Upcoming appointment

[Guest guest]

I just got the notice in the mail today - it's time to go in and see my

GI in February. I already know why - it is time to get a J pouch scope

done and probably an ERCP too. I've been dreading this tremendously -

actually much more than normal. I had a really strange scare a few

months ago with my PSC and although my labs have returned to a more

normal level for me since then, I am absolutely terrified of what might

be found. I've been through 19 colonoscopies, 2 j-pouch scopes, and 1

ERCP and I was never as terrified beforehand as I am now. Perhaps it

is because the last time I had a colonoscopy done with my

longtime/local GI is when we found out that I would need my J pouch and

also led to my PSC diagnosis. Now, it is the same GI (whom I think is

a great Dr) that will be doing my pouch scope and ERCP.

Do any of you have problems with anxiety with upcoming scopes? How do

you handle it? Am I being unusually anxious here? On the other hand,

I would absolutely love to have these done and get a good report.

Any suggestions or feedback here would be great.

Rick

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick,

I am the mother of an 11-yo old son Eemeli, how got PSC dx in 2003 and

UC 2008. His UC is under control, it was found in biopsy samples last

spring in his second colonosopy. PSC needs a lot of med to be " in

control " but Eemeli is outwardly fine.

I definitely share your anxiety with our son's upcoming ERCP and

colonoscopy in February 17-20. The colonoscopy is his third and ERCP

second (previous done Feb 2008). I cannot help feeling anxious

although I know he is going to be in good hands and both check-ups are

necessary. I think a balloon dilatation is probably needed in this

ERCP because the MRCP revealed a new tight stricture (that is, if that

duct is one of the ones that can be worked on).

I try to focus on all the practical stuff of arranging the trip (we

are flying instead of taking the train and it is the first time flying

for our son) and also getting his diet to be as light as possible with

special nutritious shakes and just juices early enough before the

colonoscopy because that is what we have had a problem with in the

past (he is not the average case). I am also trying to arrange

something interesting for us both to look forward to after the

procedure - it is only in a month's time and then it is over. For

Eemeli it is planning ahead for a motocross bike he intends to

persuade his dad to buy for him, and for me it is planning the dog

shows we are going to go later this spring (probably).

Good luck to you with the colonoscopy and ERCP - we are probably

sharing the anxious moments more or less at the same time.

Taru-Mari, mom to Eemeli 11-yo, PSC/2003, UC/2008

PS. My grandpa had colorectal cancer which makes me even more anxious

although I try not to think about it. Eemeli's Drs know about it (if

they remember).

>

> I just got the notice in the mail today - it's time to go in and see

my GI in February. I already know why - it is time to get a J pouch

scope done and probably an ERCP too.

> Do any of you have problems with anxiety with upcoming scopes? How

do you handle it? Am I being unusually anxious here? On the other

hand, I would absolutely love to have these done and get a good report.

> Any suggestions or feedback here would be great.