[123abc]

As I mentioned in my past posts, I have a sigmodiscopy scheduled for Wed. Jan 16th. I am just plain freaking out over it. I know it isn't a painful procedure, but I have a terrible fear of such things. I have had trouble sleeping all week, and I can't concentrate on anything. I don't want to have the procedure. My doc and I had no plans for any such thing, and then this one a**hole of a GI suggested it, and the next thing I know I have an appointment. I don't think I need it. I had a full scoping 4 years ago, and I recently had blood, urine, ultrasound, x-ray. All normal. I had the same thing when I was 11, and I had the scoping. It was h**l and everything was normal. I've just been crying and crying and I'm a nervous wreck because of this. Nothing could possibly be worth all this emotion trama. I wish I had never met with a GI. I was just accepting the fact that I have IBS, and learning to live with it, when I met this guy. Now I don't know what to do. Before meeting with him, I would have been perfectly content not to ever be scoped Now, however, I think I'd be afraid not to know that I don't have Crohn's. (that's what he wants to test for). The thing is I don't even have the symptoms of Crohn's!!! I don't have any bleeding, and Crohn's doesn't explain the constipated feeling. I don't know what to do. My stomach hurts so much from all this stress! I don't think I could emotionally handle the procedure, but I don't know if I could live with myself for not having it. I can't contact the GI. Tomorrow I think I'll call my GP and cancel the procedure. What are the risks of not discovering Crohn's? How would I know if things were really bad? or would I eventually just drop dead if it wasn't treated?I want to cry, but I can't, because all this stress has given me nose bleeds, and they start up if I cry. I'm scared and lonely and I don't think I can go through this procedure simply for emotional reasons. They'd have to completely knock me out. I had IBS when I was little, and this is the same problems, so I know that's what I have. I'm sorry to go on and on like this, but I'm just so sad. I wish I had never met this GI. I was perfectly certain I had IBS, and was content to try and help myself, and now my look on my stomach troubles will never be the same without having this procedure. I wish I could just go back in time and cancel the appointment and then I would be able to deal with my IBS, without this worry about other stuff. I want to cancel the procedure, but I'm afraid to. I just don't know what to do.Sorry for going on and on like this. You're all wonderful people for listening to me. Thanks.

 

[babydoc_au]

If the thought of the scope is causing you this much distress, don't do it! It's not like the GI can make you have it. Talk to your GP about any risks of "not discovering Chrohn's", or alternative ways to test for it. Maybe you could ask over in the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases forum about this, I don't know much about Chrohn's. If you absolutely must have the scope, perhaps your Dr could give you something to relieve your anxiety, just for temporary use. Really, there isn't anything to be scared of, but lots of us have irrational fears. You're not alone there!Just remember that you are in control of your healthcare. Whether you choose to follow a Dr's advice is up to you, just make sure that whatever decision you make is a well informed one. Good luck.

 

[babydoc_au]

If the thought of the scope is causing you this much distress, don't do it! It's not like the GI can make you have it. Talk to your GP about any risks of "not discovering Chrohn's", or alternative ways to test for it. Maybe you could ask over in the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases forum about this, I don't know much about Chrohn's. If you absolutely must have the scope, perhaps your Dr could give you something to relieve your anxiety, just for temporary use. Really, there isn't anything to be scared of, but lots of us have irrational fears. You're not alone there!Just remember that you are in control of your healthcare. Whether you choose to follow a Dr's advice is up to you, just make sure that whatever decision you make is a well informed one. Good luck.

 

[Darlene D]

123abc,If you are that worried about it, I think that you need to talk to the doctor. He should be able to give you a mild sedative. Or insist having another colonoscopy? Or get a second opinion? Whatever you do, don't go for this procedure all tensed up and scared. It will only add to the discomfort of the procedure. I remember the nurse telling me that if I didn't relax, I would be making the procedure uncomfortable when it really didn't need to be that way. She said that if you are relaxed, it will be over before you even know it. So whatever you do, you owe it to yourself to relax. IBS is bad enough to live with. Don't beat yourself up with all this worry and anxiety. Hang in there, and keep us posted. We have all been there, and understand.Darlene

 

[Darlene D]

123abc,If you are that worried about it, I think that you need to talk to the doctor. He should be able to give you a mild sedative. Or insist having another colonoscopy? Or get a second opinion? Whatever you do, don't go for this procedure all tensed up and scared. It will only add to the discomfort of the procedure. I remember the nurse telling me that if I didn't relax, I would be making the procedure uncomfortable when it really didn't need to be that way. She said that if you are relaxed, it will be over before you even know it. So whatever you do, you owe it to yourself to relax. IBS is bad enough to live with. Don't beat yourself up with all this worry and anxiety. Hang in there, and keep us posted. We have all been there, and understand.Darlene

 

[BQ]

