Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
Hi All
I started a post about a week ago asking you guys your experiences with colonoscopy. I got an email today from my Gastro saying he has decided that he wants me to have a procedure called CT Colonography instead of the Colonoscopy. I googled it this evening and it is also known as virtual colonoscopy and at first glance seemed a great alternative. On closer inspection however I have seen a few things that concern me. Firstly the colon preparation seems hectic. Instead of the 1 day prep for full colonoscopy this procedure requires 2 days prep and liquid diet. A few of my family members who are perfectly healthy were left feeling weak and exhausted after 1 day of the serious runs so I am a little worried about how I will cope with 2 days. It also says on line that you aren't allowed to take any medications a day before the procedure. Mmmmm!! Then my major concern - during the procedure they blow air into the bowel to distend it and to stop cramping which apparently obscures visualisation of the bowel, they give an IV muscle relaxant. Even a small dose of oral buscopan sends my MG up the pole so I am wondering if this virtual thing is even going to be any less risky than the actual Colonoscopy. What do you guys think? Thanks and strength to all! Ange
I started a post about a week ago asking you guys your experiences with colonoscopy. I got an email today from my Gastro saying he has decided that he wants me to have a procedure called CT Colonography instead of the Colonoscopy. I googled it this evening and it is also known as virtual colonoscopy and at first glance seemed a great alternative. On closer inspection however I have seen a few things that concern me. Firstly the colon preparation seems hectic. Instead of the 1 day prep for full colonoscopy this procedure requires 2 days prep and liquid diet. A few of my family members who are perfectly healthy were left feeling weak and exhausted after 1 day of the serious runs so I am a little worried about how I will cope with 2 days. It also says on line that you aren't allowed to take any medications a day before the procedure. Mmmmm!! Then my major concern - during the procedure they blow air into the bowel to distend it and to stop cramping which apparently obscures visualisation of the bowel, they give an IV muscle relaxant. Even a small dose of oral buscopan sends my MG up the pole so I am wondering if this virtual thing is even going to be any less risky than the actual Colonoscopy. What do you guys think? Thanks and strength to all! Ange
By far I would consider working with your GI doctor to accommodate a regular colonoscopy. As has been mentioned, there are MG safe anesthetics like propofol (which i use) that provide for a very comfortable, relaxing experience, I get a colonoscopy each year due to Crohn's disease,
Also if they do find a polyp or would like to take a simple biopsy (size of a small grain of rice) they cannot with a virtual colonoscopy. To remove a polyp they would have to perform a regular colonoscopy anyway.
Ange I would talk to your neurologist and GI did to work out the best method for a standard colonoscopy. It will provide for a real examination with very very valuable biopsies and will give your GI doctor the chance to directly deal with and polyps directly and easily.
I know patients with MG have an additional challenge to deal with when it comes to anesthesia but its well understood and can be easily managed with a little planning up front.
As far as the colonoscopy, it's a breeze with propofol....the preparation is the hard part, the procedure is literally as simple as a nap
Please think this over, areal colonoscopy is a very important screening tool which can save your life.
Joe
The actual colonoscopy is a simple breeze and a well deserved nap.
Joe
Anytime I have had a procedure, requiring prep or fasting?
All the doctors have told me - that taking any required medications - taken with water, even several hours before procedure - was no problem.
Propofol.
I have tolerated small amounts, okay.
Larger amounts of propofol?
Used at other times?
Was like hooking a double-bag of raging MG symptoms into my IV.
Debilitating me - for many weeks.
So, you see?
We ARE all Snowflakes.
Many of us - having different reactions - to varying meds, antibiotics, or procedures.
** Make ALL your concerns above?
** Known to your Neuro.
** As well as your Gastro.
There will be a pathway, that you can find - that will maximize the diagnostic benefit.
While minimizing - the impact of symptom-provoking side-effects.
You are in all our Thoughts & Prayers, as you sort this out, and make your decisions.
Big, big hug - Ross
Because you do have a bleed, would they possibly then have to go in to fix the bleed if done virtually?
Let us know what you choose.
Hugs
-sherry