Anyone had a colonoscopy/endoscopy?

[cruiserkaren]

I haven't had a colonoscopy but my dh has. He is only 31. His mother is a colon cancer survivor and his grandmother died from colon cancer. Because of his family's history he has to have them. I know any procedure is uncomfortable and nerve-racking but peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

 

[C.Ann]

Just had an endoscopy done on Dec. 2nd.. My doctor promised that he would knock me out completely and he did..

 

[Magix]

Just a tip that the nurse gave me for the prep - if they have you take the liquid, mix it up the night before you need to take it and refrigerate it. Much easier when it is VERY cold - still not good tasting but couldn't imagine drinking it luke warm.

I got that same tip for mine and it helped a lot! Also, keep some mouthwash right next to your cup of that awful liquid when you drink it. When you get the last of the prep down your throat each time, put the cup down, pick up the cup of mouthwash and swish away! It helps take away the really nasty taste of the prep liquid. I don't think I could have done it without that tip!

The prep was the most difficult part, but was actually pretty funny to me. It's pretty amazing...

The actual procedure was nothing. I knocked out just after they got me into the procedure room and didn't wake up until I was in the recovery area. One of the best naps I've ever had!

Seriously, having done both now, I'd do the colonoscopy anytime over a mammogram. Having those things squished in the mammogram machine was PAINFUL! At least with the colonoscopy, I get a quality nap out of the deal.

 

[Bojo]

Yeah, what they said;

• the prep was the worst part,
• rember being wheeled into the room & waking up in recovery,
• couldn't leave until I farted.

Be sure to get it done if you need it!

 

[C.Ann]

Yeah, what they said;

• the prep was the worst part,
• rember being wheeled into the room & waking up in recovery,
• couldn't leave until I farted.

Be sure to get it done if you need it!

-------------

After I had my endoscopy done I was told I couldn't leave until I had something to drink: apple juice; orange juice; or ginger ale - all of which make me sick even when I'm feeling well.. I just told them, "Sorry, I need my coffee now.." - and left..

When DD had her colonoscopy, I was in the recovery room with her when she woke up and she was allowed to leave as soon as she felt well enough to put her clothes on - no "farting on demand"..

 

[themarquis]

I had both done at the same time (they kept referring to me as "the patient getting the "double"" )

I agree with what has been said -- it is "twilight" anasthesia, but the vast majority of people don't remember a thing! It's like you've been asleep through the whole procedure. I do remember some of it near the end, when I was in pain from the air they put up in there , but I think that's kind of unusual (they had a hard time sedating me, apparently). My memory of it is not really that traumatic, because I was so out of it at the time.

The prep is horrible, horrible, horrible. Follow other people's tips to get through it. I like the tip of using mouthwash to swish the taste of the prep away. I actually had a big bowl of beef broth (I know I would never drink it normally, but somehow hte strong saltiness helped take away the nasty taste of the prep!).

Stay near the bathroom. Near the end of it, you will be basically pooping water gross!!! It literally feels like you're peeing from your butt. Don't mean to be gross, but it is exactly the feeling of emptying yoru bladder, only from the wrong hole!!! Near the end, you'll want to be really careful about walking away from the toilet or doing anything that could impede you from getting to the toilet ASAP! If you feel a tiny tiny cramp or feeling like you might need to go soon (one so tiny that you would normally ignore it), RUN, don't walk, to the toilet!! You will have no time to spare!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

That was pretty funny themarquis.

 

[chager]

Just had a colonoscopy on MOnday. I tried to drink the the stuff they gave me to drink. The name escapes now but it was something like Trylite with flavor packs. TELL them YOU DON"T WANT IT!! There is another prep that is about a cup big that you can drink. Still tastes terrible from what I am told but it is 1 cup verses 1 gallon!! My friend's husband and my brother both use it. I was out from shortly after they gave me the sleepy drugs and woke after with out any problems. I did have to drink something and pass gas before I could leave. The clinic I went to everyone had little private areas so no one really saw anyone unless you saw them in the waiting room. You MUST bring a driver and usually they have to stay on site. They will not allow you to get a cab or ride the bus home. Overall the anxiety I felt before hand was all for nothing. I will suggest you purchase adult diapers to use in case you don't make it to the bathroom. ALso some moist wipes and something to treat your bottom when it starts to get sore. DO not expect to sleep much the night before. From all the stories I read and from my experiance, sleep is not possible. (I actually considered just sleeping in the hall outside the bathroom door!! That is how tired I was!) Mind you I have been ill since Nov3.
I haven't had the endoscopy yet, but I think it is coming since so far no issues have been found.
Good luck!!