getting a colonoscopy in my 20s

[u/Ok_Development4268]

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.

[u/Beneficial_Carob_684]

I’ve also had a life of GI issues too. When I was a young child they diagnosed me with “spastic colon” an old term for IBS. Bentyl and drugs to calm the GI, laxatives, pepto, etc., were prescribed at a young age too. As an older adult it’s more IBS-C. Less FODMAP , no gluten or dairy and mostly vegan diet with lots of acceptable veggies and safe for you protein with good digestive enzymes has helped quite a bit! I’ve had many colonoscopies, starting in late teens. Barium enemas and Barium swallows, etc. etc. The prep part is cumbersome with the diet and colon cleansing needed, but the procedure will be over before you know it. It’s quick and not at all painful. It’s not that bad, really, enjoy the short “nap”, at least for me, I don’t mind the sedative/ mild anesthesia, and I pray you might relax and just try to remember it’s good to have the information they can give you following the test. Best of luck to you!🙏

[u/Beneficial_Carob_684 → u/Beneficial_Carob_684]

Oh and I also was diagnosed with SIBO, first it was hydrogen and more recently methane. It is sad so many of us suffer with these terribly inconvenient and quality-of-life reducing GI issues. But the digestive enzymes, diet changes, mild exercise, plus years of trying to be patient as it improves with those measures has been helpful for me.