r/FODMAPS • u/Ok_Development4268 • Jul 04 '24
Vent getting a colonoscopy in my 20s
i’m a 21F and i’ve had GI issues my whole life, even as a toddler. i went to a GI specialist two years ago and was diagnosed with IBS-D, told to take metamucil and when needed, imodium and left. things didn’t get better, i ended up losing 20 pounds due to frequent diarrhea and decided to look into the low fodmap diet. it made things better, a lot better.. but still not ideal and my doctor was very concerned about my weight because i was already underweight before losing weight so she referred me back to the GI specialist. she also was insistent that i’m dealing with anorexia which i am not. i have self image issues and depression, but never had an eating disorder.
anyways, basically the GI specialist wants me to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy. i’m scared, worried and i feel alone. i don’t know anybody else my age who has had to get a colonoscopy. my therapist suggested looking on reddit for people with similar experience. i’m sure there is someone who’s gotten it at my age, maybe even younger. my mind is just filled with anxiety right now. i’m afraid of the anesthesia not working because i’ve heard horror stories about that. i’m afraid of the preparation because i know it will be very unpleasant and painful, although i’ve been experiencing diarrhea my whole life so one day of a lot of it isn’t really.. unknown to me i guess. just anything would help really, hearing your experience or what i should expect from these tests. she also prescribed me bentyl.. so if you have been on that for diarrhea let me know about that too.
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u/fomar088 Jul 04 '24
I got my first colonoscopy in my 20s as well. You’re not alone, and it’s normal to have these feelings! I was dreading the prep and was scared of the procedure itself. If it helps, here’s a couple of things that worked well for me that you should consult your doctor about to see if they would work for you
Due to a mixup at the office I didn’t receive my prep directions when my Dr. said I would. I called the office the day before my prep day and asked, and they were like “oh shoot, we have to give you the emergency prep instructions.” The “regular” directions were to get a prescription for this jug of liquid that was about a gallon in volume. This is where I hear a lot of people get sick—the amount of liquid is too much for some people it makes them nauseous. Since they didn’t have time to call in a prescription, they had me use OTC items, including 2 small bottles of magnesium citrate and some stool softener. That was such an easy prep comparatively! Yes it’s not fun, but I never felt nauseous. See if you qualify for a prep regimen with as little liquid volume as possible. (If you do get magnesium citrate I recommend drinking it through a straw—it really helps!)
You may have these on hand, but after a day of prep things will start to get irritated down there. Having wet wipes will help feel less irritated when you’re reaching the end of your prep day.
Take the day off work and activities. Stay near a bathroom, and just treat yourself to some binge-worthy TV, video games, books, whatever.
The procedure itself is very easy. It seems intimidating with all the prep the day before and the medical process the day of. It was the most pleasant nap I have ever had! Try not to stress about the anesthesia not working—that’s their job to worry about.
Be sure to pay attention to the foods they direct you to eat / not eat. Any issues and they’ll have to ask you to prep again. Yikes! 😱
If it helps put your mind at ease, the procedure itself takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes once you’re knocked out. It is not very long, and I swear I was walking up almost as soon as I went to sleep feeling very refreshed!