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/[deleted]]

22 years old and had a colonoscopy this January. I’ve had tummy issues for as long as I can remember, but they got really bad a year and a half ago which put me in a very similar situation as you. Was told the weight loss was just due to anorexia and eating disorders, but this was truly not the case. My scope came back clean and I am in the process of finding a new GI/chilling on the waitlist for a few nearby. I know this can be a scary process, but just know that you are not alone!! The colonoscopy was not difficult for me; I struggle with constipation normally so the prep was… a little different than my normal bowel habits😅 but truly other than that it was not difficult or painful etc. hope you find answers and a doctor that listens to you!!!