A colonoscopy is worth an awkward moment

I am due to go into hospital for a colonoscopy. I’m terrified. What will they do and what happens if it all goes wrong?

FIRSTLY, the most important part of a colonoscopy is the preparation. You will have been sent a treatment to take before the procedure, which will clear out your bowel.

This is a very powerful laxative and it is imperative to use this as instructed.

Follow the strict instructions regarding diet and drink only clear fluids the day before the procedure.

If you don’t, then you will more than likely have problems when you take the test, so stick to the instructions, even if the preparation seems unpleasant.

One in ten people have discomfort when the procedure is done, despite the anaesthetic, but while the remaining 90% may find it unpleasant they don’t experience any pain.

One in 100 may experience some bleeding in the aftermath of the colonoscopy, especially if a growth has been removed or a biopsy taken; while one in 1,000 people suffer perforation, which is where the bowel wall is nicked during the procedure. This usually requires surgery to repair.

The procedure itself takes between 30 minutes and one hour and is carried out by a fully trained and skilled practitioner who is able to anticipate and deal with any complications.

Rest assured that unpleasant and scary as this may sound, fewer than one in ten colonoscopies reveal the diagnosis of bowel cancer; nine out of ten detect a polyp or are normal.

You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions before the procedure when you meet the nurse on your arrival at the hospital.

They are used to dealing with people’s anxieties, so ask whatever you need to know, even if you think it sounds foolish.

Remember, having this test could save your life — a small price to pay for less than an hour of embarrassment! I have been getting very anxious over the past few months so I went to see my GP. She wanted to put me on regular anxiety pills but I was reluctant so she gave me beta blockers, which I take when I need them. I often take them three times a day. The problem is I feel exhausted, my hands are freezing and I have been having the weirdest dreams. Is it the pills or is it just my anxiety?

BETA blockers are used with good effect to treat the symptoms of panic and anxiety, and can be taken on a regular basis or on an as-needed basis.

They work by blocking the release of a chemical called Noradrenaline, which results in a slowing of our heart rate and a lowering of blood pressure and pulse.

They have a positive effect on tremors, palpitations, and sweating, all of which come on when we are in a flap.

They do, however, have side effects and cold hands and feet are one of those.

So too are vivid dreams, tiredness and lethargy.

It is not a good idea to mix them with other non-prescription drugs, recreational drugs or alcohol.

Also, as you are using them three times a day it may be sensible to ask your doctor to prescribe you a daily dosage in a slowrelease format so you take it regularly rather than on an ‘as-needed’ basis.

It should result in fewer side effects. The fact that you feel the need to take the medicine three times a day may also suggest that you should get some other form of help. You could try to work on why you are becoming so anxious and learn to control your anxiety with the help of a therapist.

In my experience, a two-pronged approach works very well, as talking therapies often augment the impact of medication.

So I suggest you go back to your doctor — the last thing you need is to be worrying about treatment. Ultimately, remember that if the pills don’t suit you, there are other options available.