Question

I have had many problems with my digestive system; but I'm so phobic with any doctor, and any procedures or going to the hospital for anything that I could never accomplish a colonoscopy. I'm one of those that can't even imagine the pain, and from what I have read, it's a horribly painful experience, especially if you already have problems in that area!

Answer

Try not to take any notice at all of folk who "make it seem like nothing"! Every person is different, has different pain thresholds and what appears a problem to one is not so for another. However, you did mention the word "phobic" which means "an abnormal, intense and irrational fear of a given situation or object". Or put simply - a phobia is a fear of particular situations or things that are not dangerous and which most people do not find troublesome.

Perhaps your digestive problems are caused by your stress and anxiety. Stress can cause physical symptoms. Anxiety is a physical as well as a psychological reality. The person becomes intensely activated with an increase in heart rate, increased breathing, (hyperventilating or shortness of breath) chest pain, increased blood pressure, muscle tension, digestive problems and other autonomic activity. Thus, anxiety is a response of the person's nervous system.

You may need to accept your fear and deal with it, which may well require help. We would advise that you seek professional help to talk your fears over with (see first link below).

Stress is a big factor in many medical conditions. Learning to relax can help us control our anxiety and tension. We can learn this through groups and professionals, and there are books and videotapes one can use. It's a good idea to practice this regularly, not just when one is in a crisis.

If you still think you may need to have a colonoscopy, perhaps ask yourself which would be worse: because of the fear, to end up with a problem too advanced to be cured, or to have a colonoscopy and have any fears of illness appeased. You can also talk your fears over first with your physician's nurse, who will assure you that all possible pain will be avoided.

Links

• Anxieties and Phobias
• Stress and Everyday Problems
• Relaxation Techniques for Stress
• An Interactive Guide to Colonoscopy