123, Awww I'm so sorry you are feeling so upset. I agree a call to your regular Doctor is in order. Let him know how anxious you are feeling and discuss other options. I personally think that perhaps you should cancel this for Wednesday. If you are all tensed up it will make the procedure, well any procedure, more difficult. I'm sure you will feel better after speaking to your Doctor. Nothing is written in stone here. You are in charge of your health. No one else. You are clearly miserable with the course this GI has taken. If your regular Doctor insists you see a specialist, find another one you can talk too. OR try talking with this one. Tell him you would rather do a colonoscopy or be sedated for the sig. But in any event, don't make yourself feel more ill over this. And in the future, let any Doc you see know how you feel about these types of procedures if they want to order them for you. Let them know exactly how anxious the thought of them makes you feel. You are NOT alone. I'm sure there is NOT a single soul that isn't bothered by these procedures. But the level of anxiety that you are feeling, indicates that you may need a little additional help getting through them. Find a Doc that Will listen and help you. Remember all of us have different needs. Some people panic at the thought of going to the dentist, some panic at the thought of a shot or needles; if they talk to their dentists or their doctors and let them know this; the doctors or dentists can take that into account and just simply make that part of their care. If they don't, they should be fired. But give your docs a chance to help you through it by communicating your needs clearly to them. Tell them your fears and questions. Now do try to get a hold of your reg. doctor tomorrow. Or at least set up an appointment to speak to him. Call the GI's office on Monday and cancel the procedure. It ain't worth it. If they ask why, say you just would like to cancel it at this time and will call them once you are 'ready' (they won't know it may be awhile

) to re-schedule, then wish them a great Monday and hang up.

Work out an investigation plan with your Doc and I'm sure you will feel much better.Go easy this weekend and do at least one thing, just for you. You have been through the wringer these past few days and need serious rest & relaxation

. You will live to investigate another day...... after you talk to your Doc.(((123)))BQ

 

[BQ]

123, Awww I'm so sorry you are feeling so upset. I agree a call to your regular Doctor is in order. Let him know how anxious you are feeling and discuss other options. I personally think that perhaps you should cancel this for Wednesday. If you are all tensed up it will make the procedure, well any procedure, more difficult. I'm sure you will feel better after speaking to your Doctor. Nothing is written in stone here. You are in charge of your health. No one else. You are clearly miserable with the course this GI has taken. If your regular Doctor insists you see a specialist, find another one you can talk too. OR try talking with this one. Tell him you would rather do a colonoscopy or be sedated for the sig. But in any event, don't make yourself feel more ill over this. And in the future, let any Doc you see know how you feel about these types of procedures if they want to order them for you. Let them know exactly how anxious the thought of them makes you feel. You are NOT alone. I'm sure there is NOT a single soul that isn't bothered by these procedures. But the level of anxiety that you are feeling, indicates that you may need a little additional help getting through them. Find a Doc that Will listen and help you. Remember all of us have different needs. Some people panic at the thought of going to the dentist, some panic at the thought of a shot or needles; if they talk to their dentists or their doctors and let them know this; the doctors or dentists can take that into account and just simply make that part of their care. If they don't, they should be fired. But give your docs a chance to help you through it by communicating your needs clearly to them. Tell them your fears and questions. Now do try to get a hold of your reg. doctor tomorrow. Or at least set up an appointment to speak to him. Call the GI's office on Monday and cancel the procedure. It ain't worth it. If they ask why, say you just would like to cancel it at this time and will call them once you are 'ready' (they won't know it may be awhile

) to re-schedule, then wish them a great Monday and hang up.

Work out an investigation plan with your Doc and I'm sure you will feel much better.Go easy this weekend and do at least one thing, just for you. You have been through the wringer these past few days and need serious rest & relaxation

. You will live to investigate another day...... after you talk to your Doc.(((123)))BQ

 

[GailSusan]

123abc, I happen to feel exactly the way you do about sigmoidoscopies and a few other tests. I'm one of those PIA patients. As a result I've had two colonoscopies, but no sigmodoscopies. We all have our little quirks because we're human, not robots and the doctors have to take that into account and work around them. If they don't, then change doctors. But first, you have to speak up and explain that you suffer from an emotional condition that causes great anxiety around certain procedures, then the two of you try to find a solution. For me, sometimes it's just getting enough Valium prior to the procedure, or twilight sedation, or just skipping that procedure and going straight to another procedure that they might be reluctant to do cs. it's more expensive. I explain to my doctors that I have generalized anxiety disorder and it is just as real as having a broken leg and has to be taken into account in treating me. Hope this helps.

