Question about blockages in colonoscopy

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Patrusha
Patrusha Member Posts: 487
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Talked to a lady the other day who told me she just had a colonoscopy and it was interrupted cuz the doc ran into a "blockage." She said the doctor didn't seem concerned about this and she sees him again this week. He made no mention to her of possible cancer. I just advised her to keep her appointment.

I am worried for her. What else can cause a blockage? Benign tumor? Fecal matter? What? My doctor told me straight out that my tumor was soon going to block my colon and it had to come out whether it was cancer or not. I am just puzzling over this one...

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  • cal79
    cal79 Member Posts: 57
    #2
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    Hi Patrusha,

    From what I understand, running into blockages during a colonoscopy is very common. It is usually caused by the bowel not having been completely emptied (ie the scope runs into fecal matter and can't go any further). Of course, your friend should go back for the follow up appointment, but I think this is a pretty common occurence.

    Cal
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #3
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    Hey there, Pat -

    Seems like Shubunkin mentioned something about her doc being blocked, too. She said he told her it was common for slender women that they can't make that turn into the ascending colon. Is you friend slender? Maybe that's what it is?

    - SB
  • Betsydoglover
    Betsydoglover Member Posts: 1,248 Member
    #4
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    Hi Patrusha -

    I get what others are saying, but my diagostic colonoscopy in May 2005 "couldn't get all the way thru" and that was because of a cancerous tumor. SO, even though I am sure there are many reasons, I think you are right to be worried and I am sort of surprised by the GI docs relatively cavalier attitude. Are there pics? What do they show? And, what is the plan for getting the rest of way thru the colon to make sure nothing else is apparent further up?

    Don't mean to be difficult, but I can't help asking these questions.

    Betsy
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #5
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    Betsydoglover said:

    Hi Patrusha -

    I get what others are saying, but my diagostic colonoscopy in May 2005 "couldn't get all the way thru" and that was because of a cancerous tumor. SO, even though I am sure there are many reasons, I think you are right to be worried and I am sort of surprised by the GI docs relatively cavalier attitude. Are there pics? What do they show? And, what is the plan for getting the rest of way thru the colon to make sure nothing else is apparent further up?

    Don't mean to be difficult, but I can't help asking these questions.

    Betsy

    You are the LAST one that should feel you are being difficult....without your questions, half of us would be in worse shape....me, for one!!!!
    Hugs to a grand lady!
    One of your biggest fans, Kathi
  • Patrusha
    Patrusha Member Posts: 487
    #6
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    cal79 said:

    Hi Patrusha,

    From what I understand, running into blockages during a colonoscopy is very common. It is usually caused by the bowel not having been completely emptied (ie the scope runs into fecal matter and can't go any further). Of course, your friend should go back for the follow up appointment, but I think this is a pretty common occurence.

    Cal

    Thanks, Cal. I'll await the results of her second appointment...
  • Patrusha
    Patrusha Member Posts: 487
    #7
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    spongebob said:

    Hey there, Pat -

    Seems like Shubunkin mentioned something about her doc being blocked, too. She said he told her it was common for slender women that they can't make that turn into the ascending colon. Is you friend slender? Maybe that's what it is?

    - SB

    Yes, she is petite. Perhaps that is all it is, but I can't help wondering.
  • Patrusha
    Patrusha Member Posts: 487
    #8
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    Betsydoglover said:

    Hi Patrusha -

    I get what others are saying, but my diagostic colonoscopy in May 2005 "couldn't get all the way thru" and that was because of a cancerous tumor. SO, even though I am sure there are many reasons, I think you are right to be worried and I am sort of surprised by the GI docs relatively cavalier attitude. Are there pics? What do they show? And, what is the plan for getting the rest of way thru the colon to make sure nothing else is apparent further up?

    Don't mean to be difficult, but I can't help asking these questions.

    Betsy

    Betsy,

    When they couldn't get through, did they tell you they suspected cancer or did they shrug it off like these doctors? That is what worries me.... their attitude. They didn't show her any pictures, at least she didn't mention it...

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