Can anyone recommend a colonoscopy support forum

[Dznypal]

I’ve tried doing searches looking for a colonoscopy support forum
The type where you can write in looking for tips and advice
Or any recommendations
After waiting over 2 months for an app to have this done I’m am now down to one month to go and got the dreaded call it has to be changed. It’s only a week later but I have major anexity over this and now I have to wait another week.
I also had the first app of the day just to get it done since I can’t sleep the night before and now it’s almost 3 hrs later oh sure I probably coukd get the first app but that would probably be another 3 month wait
Sorry for the rant this is so unsettling fir me
Especially since the last one the dr ODed me on fentanyl to the point they had to give me narcan so this is why I’m such a basket case
Thanks

 

[SteveMouse]

If your concern is sedation, you can choose to go without. Much of the rest (non-US) world goes this route. I am a US citizen and have a complicated medical profile. Anesthesia and I do not get along well. I have to be nasally intubated, which creates additional safety precautions, so I have to stay away from any sedations where intubation is part of a rescue plan. It's not due to any concern about the medication itself or an addiction.

I have done both a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy without as much as an aspirin on board. I was happy when it was over. The physician said he'd only done a couple of others without sedation in his 20 years of practice.

 

[slo]

I’m sorry to hear about how upsetting this is for you. I agree with @SteveMouse with using no sedation. My friend does this because he finds the whole process interesting and he feels great afterwards.

Have you discussed what you posted with your gastroenterologist? If yes, what did they say about your concerns?

 

[clh2]

Mine got rescheduled too. Went from a carefully planned date, to something smack dab in the middle of summer. Never, ever would I schedule one again in the middle of summer (summer is sooo short were we live, so the next one has to be moved to September, IMO).

I actually had anesthesia for mine, instead of the twilight stuff. Not sure why/how that happened, so I cannot offer any advice.

Good luck. I think everyone knows how nerve wracking this process is.

 

[Dznypal]

I make sure everyone involved with me in this know how I get. That’s why too the dr said I should make sure to get the first app and now I don’t. I have such anxiety and panic attacks just thinking of this I asked the dr about giving me something just so I’m not so anxious but she said she doesn’t do that. Ok thanks I’ll just suffer
I asked why and she really didn’t give a straight answer.
So yes everyone I’ve had to deal with knows about my aniexty
I hate they just call to say things have to be changed and your supposed to just go along with it. Or one person tells you thing so you plan for that and then when the time comes oh no we can’t do that
With how I get I insists that my DH stays with me until it’s my turn and he has to be there when I come too. Which I was told would be ok. So day of my number comes up as I’m been taken away and was told DH had to stay and wait for me after I told them I was told he could be with me. So I had a meltdown and then it was ok for him to be with me
Hanks again for listening

 

[goofyernmost]

If your concern is sedation, you can choose to go without. Much of the rest (non-US) world goes this route. I am a US citizen and have a complicated medical profile. Anesthesia and I do not get along well. I have to be nasally intubated, which creates additional safety precautions, so I have to stay away from any sedations where intubation is part of a rescue plan. It's not due to any concern about the medication itself or an addiction.

I have done both a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy without as much as an aspirin on board. I was happy when it was over. The physician said he'd only done a couple of others without sedation in his 20 years of practice.

I only ask for enough giggle juice to take the edge off and I also ask to watch the procedure on the same screen they are looking at. I am fascinated by what is under my skin. I have found out that the insides are not anymore attractive then my outsides but it still fascinates me. The only thing that I ever concern myself with is the prep which isn't anything more than a massive inconvenience. When I had my first I was a little embarrassed by the nature of the procedure, but now that I have had twenty more years of exposure to medical procedures, it doesn't even phase me anymore.

 

[goofyernmost]

I make sure everyone involved with me in this know how I get. That’s why too the dr said I should make sure to get the first app and now I don’t. I have such anxiety and panic attacks just thinking of this I asked the dr about giving me something just so I’m not so anxious but she said she doesn’t do that. Ok thanks I’ll just suffer
I asked why and she really didn’t give a straight answer.
So yes everyone I’ve had to deal with knows about my aniexty
I hate they just call to say things have to be changed and your supposed to just go along with it. Or one person tells you thing so you plan for that and then when the time comes oh no we can’t do that
With how I get I insists that my DH stays with me until it’s my turn and he has to be there when I come too. Which I was told would be ok. So day of my number comes up as I’m been taken away and was told DH had to stay and wait for me after I told them I was told he could be with me. So I had a meltdown and then it was ok for him to be with me
Hanks again for listening

There's usually a very good reason why they are having to change it. I don't think you have to go along with it as long as you don't mind if one of the hospital janitors does the procedure.

