Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Colonoscopy after-effects

Hello,
I am supposed to be having a colonoscopy on Friday, having has blood, stool and allergy tests for which the results cams back negative. After 8 years with IBS, this is the first time that I will have had the procedure done. I am quite worried about what the after effects in my IBS will be - could it make the symptoms worse? I am particularly concerned because the preparation involves "emptying yourself out" as it were, so that my stomach will be completely empty. I find that one of the worst things I can do for my IBS is to let my stomach get empty and then eat something - I always have a bad reaction. Add this to the general unpleasantness of the procedure, and I am wondering whether to go through with it at all. I know that strictly speaking you should not be diagnosed with IBS until everything else has been categorically ruled out, but since I am relatively young (26), have had more or less unchanging symptoms for the last 8 years (not severe but very persistent), and don't have any of the "red flag" symptoms that indicate a more serious condition (e.g. blood in stool), I find it highly unlikely that this test is going to reveal any organic problems. If anybody has any thoughts on a) after effects of a colonoscopy and b) the necessity of the procedure, I would be extremely grateful!

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator