u/BadWolfBay2012

For the last 4-6 years I (55yr/F) have had blood on toilet paper 1-2x per month or every other month and episodes of butt bleeding. The clinic doctor (no family doc at this time) passed it off as hemorrhoids and recommended hemorrhoid cream. She stated it must be internal hemorrhoids as there wasnt evidence of external hemorrhoids. The last 2 FIT tests I’ve had were positive for blood, but again she passed it off as bleeding hemorrhoids.

Cut to me getting a family doc, having a positive FIT test and finally being contacted for a colonoscopy, which I did yesterday.

On the results and followup checklist the hospital gave me there was zero mention of hemorrhoids. The doctor never mentioned hemorrhoids during the procedure at all. I had 7 polyps with a large one sent for biopsy.

I’m confused. If I don’t have hemorrhoids I definitely will be mad at the clinic doctor for delaying proper treatment for such a long time. She was pretty useless in other areas so I believe my feelings are warranted. Has anyone else had a surprising outcome like this?

Thanks to all previous posters for your tips and online encouragement while I was lurking…I wouldn’t have gotten through the prep without you! Here’s a short run-down of my own procedure, hope it helps!

I would also like to know if it’s ok post-colonoscopy to apply Sudocrem? I forgot to ask the doctor and there’s a burning ring of 🔥 down there. Or take a bath?

I did the split prep PEGLyte 4L of kerosene 🤮

Best prep tip I used from reddit was to set my phone alarm for 10 mins and drink a glass (PEGLyte) within that time frame. I did give myself a little time inbetween for refills and mental health when needed. I started off using white cranberry juice, but my best drink of choice was “good lemonade” aka not from concentrate and I strained it. I also heated it up in the microwave at times. I had bone broth, gatorade, white cranberry, and popsicles too, but the sweetness of the cranberry was too much for me, the popsicle tasted really chemically with the prep. I combined the peglyte with the gatorade because it wasn’t a good chaser for me (lemon-lime flavor).

Tip #1- you are gonna get COLD from drinking a ton of cold juices and prep solution so pull out your heated blankets or fuzzy socks or whatever before you start and lay down some towels just in case. I was shivering with both doses and post procedure x10hrs I’m still cold on the inside.

For me, the colonoscopy was better than the prep. I had conscious sedation and didn’t feel anything going in or out and only felt slightly uncomfortable when the doc shifted the probe at one point. I ended up having 7 polyps (!!), which surprised me and they were snared and one sent for biopsy. I’m in Canada and they said the results would be available in 2 weeks.

Tip #2- Use the bathroom as much as you need to at the hospital pre-procedure. I tend to hold it in when there’s only 1 bathroom available, but I went 3x before being put in bed and even then a little gush came out on the pad. No one said a word and no one cared. Afterwards I didn’t pee/💩 for about 3 hrs and I didn’t feel the pain had increased any. My poop was still clear.

Tip #3- Watching something completely engrossing on TV while drinking your prep can help distract you.

Tip #4 - Use a peri bottle or bidet. Your skin will thank you.

Tip #5- Taking a shower before you go to the hospital feels so nice, but at this point the dehydration was pretty sneaky and I felt very weak, so take your time and air dry your butt.

Tip #6- If you are going through this for the first time and worrying about everything remember that you are not alone. Forums like this can help answer questions and be supportive and the hospital is full of warm friendly people who want to help you get through your colonoscopy comfortably and efficiently. Thank God for them! Good luck everyone!