I do understand the frustration of the change though. I remember when I had my first Cataract Surgery I received an early morning phone call telling me that the surgeon had just given birth a few hours earlier. I understood but that didn't ease the anxiety it just slightly lengthened the path.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I have had some awful experiences because I wake up and an aware plus remember everything and refused to do the tests for years due to fear, one Dr gave me so much medicine I was passing out all day and another time and there are other things. I spoke with the Drs about the trauma and now I get general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist in a hospital, I would never ever do it with just me and a Dr again, I would literally get up and leave and have told them so. Have you tried to talk about the situation? Would being under the care of an anesthesiologist in a hospital make you feel safer? If not what would help? For me now the event is nothing, I show up and go to sleep then wake up and go home.

 

[Dznypal]

The last one I had was 2018 at that time it seems the deal was me dr and some type RN. Before I even had consult I was checking to see if insurance would cover anesthesiologist which I’d have a small co pay which was ok. But after the consult it sounds like there’s anesthesiologist there no matter what. So that’s a good thing.
They way this is going now is like how it started last time which ended in a tital disaster. Oh well so we sit and wait.
I just got done messaging the dr office I know I wont get an reply till Mon but at least I have it in alaready.
anyways I just realized with the new time I wont be able to eat after midnight on the 11th and wont be able to eat again till almost noon on the 13th--also I know I wont be able to sleep one for the obivious reason and then other cause Ill be keyed up so no sleep for probably 2 nights and of course drinking 128ozs of liquid-- this is why the dr wanted to make sure I got the first app I for sure will be sick--thats what happened the last time too--and yet the dr wont give me anything for aniexty oh well I told her everything so there wont be any surprises
the last time I had this done they had to change my app so to give my app to someone else--obivsiouly
they couldnt say why so now I really need the first app Im hoping that so amybe this time they could change for me Im just hinking out loud I dont expect they can do anything.

Oh and this will be done in a hospital Still the last one was done in a different hospital but still a hosptial--I know I go back alot about the "last time" but its just unsettling to find out you stopped breathing not only once but twice due to a drug overdose by the dr and had to be given narcan to get me out of it That is really a scary thing to find out

 

[tvguy]

I've had two colonoscopies. First was no big deal (other than having to drink a gallon of prep in an hour). Second, I only had to drink two 16 ounce bottles of prep 12 hours apart. But I started waking up during the procedure, because I remember being uncomfortable until assume they boosted the anesthetic.
So no advice for anxiety because I'm just not wired to be anxious about the procedure.

 

[LuvOrlando]

The last one I had was 2018 at that time it seems the deal was me dr and some type RN. Before I even had consult I was checking to see if insurance would cover anesthesiologist which I’d have a small co pay which was ok. But after the consult it sounds like there’s anesthesiologist there no matter what. So that’s a good thing.
They way this is going now is like how it started last time which ended in a tital disaster. Oh well so we sit and wait.
I just got done messaging the dr office I know I wont get an reply till Mon but at least I have it in alaready.
anyways I just realized with the new time I wont be able to eat after midnight on the 11th and wont be able to eat again till almost noon on the 13th--also I know I wont be able to sleep one for the obivious reason and then other cause Ill be keyed up so no sleep for probably 2 nights and of course drinking 128ozs of liquid-- this is why the dr wanted to make sure I got the first app I for sure will be sick--thats what happened the last time too--and yet the dr wont give me anything for aniexty oh well I told her everything so there wont be any surprises
the last time I had this done they had to change my app so to give my app to someone else--obivsiouly
they couldnt say why so now I really need the first app Im hoping that so amybe this time they could change for me Im just hinking out loud I dont expect they can do anything.

Oh and this will be done in a hospital Still the last one was done in a different hospital but still a hosptial--I know I go back alot about the "last time" but its just unsettling to find out you stopped breathing not only once but twice due to a drug overdose by the dr and had to be given narcan to get me out of it That is really a scary thing to find out

I have had so many of these starting when I was 23 and I woke up every time but things didn't become a traumatic issue until after my c-section.

An anesthesiologist on hand is a million times better because when the Dr does it he/she is doing the procedure as they manage sedation but with the anesthesiologist their ONLY job is to manage your sedation and actually then run the show and can/ will shut the whole procedure down if you are in distress.

Call and double check how this hospital does things but my experience is:
I get a call from the anesthesia dept a day or 2 before to run an intake of into, this is the chance to voice all concerns and I am clear that I am terrified of waking up and explain my experiences. They write down everything so the staff can look up records, what has been given in the past and how much etc then the anesthesiologist gets the notes. I think my problem medicine was versed or something for twilight that doesn't work and makes me delirious and in a panic so the opposite of what anyone wants.

The day of the procedure the anesthesiologist stops in to make sure all is well. The last few times they gave me the stuff that you had and it worked very well, I woke up without any feeling of sleepiness and no migraine but it was an anesthesiologist that did it not the GI Dr. Personally, I will never allow a GI Dr to do one of these again alone. I literally tell them if it is not with an anesthesiologist I am getting up and walking out the door and I mean every word. Everyone is different and some people have no issues but I do so it is a flat out deal breaker for me.

