Bowel polyps and cts

[dynatron]

Hi to all hope you knowledgeable members can put my mind at rest, I have a virtual colonscopy next week also known as colongraphy where u take bowel prep they pump air into your bowel and take x rays, this was following discovery of what they think maybe a 10mm bowel polyp which was found as an incidental finding on Unprepared bowel scan, any experience of bowel polyps or the actual procedure would be much appreciated, I'm 65 years old

[RandomGuy99]

From an AI

It sounds like you're preparing for an important procedure. A virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows doctors to visualize the colon and rectum, typically for screening purposes or to investigate abnormalities like polyps.

## Understanding Bowel Polyps

### What Are Bowel Polyps?

Bowel polyps are small growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), but some can develop into colorectal cancer over time, which is why they are monitored closely.

### The 10mm Polyp

A **10mm polyp** can generally be a cause for concern, particularly when it comes to monitoring or further investigation. It's important to follow up on any recommendations given by your healthcare provider after the findings.

## The Procedure: Virtual Colonoscopy

### What to Expect

1. **Preparation**:

You will need to follow a bowel prep regimen to clear your intestines. This typically involves a special diet and strong laxatives.

2. **During the Procedure**:

   - You'll lie on a table that moves into a CT scanner.
   - Air will be pumped into your bowel to expand it, which helps to get clear images.
   - X-rays will be taken during this process. The procedure usually lasts about 30 minutes.

3. **Post-Procedure**:

You may experience some bloating and discomfort due to the air that was introduced into your colon, but this typically subsides soon after.

### Safety and Considerations

- Virtual colonoscopy is generally safe, with the primary risk being exposure to radiation from the CT scan.
- It's less invasive than traditional colonoscopy, which involves a long tube being inserted into the rectum.

## Personal Considerations

While I don't have personal experiences, many people report that the bowel prep is often the most challenging part due to the dietary restrictions and discomfort associated with laxatives. However, the procedure itself is usually well tolerated.

I would ask the doctor or nurses at the hospital for more information if you need it.

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Yes well i've had the long silver snake up the arse a couple of times and the worst part if the prep which does what it sez on the tin!.

You just need to be next to the crapper all the time as you will be cleaned up and out! as if now they can't see whats going on inside the poo pipe, its a grest treatment as if they do find a Polyp they can snip it out and analyse  before it has a chance to do anything nasty:)

More uncomfortable than painful, usually done under sedation its very intrestinmg if you have an anal sense of humour as seeing inside you back poo system isnt somehing you see every day!.

I had some poop that was blood streaked and was literaly fearing the worst all turned out fine a bloody great big polyp my gastro consultant framed it on his office wall so people could see what one was like! Bloody thing was around an inch in diameter!.

This website albeit amercain does have some short vids well worth a look


ttps://www.gihealth.com/

[Harry Monk]

Had a colonoscopy last year and agree it's the prep that's the worst part.
I had the sedation so was away with the fairies and felt nothing, though you are having none invasive.

As has been said if they find anything they may deal with it immediately but I wonder what the inflation experience is like 
As with a lot of things try not to worry to much and they've seen/done it all before

As a side note I took the prep and turned up at the hospital feeling close to death to be told my appointment was next weekend...FFS 

[Watts.E.Dunn]

What a shite thing to happen Harry!..

[daviemac]

I have a virtual colonscopy next week also known as colonography where u take bowel prep they pump air into your bowel and take x rays,

I had a colonography a few years ago and as others have said the prep was the worst, one tip I'll give you either sit in the bathroom or just outside when you take the laxatives. 

The procedure itself isn't that bad, though it was done with a CT scan not an Xray. It is a bit uncomfortable having an airline shoved up your arse and getting filled up with air but it all comes out after.

[scutty brown]

cue a link to the world-famous Picolax thread

External Link/Members Only

starts as a bit low key, but develops into quite a tale

[Stevelondon]

There are subs out there reading this who are salivating 

[PilotMan]

Polyps aren't usually anything to worry about, they're kind of like internal skin tags.

I've had IBS (IBD as they call it now) for 20+ years.

I've had a couple of colonoscopies, the worst thing is drinking whatever it is they make you drink a little while before you have the procedure. Best to get near a toilet, your sphincter will appreciate it.

When I had my first colonoscopy I had a local anaesthetic, and was able to watch the camera going through my bowels. If you have any jewellery you'll need to remove it so that you don't get an electric shock, because they remove polyps by using a small electric charge.

The doctor performing the colonoscopy had a really thick Indian accent.

I thought he said he'd found something 1 metre long, he was actually saying that he'd found something "at" 1 metre. That's how far the camera can go inside you 

The other funny thing he told me. He said that when I go to the recovery suite, to expect "a lot of vind". "But don't worry, it's not your vind, it's my vind, I put it there" 

In the recovery suite I was in large ward with a few other people, but we all had curtains around our beds. I let out a rip of a fart, then the person next to me did the same, then someone else. All you could hear was farting and chuckling 

[Harry Monk]

What a shite thing to happen Harry!..

Mate  I felt like death when I rocked up.
Dude said he'd redo the prescription to which I said I'm never doing that again.

I ended  up doing it the next weekend as my longterm health was more important.

Got a funny story and a 10 year pass so...

[dynatron]

thanks for all of your comments-virtual colonscopy with ct scan now all done i have to say while slightly less invasive than full colonscopy and didnt take as long my adomen and stomach felt like they were going to burst with the pressure -i certainly dont want it done again and if a polyp is definately found and needs removing ive got to have the full colonscopy all of that crap again