thought you were a guy! I mean why the heck would a guy ask me about my relationship and be so enthusiastic about Hawaii???? Should have known....
Sufie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