For my BRCA2 goings on I was directed to this info a few years back, maybe it will help you.
https://bensonhenryinstitute.org/guided-relaxation-exercises/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/alte...h/two-mindfulness-meditation-exercises-to-try

Also look up Dr. Herbert Benson videos, this guy has the most soothing chill voice ever. He was the Benson in the first link

 

[RangerPooh]

Mine was rescheduled as well. It was moved to two weeks later. I wasn't too worried about that appointment. It was the follow-up 5 months later that had me stressed out. But the outcome was good. I did get put under for my procedure, which was fine by me. Hopefully your procedure goes smoothly.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

I've had 2. I'm due for my next one this year. I don't worry about the procedure at all; I've had people close to me have colon cancer, and I'm going to take every opportunity I can to screen for it and hopefully catch it early if I were to get it. To be honest, I kind of enjoy the meds they give, it's like the best sleep I've ever had!

The first go around I didn't drink enough water during the time I could drink, and they had a terrible time getting my IV in, that was the worst part of it. The next time I did a lot better and there was no issue. I'm also going to request an anti-nausea med this time - last time I had a little trouble getting the prep drink down - maybe I didn't chill it long enough, but I think they'll give me meds to avoid that discomfort.

 

[Rogue1677x]

I have had so many of these starting when I was 23 and I woke up every time but things didn't become a traumatic issue until after my c-section.

An anesthesiologist on hand is a million times better because when the Dr does it he/she is doing the procedure as they manage sedation but with the anesthesiologist their ONLY job is to manage your sedation and actually then run the show and can/ will shut the whole procedure down if you are in distress.

Call and double check how this hospital does things but my experience is:
I get a call from the anesthesia dept a day or 2 before to run an intake of into, this is the chance to voice all concerns and I am clear that I am terrified of waking up and explain my experiences. They write down everything so the staff can look up records, what has been given in the past and how much etc then the anesthesiologist gets the notes. I think my problem medicine was versed or something for twilight that doesn't work and makes me delirious and in a panic so the opposite of what anyone wants.

The day of the procedure the anesthesiologist stops in to make sure all is well. The last few times they gave me the stuff that you had and it worked very well, I woke up without any feeling of sleepiness and no migraine but it was an anesthesiologist that did it not the GI Dr. Personally, I will never allow a GI Dr to do one of these again alone. I literally tell them if it is not with an anesthesiologist I am getting up and walking out the door and I mean every word. Everyone is different and some people have no issues but I do so it is a flat out deal breaker for me.

For my BRCA2 goings on I was directed to this info a few years back, maybe it will help you.
https://bensonhenryinstitute.org/guided-relaxation-exercises/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/alte...h/two-mindfulness-meditation-exercises-to-try

Also look up Dr. Herbert Benson videos, this guy has the most soothing chill voice ever. He was the Benson in the first link

I suppose one of the perks of having Malignant Hyperthermia in the family is that anesthesiologists always stay when I have any kind of procedure. It's a rare enough genetic reaction to anesthesia, no one will chance it.

 

[HeatherC]

Please try not to worry! I am so sorry they rescheduled on you. I understand the anxiety. I have had several and they have all gone well. Trust that they do this every single day and truly know what they are doing. If you are un comfortable with anything let them know and make sure they listen to you, but I am sure it will go smoothly!

 

[prairie_girl]

If your concern is sedation, you can choose to go without. Much of the rest (non-US) world goes this route. I am a US citizen and have a complicated medical profile. Anesthesia and I do not get along well. I have to be nasally intubated, which creates additional safety precautions, so I have to stay away from any sedations where intubation is part of a rescue plan. It's not due to any concern about the medication itself or an addiction.

I have done both a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy without as much as an aspirin on board. I was happy when it was over. The physician said he'd only done a couple of others without sedation in his 20 years of practice.

I had my first endoscopy a year ago and I woke up during it. It wasn’t painful, but was definitely uncomfortable. The nurse took my hand and kept telling me I wanted to close my eyes and go back to sleep lol

 

[prairie_girl]

I make sure everyone involved with me in this know how I get. That’s why too the dr said I should make sure to get the first app and now I don’t. I have such anxiety and panic attacks just thinking of this I asked the dr about giving me something just so I’m not so anxious but she said she doesn’t do that. Ok thanks I’ll just suffer
I asked why and she really didn’t give a straight answer.
So yes everyone I’ve had to deal with knows about my aniexty
I hate they just call to say things have to be changed and your supposed to just go along with it. Or one person tells you thing so you plan for that and then when the time comes oh no we can’t do that
With how I get I insists that my DH stays with me until it’s my turn and he has to be there when I come too. Which I was told would be ok. So day of my number comes up as I’m been taken away and was told DH had to stay and wait for me after I told them I was told he could be with me. So I had a meltdown and then it was ok for him to be with me
Hanks again for listening

I don’t know much about how things work in US healthcare but could you find another dr who does offer something beforehand and had the test done by them and send the results to your regular doc?