Having a colonoscopy OR not?
What are your thoughts about having a coloscopy or not?
Why this posting: After trying to manage IBS for more than 40 years and having numerous tests in the early years of receiving the diagnosis of IBS and Lactose Intolerance--when I had a myriad of horrible tests done. I'm just coming out a very difficult period of 2 years with my IBS again.
In the early years of learning about IBS and Lactose intolerance and doing what I could to manage both, I had a long period where things were minimal. Thn 2 years ago, when I encountered a huge amount of work stress and the loss of some very important people in my life-on top of lifestyle interactions in many realms due to COVID and public health concerns (as I teach), my IBS flared up and strategies used that worked for years, where becoming limiting if non-existent by the end of 2023.
Taking that very seriously and spending a lot of money for non-conventional holistic treatments and some new IBS pre, pre and postbiotic supplements and not willing to take any antidepressants due to a family history of addiction to these drugs, things started to positively change. I have also been learning a lot about the brain gut axis and incorporating helpful strategies with this in mind.
During this transition time also, which has continued, I transitioned to the LOW FODMAP diet --and have been following it as best as I can. As a result, for about a year now, my IBS is better. But with that, I have restrained from a lot of social interactions to "play it safe."
Although, I miss being able to go to many events where food was/is is central--and where I can't eat most of the food or if I did-- would pay for it for days-- I'm much happier now with this newer but more restrictive lifestyle, which seems to have reduced horrible IBS episodes earlier and regularly present. I also get more sleep, as a result of not going to a number of social things evenings and weekends.
About a colonoscopy - Due to loosing about 15 lbs. that was not intentional and my BMI now at 18, two physicians I see for annual check-ups, became concerned and have ordered a Colonoscopy that I'm to have in two weeks.
Regarding the weight loss: My hunch is that since using the LOW FODMAP diet, I think due to getting out foods that could keep my weight more "normal" has contributed to the weight loss. I'm physically active, and am involved with gardening year round in my profession. So believe that also contributes to keeping weight off.
Although, being thin doesn't trouble me, now that medically I am considered underweight for my age and height, I agreed have a colonoscopy. But looking at the colonoscopy prep and the set backs that the prep solutions will negatively impact my gut microbiome, microbiome it is causing me increased anxiety concerned about how long it will take to get the gut biome to restore, I'm at a point of backing out on the colonoscopy. I have three days off from work to prep and recover. But I think recovery may have a cost that will take me more than a day or so to restore balance again. So writing to you all to get feedback. Your thoughts?
First off I wanted to say that I totally understand the whole stress thing as it is one of the most prevalent triggers for my chronic illness. That and sugar seem to be the big three along with forgetting to take my meds. Ha ha. Seriously, though, I get it. It can be so stressful and especially when you have a period of high activity and then go to a low period or vice versa. It can be nerve wracking. I also know what happens when you try a new diet as I have tried many over the years. Some can make you gain weight but in my experience, most make you lose weight. First of all, you haven't found the recipes of the diet you actually like yet, so you don't eat as much as normal, and also your gut isn't used to it yet so it doesn't know how to digest it all just yet. Finally, and probably unfortunately, in my own experience it usually take more than a day or two to recover and get used to things and have your gut biome restore itself, although I think you probably knew that already. 😉 The thing is.. is it worth the discomfort and cost? I always tend to err on the side of knowing more is better than knowing less but I can also say that a few times I have regretted that policy as it ends up kicking off a flare. So, really, I think it has to come down to you and knowing your body. I think you probably have a "gut" feeling as to what to do (see what I did there 😊). Let us know if there's anything we can do to help. In addition please let us know what happens and, as always, you are not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM 
I completely understand your concerns about having a colonoscopy. I haven't had one yet, but I'm already anxious about the day I'll need to get one...
I'm wondering if you have done other, less invasive tests to check for possible causes for the weight loss? If not, maybe you could ask your doctor if it might make sense to do those first, and only do the colonoscopy if they find anything at all. But of course, I'm not a doctor, so I don't know if this would make sense in your case.
For me, stress and flares have led me to lose significant amounts of weight in the past, so I know it's possible to lose weight without there being any other cause for that.
If you decide to do the colonoscopy, is there any way you could get more time off for your recovery? I imagine that this would help with the anxiety you're feeling about the procedure.
Please let us know what you decide to do.
Big hugs, Karina (team member)
