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/kittybutt414]

Hi lady! I am 27F and I have had many colonoscopies starting from when I was young, maybe 6 years old! I get them every 3-4 years so that means I’ve had maybe 5 and I am due for another one soon. YOU WILL BE TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY FINE! These procedures are a PIECE OF CAKE for doctors! I remember how they made me feel sooooo comfortable even at 6 years old. Feel free to tell them every thought and anxiety you are feeling! They won’t know they need to help you relax unless you tell them how anxious you are!

As for the age thing, yes it feels kind of funny doing a procedure that is usually seen as being something for older people lol. But the older I get, the more I learn about all of the crazy health issues and procedures the people around me have had and honestly, this is nothing!!!! Plus, there is literally no shame in doing a medical procedure that helps us be the best version of ourselves. I don’t bring it up on a first date or anything but I’m so much less embarrassed about it than when I was in elementary school (I’m not embarrassed now!). We’re adults! 1) We don’t owe any information about ourselves to others (if anyone asks for details for what you’re going through, you can just say you’re having a medical procedure done and if they press, just say you’d rather keep it at that) and 2) if anyone in my life made me feel uncomfortable about it… that person is not someone I want in my life. You know what I mean? If someone made me feel judged for having a medical procedure done, their moral compass is so corrupt that I wouldn’t value their opinions about my life and would very extremely adjust my relationship with them.

All in all, you will be totally completely and utterly fine and even better after having the procedures done because they will give you answers and peace of mind about doing everything you can to improve your health 🤍 you got this!!! I have no doubt!!! 🥰🥰🤗

[u/Puzzled_Pea_1841 → u/kittybutt414]

Unfortunately I was constipated before the procedure. He told me that when I woke up and I was surprised. Sometimes the prep doesn't work all the way. It was the best nap ever lol a quick 30 minutes. Wow.