My colonoscopy did not go well

I understand that when you have had endometrial cancer, your changes of having bowel cancer increases slightly. Due to this and also to my age, I thought I would be proactive and get a colonoscopy.
Years ago I would have died before submitting to this but there's something about a cancer diagnosis that changes all that.
Today was the big day. I was given a sedative and was nodding off quite a bit until they worked their way higher into the colon. Then there was a fair amount of pain and I remember protesting .
The nurse told me that they were unable to fully examine the upper tract and I have to go back for a barium enema tomorrow. So I have to stay on clear liquids for another day!
At the consultation, the doctor told me that after a hysterectomy there can be problems with an hysterectomy as the bowels tend to fall in loops.
But of course tonight I am imagining much more sinister things such as a large tumor blocking his way.
My DH of course won't even discuss today or tomorrow. I just want to know if anyone has had this enema and what to expect. I was so foggy and sick from the meds today I didn't get the whole picture. Thanks .

s sparrowsong

That darn cancerhead can get us all when things like this comes up. I'm sure the GI Dr.'s explaination is the reason for all of this. Although I've never had a barium enema before, I'm betting you will come thru it with flying colors........

Solid food will be waiting for you soon! Please check back in and let us know how it goes. in there, it will be all over before you know it.

I've had two colonoscopys and each time I received an IV sedative strong enough to knock me out. I remembered nothing of the procedure and felt no pain. I don't know if you could receive the same medication but you could ask.
Intestines looping after the removal of the uterus - I hadn't heard that. I've also had a barium enema. The worst part was having to drink the icky contrast fluid.
Sorry you don't have the ear of your DH at this time. That really must be very hard. We're here for you. anna

Thanks for the input!
This like everything else will pass and hopefully with good results.
Seems the first part of my life I never ever saw a doctor and now I'm making up for lost time.
The factor I worried about (the embarrasment part) was really nonexistent. At no time did I feel exposed or violated. I thnk I was out for most of the proceedure until they had problems.
Thanks for lettering me vent. Trisha

I had a colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago (all clear, thank goodness) and I thought they treated me great before,during and after the procedure. I never felt a thing and I think I fell in love with the anesthesiologist!

In any event, sparrow, i'm sorry ou have this new worry. I hope the barium enema AND the results turn out to be no big deal...just something to keep you on your toes and to prevent you from getting bored!
I'm glad to see you taking a proactive stance with your health care! Good luck tomorrow and please let us know how everything goes. Will be keeping you in my prayers tonight.

xoxo
k9

Oh, (((Trisha))) I'm sorry you have to go through a barium enema after your colonoscopy. I had that happen, too, only they sent me directly from the colonoscopy to the barium enema with only about an hour or so in between. They figured I had already done the prep, so why not make full use of it. They usually don't sedate you for the barium enema, btw, because they'll need you to roll over during the procedure so they can get different angles.

I had the same thing happen, btw. The scope went up my sigmoid and got stuck. Since I'd had diverticulitis, the gastroenterologist didn't want to push it too hard, fearing he'd do some damage in there so he gave up. The results of the barium enema showed why that happened -- I had what's called a 'redundant colon'. Basically my sigmoid colon had a corkscrew turn in it, some extra colon that I didn't need and which had decided to coil up down there. Turns out mine was adhered that way, and probably had been for years, if not since birth... and it probably contributed to my prolapse in that it caused years of constipation (all that straining was not a good thing ). I ended up having most of my colon removed a year later, but that was because of diverticulitis, not because of the redundant colon.

I tell you all this because I wanted you to know that there are perfectly innocent, non-cancerous reasons why your DR might not be able to get the scope all the way up there. Think positive!

Good luck with your barium enema... and remember to drink TONS of water afterwards. You don't want that stuff hardening in there. Don't be alarmed if you poop white stuff for a day or so.

s,
-Linda

i have endured 3 yrly colonscopies cos of horrible family history; and a high statistical chance of colon ca; which is highly treatable and curable *if found soon enough*

Have to say I prefer the procedure where you are unconcsious - last time I was wide awake despite all their attempts to sedate me, and it was not a dignified or happy time : -)

But worth it. I lost an aunt at 43 to this disease. I wonder if my TVH will make the next colonoscopy harder??

Interesting information.

Sparrowsong,
Thanks for the post...I had no idea that there could be a slight increase of colon cancer if you have a history of endometrial cancer. Another test to ponder signing up for. I have never asked any of my docs (nor have they mentioned it) about having this test becasue I'm afraid they will say "Yes. Good Idea!" Not the response I would be looking for.

Also, thanks to all on the insight on having a colonoscopy, it make the whole imagined scenario much better. I think I can at least begin to entertain the idea of asking for one.

Does anyone know if colon CA wil show up on a CT scan?

I'm sure that the follow-up will be OK Sparrow, I am sure you will be fine. Good luck!

Beachball

Thanks for posting, Trisha. I'm sorry that you have to go through all this and am glad we are reminded that not everything turns out to be cancer! Hope all goes well for your with the barium enema. Once it's over, let us know how you're doing.

Best,

Well, I went for my barium enema this morning. I changed into the gown provided, etc. and waited for further instructions.
One of the nurses came and asked me why I was having it and I explained the incomplete colonoscopy. She explained the doctor had not filled out the reason on my chart
She came back a few minutes later and said they could not reach my doctor and an incomplete colonoscopy was not enough reason for the barium enema. She said the enema involves a lot of radiation, etc. and if I had no bowel symptoms it would be highly unusual to have one!
So I ended up going home without it feeling a strange mixture of relief and exasperation.
I called the hospital in the afternoon after failing to get hold of the doctor. They had not been able to reach him either.
I may have to wait until he puts in a report to my family doctor to find out more. I know there were no polyps found at least.
After only clear liquids for nearly 48 hrs. wow, does food taste good.!!!!
Strange on the second day I began to have this euphoric feeling of peace and well being. Now I can see why fasting is a part of some religious rituals.