Talk Cancer » Cancer » info. about sigmoids?
info. about sigmoids?
Question:
Hi, I had a sigmoid done 6 months ago. It was done because of bowel changes. I have been constipated all my life, and then suddenly I start getting loose bowels, and "going" everyday with "Urgency" sometimes:-( I have had a routine sigmoid for years, because my mother had cancer, we think it was bowel, but could have been pancreatic or ovarian, so I get screened once a year. This last time was unbelievable painful, infact I went unconscious, went into shock from pain, my doctor said that this reaction is considered as a positive sign for IBS. Now I fear having another done, and I cant even imagine a barium enema. I am sure that I will pass out again, and how in the world can they finish the test, and treat me for shock simultaneous. Has anybody here had a similar reaction, and how did you handle it, or how did the technicians make it possible for the test to finish successfully. I would appriciate any comments. Regards Liselotte <lottesc…@hotmail.com>
Response:
I had a colonoscopy five years ago just as a precaution because my mother died at the age of 36 from colon cancer. Much to my surprise the colonoscopy revealed that I had colon cancer. I had surgery to remove my colon and the cancer had spread to my liver and other places in my abdomen. Luckily I made it through chemo and am clear of any cancer for the present. I really didn’t have a lot of symptoms and didn’t feel any kind of pain. So please keep getting the tests done. Since they took all but 8 inches of my colon, I only have to have the flexible scope (sigmoidoscopy) each year. At the same time they do the upper endoscope into my stomach. I can’t stand the pain of the lower scope exam so I insist that they put me to sleep for both tests. It doesn’t seem like a big deal for them to do this and I go in the hospital as an outpatient. I’m in and out in about 4 hours. Hope this helps.
Response:
They can do the tests with you drugged out enough you won’t know what is going on. That’s pretty routine for colonoscopies which dilate the colon more than sigmoidoscopies. ********************************************************* Blessed is he who has learned to laugh at himself, for he shall never ceased to be entertained —John Powell kmot…@aol.com
Response:
I have had two colonoscopies. I was sedation for the last one. It seemed like the best rest I had had for months. The previous time, I was not medicated but everything went well anyway without any significant pain. Why is sedation standard practice now? Bill
Response:
Bill, Just had to comment on this. Two days ago I had my first-ever flexible sigmoidoscopy (done in the doctor’s office). I’ve read much information regarding this exam and basically thought it would be a "walk in the park." Well, too my shock and amazement, I found it QUITE uncomfortable. Fortunately, the procedure only lasted about 10 minutes. I wouldn’t call it excruciating pain, but it was so uncomfortable that I could barely tolerate it. I guess it just depends on how sensitive your colon is and how many twists and bends you’ve got. I don’t want to discourage anyone from having this done–despite the discomfort (which is manageable) it is quick and a great detection test for cancer, etc. It was worth the discomfort. Christine
Response:
My former GI doc had wanted to do a flex sig on me but my family doc talked me out of it, saying that with my symptoms there was a less than 1% chance that it was something other than IBS. My question is, what does a flex sig actually feel like? I’d like to be prepared if I ever need one! Regards, David
Response:
Hi Dave, What does a sigmoid fell like? Well, as you can tell from the first posting in this thread, they can be pretty horrible, however I have had 16 done previously and they were tolerable, minor cramps and discomfort. You can actually fell the probe outside on you stomach sometimes, sort of odd, but not bad. The last time however was very painful, it was one long cramp that just didn’t stop or let up, and I went into shock, BUT obviously this doesn’t happen very often, in fact no one yet has told me that they shared that experience. If you need one done, do it!!! I will be having another in a couple of months. Regards Liselotte Scheu – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -DaveMan184 wrote: > My former GI doc had wanted to do a flex sig on me but my family doc talked me > out of it, saying that with my symptoms there was a less than 1% chance that it > was something other than IBS. My question is, what does a flex sig actually > feel like? I’d like to be prepared if I ever need one! > Regards, > David
Response:
Dave, I guess you saw my first post. I hope I didn’t scare you–as I said, it was tolerable, I just was totally unprepared for the discomfort I felt when the flexible tube reached its farthest point–my colon. But, as I said it was manageable. At first as they insert the tube, it is NOT painful. As it went further up and they inflated me with air, I had a sensation of having to have a bowel movement. That quickly passed and then some very mild cramping began. My doc warned me each time he was "going around a bend" and I did feel a cramp. When the thing finally reached my sigmoid colon, I felt A LOT of pressure and cramping. Fortunately it didn’t last long. As far as having your doc talk you out of it–I don’t like that approach. Yes, maybe you only have a 1% chance of getting cancer. But that 1% is like 100% to the person who gets it. Statistics don’t mean squat if you’ve got symptoms. I know from experience. I had a thyroid nodule. Only 2% (or something like that) of thyroid nodules are cancerous, especially at my age of 31 at the time. As my doc said, the chances are slim to none that it’s cancer but you still gotta check it out. Well, mine was cancerous. If you’ve got bowel symptoms, get it checked out. Christine
Response:
Christine: Thanks very much for your post and your candor. I do plan to have a flex sig at some point, but my symptoms abated significantly after my diet was rearranged a little bit. My doctor is also a co-worker, as I teach in a family practice residency program. I am comfortable with my decision, but I also think that colon health is extremely important and not something to be taken lightly, as you point out. Anyway, thanks again for your post, your comments and your support. David
Response:
MirandaN wrote in message
<1998082823333900.TAA27…@ladder01.news.aol.com>… <cut> I agree with you. I had the test done a few weeks ago (unsedated) – I found it terrible and very painful (I got the impression they stopped earlier than they should but I had the feeling a of a spike up my insides – horrible). However they didn’t find anything when they looked. This test is vital if you there is a chance you might have any of the more serious bowel problems – the test can find a considerable amount of problems. Yep, it is not nice (that’s without sedation) – but it is worth it… Regards John Robinson [jrobin...@iname.com - http://www.jrobinson.home.ml.org - ICQ UIN: 3360599]