Having sigmoidoscopy 6 months after normal colonoscopy

Posted by mydogsbestfriend @mydogsbestfriend, Mar 18 10:59am

Had lower left abdominal pain, PA said possible strained muscle or hernia ( after some unnecessary heavy lifting, should have known better due to spinal problems). MRI was ok but radiologist noted some “tics” and “ possible focal mass” in sigmoid colon. All other organs looked fine. Today had consult with the gastroenterologist who has done all my colonoscopies ( I am 76) today. He says mri’s can be under read or over read ( he saw the results). So to be on the safe side I’m scheduled for a sigmoidoscopy next week. After researching on the internet and speaking with him, I am more concerned about giving myself an enema at home before this procedure. Husband has trouble putting a bandage on himself, so any advice would be appreciated. I’ve never had to have an enema much less given myself one :).

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graceym1 | @graceym1 | Mar 18 12:36pm

I have found the best way to give yourself an enema is laying on flooor on your side and inserting enema pushing the liquid in slowly. Works every time for me. And I have a bad spine as well. This method was told to me by my Dr. Good luck! You can do it.

mydogsbestfriend | @mydogsbestfriend | Mar 18 12:47pm

I appreciate your comment. Thank you 👍😊

graceym1 | @graceym1 | Mar 18 5:47pm

😊👍🏻

celia16 | @celia16 | Mar 18 8:57pm

I have given myself a few of them. For me, it was difficult. I am able to get it in, but if I put too much fluid, it’s quite uncomfortable after I use the bathroom. I discovered that I need a child’s size disposal enema. For me, that works best. Also, I can never retain the water very long. Maybe, I’m just not built for enemas. Others seems to have a much easier time than I do. Good luck!

mydogsbestfriend | @mydogsbestfriend | Apr 2 8:28am

I want to thank everyone for their helpful comments. I managed to do the two enemas alone at 6 am because I had a 45 minute drive to my appointment. The sigmoidoscopy was done without sedative & I was awake and watched the GI md do it, talked to him the entire time. He found nothing which I am happy about. But I am dismayed that it cost me over $700 in copays and nothing was found to indicate what caused my severe abdominal pain. ( which has lessened greatly). I will not see another physicians assistant again if I can avoid it. She took my BP over a heavy sweater and never felt my abdomen, just sent me for the mri. The radiologist said he saw a “possible focal mass”. My GI who did all my colonoscopies (never a problem), said the radiologist probably saw a shadow .