Day after colonoscopy- feelings and worries

28 May 2009

Posted by futurenursewithibs

Yesterday I had my first colonoscopy, which was not bad at all since you are asleep for the procedure, however when you hear people say that the prep is horrid, it definitely is. I also seemed to have a delayed reaction to the citrate magnesia which makes you have uncontrollable diarrhea to clean you completely out, and wound up having it also the morning of the procedure. I had no idea how I was going to get into the car to go to the test because I could not stop going. To remind everyone this is the fear that I have because of the IBS that involves leaving the house since every time i get in to a car my stomach now goes hay wire. Getting to the procedure was a complete night mare and the same with coming home. So yesterday as expected my stomach was going crazy all day, however this morning I did not expect to still have the diarrhea and constantly going to the bathroom, but I am. I guess I should mention that I have eaten so that could have something to do with it now. I am so sick and tired of having to run to the bathroom on a moments notice. If i was not in my house I really do not think that I would make it to the bathroom. I really could use some advice of people out there like me about how they have been able to control their bowels. I am only 23 years olds, and should not be having this problem. I really wish that there was a cure for IBS, and that I could leave my house without having the fear of having to get to a bathroom right away as soon as the feeling strikes. I can no longer take car rides, which limits me from doing anything. At the end of June I have to start going to classes which can't be taken online since there is a lab involved with the course, and I am totally freaking out. How am I going to get to the school without going in my pants and how am I going to make it throughout a 3 hour class without having to get up and run to the bathroom every 10 mintues or so, and not be completely embarrassed or called out by the professor for getting up and leaving so much. The other students in the class are going to be making fun of me and think I am a freak! I have absolutely no way of getting out of taking this class either since it is a prereq for the school of nursing that I need to have completed before the fall semester starts. My life right now completely stinks, and I do not know what to do. I could really use some advice from anyone that has been through this and or a similar situation.

Until later
FuturenursewithIBS

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5 Comments On This Entry

Im a furture nurse too! And i know exactly where you're coming from. Im in the middle of exactly the same situation and believe it or not had both colonoscopy and OGD yesterday. Unfortunately i remember a lot about both procedures and was into too much pain to let my Dr have a full view of my colon, he had to stop at the hepatic flexure. He seems pretty confident that its IBS but did take biopsy to tel for celiac disease. Im almost praying that what i have because at least it can be treated.

For the past 6 moths solid i have been varying between that horrible feeling of needing to go to the bathroom and not being able to go at all. When i eat my abdomen is so distended i feel i cant breathe. Im pretty miserable. But there are ways to deal wtih this, i really believe that, and its just a matter of trial and error. You shouldnt be embarrassed about having to run to the toilet, you have a medical condition which is not your fault. and running out is preferable to the alternative. We just all need to stick together, and be supportive, things will get better. You have to believe that!!

Grace xxx

GracieMet, 30 May 2009 - 01:44 PM

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unfortunately from where I am standing I do not see any hope in the future. I can not even remember what it is like to not have to go to the bathroom when in the car. The worse part is, is that nobody around me understands me. They have no idea what the feel is like. it has gotten so bad that now i even have the feeling while i am in my house. I am on anti-anxiety meds however i am still scared and still have the anxiety feeling, meaning the dose is not strong enough. I hate that its all trial and error since i have no time and need a quick fix. Ugh I wish the doctor would just find something as well that could be treated. How are you managing going to classes and all especially clincials???

Thanks
Futurenursewithibs

futurenursewithibs, 30 May 2009 - 02:28 PM

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Hi futurenursewithibs, I work at a hospital in the lab, I live 1hr from home. I was diagnosed with IBS last May 2008, Colonoscopy was scary because of the prepping and like u I was still going when I got to the hospital. I was recently put in the hospital for dehydration and they put me on fluids and did a Endoscopy and Flexiodoscopy(not sure of the spelling). To say the least I could not get out of the bed. I was out of work for 4 wks. My doctor found also that I had an ulcer deep in my stomach and gastroenteritis and put me on different meds. I get mad when people think that IBS is not real. I would gladly give this disease to them. I still have no appetite and I drink water and tea. The doctor has me on Bentyl, Desaparmine, and Protonix, he is also put me on Belladonna, when the pain gets really bad. My family has been very supportive and I have been doing pretty good. As far as eating goes I really have to watch it. But my prayers are with you and believe I know how u feel and feel free to email me anytime at kerrij32@hotmail.com

Kerrij34, 03 June 2009 - 02:40 PM

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thank you very much!

futurenursewithibs, 03 June 2009 - 02:46 PM

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I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN, I just had my colonoscopy about 3 weeks ago, but mine was VERY PAINFUL, they only gave me something to put you in a relaxed sleep mode, but not to sleep, so I kept jumping up during the procedure YELLING TAKE IT OUT, PLEASE TAKE IT OUT, and the Dr. just kept saying we can't take it out yet, it is almost over, IT HURT SO BAD! I can still remember the pain quite well. I too was going to the toilet the morning that I had to go to the hospital, so I said OH WELL today it is socially acceptable for me to put on some protective shorts(diaper looking under shorts) just in case I have a problem. Basically I had to wear them the day that I was taking the magnesium, the day I went to the hospital and the day after as well, and thankfully although the diarrhea was BEYOND extreme, I made it to the toilet everytime. It's like the protctive shorts calmed me down or gave me more confidence. Also from that few days of HORRIBLE diarrhea I thought OH NO what if I am going to stay like this, since I thought you just go really bad for one day before the procedure, but thankfully it calmed down a bit and went back to my regular IBS symptoms.
I too am in my twenties, just turned 27yrs to be exact, and I keep thinking the same thing WHY is this happening at my age? I thought this kind of stuff happens once you're in your 80's or 90's, and then it's okay because you can find plenty of other friends who have their medical problems and no one is embarrassed about them, they are just trying to stay alive at that age:) I also have been trying to finish my degree, but this problem has GREATLY affected even doing that, and then I think okay and once I accomplish the degree how will I get out there and have a regular job?? I am trying to do a degree in Biological Sciences, and I too am wondering how the heck will I EVER finish the labs involved. Lately I have switched to online, but I can't get out of going in person for those! I HOPE THAT WE ALL FIND A SOLUTION. I also have been asking around to see if anyone has done any research on getting an OSTAMY BAG???? I REALLY DON'T want to have to go to that step, but if it will give me my life back WHY NOT? So if anyone has some more info on it, please let me know thanks!

nickieAZ, 13 June 2009 - 07:47 AM