 

[GailSusan]

123abc, I happen to feel exactly the way you do about sigmoidoscopies and a few other tests. I'm one of those PIA patients. As a result I've had two colonoscopies, but no sigmodoscopies. We all have our little quirks because we're human, not robots and the doctors have to take that into account and work around them. If they don't, then change doctors. But first, you have to speak up and explain that you suffer from an emotional condition that causes great anxiety around certain procedures, then the two of you try to find a solution. For me, sometimes it's just getting enough Valium prior to the procedure, or twilight sedation, or just skipping that procedure and going straight to another procedure that they might be reluctant to do cs. it's more expensive. I explain to my doctors that I have generalized anxiety disorder and it is just as real as having a broken leg and has to be taken into account in treating me. Hope this helps.

 

[*Luna*]

The other side of it is, if you've been stressing out about this all week, and it is something you should have done, it might be better to just get it over with. But if you're really not sure that it's needed, talking to your GI doc would be a good idea. Plus, you'll be a more willing participant if you can understand why he's doing this!I agree with BQ that it is more likely to be uncomfortable for you if you are more tense than usual.BTW, it sounds like your GI doc and the GI doc I'm not planning on seeing again are of the same school of thought. Did yours also miss the part about bedside manner? Good luck with whatever you do. I'd definitely call Monday (or Saturday if he has Saturday hours) and see what your options are. Maybe he can talk with you before prep time to make sure this is the best thing, and if so, to reassure you that it is.Some people on here have said if you're going to have a sig, you might as well have the full scope while you're going through the prep and all.

 

[*Luna*]

The other side of it is, if you've been stressing out about this all week, and it is something you should have done, it might be better to just get it over with. But if you're really not sure that it's needed, talking to your GI doc would be a good idea. Plus, you'll be a more willing participant if you can understand why he's doing this!I agree with BQ that it is more likely to be uncomfortable for you if you are more tense than usual.BTW, it sounds like your GI doc and the GI doc I'm not planning on seeing again are of the same school of thought. Did yours also miss the part about bedside manner? Good luck with whatever you do. I'd definitely call Monday (or Saturday if he has Saturday hours) and see what your options are. Maybe he can talk with you before prep time to make sure this is the best thing, and if so, to reassure you that it is.Some people on here have said if you're going to have a sig, you might as well have the full scope while you're going through the prep and all.

 

[*Luna*]

Gail, what is PIA?

 

[*Luna*]

Gail, what is PIA?

 

[BQ]

Luna!!!???? You are the Adult Issues Moderator right??? LOL PIA=Pain in the a$$.

LOL

 

[BQ]

Luna!!!???? You are the Adult Issues Moderator right??? LOL PIA=Pain in the a$$.

LOL

 

[*Luna*]

<Crawls out from under her rock, squinting at the sunlight> Really? I've never heard anyone use PIA before. (I guess because my friends just go right ahead and say the full thing

)

 

[*Luna*]

<Crawls out from under her rock, squinting at the sunlight> Really? I've never heard anyone use PIA before. (I guess because my friends just go right ahead and say the full thing

)

 

[BQ]

There is alot to be said for friends who say it like it is.

BQ

 

[BQ]

There is alot to be said for friends who say it like it is.

BQ

 

[123abc]

Well, I tried to get a hold of my doc, but with no luck. She didn't return my call yesterday, nor all of today. Finally, I called the doctor's answering service and asked for a call from her. They called me back saying that she couldn't talk now, and that she'd see me on Monday. She is trying to avoid me, I think. Also, my GI doesn't take patient calls at all, so it's no use calling him. I'm afraid to cancel the procedure, because I called and rescheduled for this Wednesday already. The receptionist there is REALLY mean... and I might want to just get it over with. I had a colonoscopy, and there's no way in h*ll I'm going to go through that prep again, it's much worse.I have made up my mind. (I can be an extraordinarily stuborn person, when I was 13 I got a part time job... I went in there and bugged them everyday for 6 months... they gave in and liked my work so much that they rehired me and I've been working there for over 2 years.) Anyway, I made up my mind... I WILL have the procedure, or something equaly effective, because I wouldn't be able to mentally live without the proof that I don't have crohn's. I Will have it, but not without being completely sedated (like I was for the colonoscopy). I wanted to speak to my GP to arrange that, but she wouldn't answer my calls.... I want to be unconscious for my personal safety. I know that otherwise, I'll freak out on the operaing table, and end up jumping or something, and causing myself real, internal damage. I know I wouldn't be able to control myself. I NEED to be sedated, there's no two ways about it, but I'm afraid they won't do it, and I can't not have the procedure, for my piece of mind.I don't have most of the symptoms of crohn's. Does anyone know what the risk is of NOT detecting crohn's. I don't have bleeding. Would it be safe to skip tests and only do them if I start to bleed? Thanks for all your responses. So far, I know that I can't do the procedure consciously... it would be literally dangerous. I'm just upset that I can't ask my doc... so much for a good weekend. If she had said "you can be knocked-out" I would be much more relaxed, but "she can't speak to me right now"!

Oh, well... thanks for all your support!