Waiting For Results

[super-sally888]

Hi All,

Just got back from the endoscopy and colonoscopy - all without sedation. The endoscopy was ok, other than the very unpleasant sensation of having a hard tube down my throat. At least I don't have a strong gag reflex.

The colonoscopy was VERY uncomfortable... I think this was mainly due to the air that they put in to expand everything.... They put it all the way in first and then withdraw slowly examining everything as they go out. The pushing it in is way uncomfortable. Think the worst tummy ache you have ever had. And you can't move. I was whimpering a little... but was bearable becuase I knew what was happening and why, and it was interesting to watch everything on the screen..

and the Dr. talked me though everything explaining where he was as he went along. Afterwards he said I have a very high pain tolerance - and the only reason he agreed to let me do it without anaesthesia is because he knows I am a triathlete and used to dealing with discomfort. If you have a low pain tolerance DO NOT do this without sedation. Benefit of this approach is no drugs and you can get up and walk out straight away. I also think the dr. will be more careful if he knows you can feel everything and won't just go pushing and shoving mindlessly. Am still expelling all that air!!! Also feeling really light! Nice feeling!

Findings: Gastritis, and erosions in the oesophagus (has given me omeprazole for 4 weeks). H-pyelori negative. Colonoscopy he said everything looks normal, other than diverticulitis. No obvious cause for the chronic diarrhoea. He did about 8 random biopsies. Will wait for results in about 10 days, and see him in two week's time .... So other than the chance something will show up on biopsy I am clear - he said still chance of celiac and/or some other stuff that shows up microscopically only. Particularly suspects celiac given family history (I have neices and nephew with celiac) ... but I am also prepared for a possible negative result.

Am starting trial of gluten free diet today. Will do for at least 3 months and see how it goes. And I am doing what I need to better manage my stress levels... Will keep lurking on this board and finding out more about how to manage the diet.

Thanks to everyone. Have a nice weekend.

Sally

[nikki-uk]

Hi Sally,

It sounds as if your GI covered everthing and hope you gain some answers from the biopsies.

As you are also prepared for a negative it may be possible you still gain relief going gluten-free - even without 'classic' coeliac damage.

Good Luck!

[Guest cassidy]

Glad you got all that behind you.

Hope the diet makes you feel better. I wonder when people give it a time frame if they are going to fully commit to the diet. There is hidden gluten in all sorts of products and it takes time to find all of it. I was feeling better after about two weeks of being on a very simple diet. I still got myself sick a lot in the beginning but it got less and less over time. I hope you fully commit and see if the diet works for you. If it doesn't then you are still at the stage of trying to figure things out, which can be frustrating.

Good luck to you. There is a lot of great advice and helpful people on this board.