Had a colonoscopy yesterday. At 3:00 am today, I woke up with the most excruciating pain in my abdomen that wouldn't let up. Finally, called GI doc who instructed me to go to the ER.
After having a CT scan, I was told I have a lot of stool in my upper colon. Before I had the colonoscopy, I did a very severe bowel prep. I really thought I was cleaned out. How could I have a lot of stool in the abdomen? What does this mean and why did it not go away when I did the bowel prep?
Apparently, I have a constipation problem too.
My GI doc said my colon looked good but he would do a biopsy. I've been having stomach pain, passing mucus since last November, after going out of the country.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Make sure you are well hydrated if you decide to try a mild laxative today. I have also found that sometimes anesthsia can cause stomach pain. Hiker53
Posted by Cold Feet (Member # 9882) on :
Sorry to say the obvious, but maybe your GI tract is not healthy. Make sure to get the medical report and read the doctor's notes. Pls share with us.
GI health is a very complex issue. I won't even go there, as I learn more about this every day. Read the other topics herein...lots on this. You can search: probiotics, liver cleansing, intestinal, etc.
In the meantime, what have you done to keep you GI tract "happy and healthy?" And passing mucus after going out of the country? It sounds like you already have an inkling what's going on -- so get your mucus/stools tested! Smokey Mountain Labs may be a source -- see this topic:
If you are BMs are abnormal, dark or bloody, call the doc back asap. Damage to the internal structures is rare during these procedures but does happen.
Posted by northstar (Member # 7911) on :
I think bowel preps are harsh on intestinal flora. They seem to flush microflora, and affect peristalsis, especially with anesthesia, even though it is light.
If you ate a meal after the colonoscopy, it could have just not passed though yet, and that is what was seen on the CT.
Typically, I eat light afterwards, more roughage (veggies, fruit, oatmeal) until things settle down. Also, I do probiotics.
The pain, though, is another story. Unless it was from too much food all at once.
Keep an eye on your temp in case there is injury/infection (I have read it is rare but still can happen if tissues are fragile), and maybe try a hot water bottle, if it was cramping type pain. Check color of stool the next time.
Hope you feel better in the morning,
Northstar
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
That seems like a case of gastroparesis, leading to constipation. The bowel may have a difficult time moving food through the digestive tract as a result of damage to the nervous system, or inflammation.
Posted by Wimenin (Member # 15294) on :
Contact the drs/nurses office about what to do. In the meantime, I would think drinking a lot of fluids would help soften the stool and help push things through. Avoid any foods that bind and stick to the softer foods such as applesauce, jello, ...stuff you might get in a hospital that they give you to go the bathroom, etc. In may take a few days to get everything to flow through like normal again. But definetly call the drs office for advice, and if you get the run around, go to ER.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Check on "giardia" as a possibility for the mucous.... esp since being out of the country.
Hope you are feeling better soon!!! I have to have one this month sometime.