Colonoscopy anyone? UPDATED!!!!

[mickeymedic]

Apparently I am the odd-ball here. That's OK, I'm used to it. I had a colonoscopy when I was 28 and I was sick for 3-4 days afterward. I agree with everyone who says that the prep is the worst. I had to drink the go-lightly stuff (the name is the understatement of the century ) I only made it through maybe a third of the huge bottle. But I figured that when it looked the same coming out as it did going in, I was done.

Anyway, I might have been sick because I had a upper endoscopy two days before my colonoscopy. I had did not eat a lot the day before the first procedure. Nor did I eat much during the two days in between. That combined with all the sedation from both procedures might have done me in. The procedure itself was a breeze - I don't remember a thing!

 

[N&B'smom]

Alex2kMommy - did you make your appointment?? We'll be colonoscopy buddies. If this somehow motivates you or someone else to get the test done and get all checked out than it was well worth it. I hope you make that appointment and get a clean bill of health. Keep me posted!!

I have to have a consultation first, which is on Tuesday. I just want to get the test done and over with already! I'm headed to the Caribbean in 5 weeks and I do NOT want to worry about this sort of thing!

Laura - So sad about your mom. No one likes to have these types of check ups, but you do what you have to do. Right? I think people are definitely following through with getting checked out more nowadays. I'm glad you got a good result after your check up! I do know of a young woman in her mid 20's who just died last year from cervical cancer. It just wasn't found early enough.

Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences with me. It has really helped me feel a bit better.

Shelby

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Alex2kMommy - did you make your appointment?? We'll be colonoscopy buddies. If this somehow motivates you or someone else to get the test done and get all checked out than it was well worth it. I hope you make that appointment and get a clean bill of health. Keep me posted!!

I made an appointment with my GYN, but it isn't until December!
She will schedule the colonoscopy, or give me whatever info I need to get it scheduled, I'm guessing. Now that I'm committed to doing it, I also want to get it over with already. But I guess I'll have to wait a bit longer than you.

Hmmm... Now I'm wondering if I could ask them to schedule it before I have the GYN appointment. It's not like they need to be done in sequence, so... I'll call back.

 

[N&B'smom]

I made an appointment with my GYN, but it isn't until December!
She will schedule the colonoscopy, or give me whatever info I need to get it scheduled, I'm guessing. Now that I'm committed to doing it, I also want to get it over with already. But I guess I'll have to wait a bit longer than you.

Hmmm... Now I'm wondering if I could ask them to schedule it before I have the GYN appointment. It's not like they need to be done in sequence, so... I'll call back.

Great!!! You'll feel better when you get both appt's over and done with!!

Shelby

 

[disney1990]

I just had my second one last week. It really isn't that bad and is so worth it for the peace of mind that it gives you. Like everybody said, the prep is the worse thing. They gave me a flavoring to put in the drink and it really wasn't too bad at all.

 

[Took]

So, I might have to have one done and I'm completely freaked out! It may be because I've already dealt with cancer and that will always be a fear that I deal with, no matter what test I have done.

I've already done the Prep Test before when I had to have my hysterectomy, NOT looking forward to that one! Oh well....

I'm just freaked out. I'm going to call tomorrow. I guess I just wanted to vent. I don't know.

Shelby

You know, not to make too light of this, but if you'd like a funny perspective on this procedure, read the Dave Barry column on his experience:

http://www.miamiherald.com/283/story/427603.html

 

[Alex2kMommy]

You know, not to make too light of this, but if you'd like a funny perspective on this procedure, read the Dave Barry column on his experience:

http://www.miamiherald.com/283/story/427603.html

Anything scary (even if it's ridiculous to be scared) is a goldmine for humor. Loved the Dave Barry column, thank you.

The funniest comedy routine I ever heard was about a colonoscopy. It was graphic and crude, which I usually don't like, and I have never laughed so hard in my life!

 

[twoeeyy]

I am 38 and just had my first one done a week ago. My mom is currently being treated for colon cancer , so that is why I got one done at such a young age . Last night my doctor called and said that everything was benine ( sorry bad speller ) so I was very happy to hear that. I have to have them done every three years.

As far as the prep goes it did not bother me at all. I am going thru some poop in my personal life and actually had not eaten for two days previous to the prep day so I only had to drink about 24 oz of the stuff, since I was empty already .

 

[Kathi OD]

I've been getting them yearly for quite awhile now. The procedure itself is not bad at all, but as others have indicated, the prep can be nasty.

Dad is a colon cancer survivor of 24 years now. DMIL almost 20 years. Caught early, there is an excellent survival rate.

 

[N&B'smom]

You know, not to make too light of this, but if you'd like a funny perspective on this procedure, read the Dave Barry column on his experience:

http://www.miamiherald.com/283/story/427603.html

Oh my gosh, that was very funny. My kids came into the room and wondered why I was laughing so hard. I think it was mostly the space shuttle reference.

Shelby

 

[N&B'smom]

I'll be having a colonoscopy a week from today. Next Tuesday - so in other words, next Monday I'll be too busy sprinting to the bathroom to be on here. At least I'm getting it over with!!

Shelby

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. This evening I started the prep for my 4th colonoscopy - family history keeps me going regularly for screens as a precaution. It's not bad at all...honestly. The thought of it is much worse than the actual doing.

1. I'm using 10 oz bottles of magnesium citrate. In my case I have to drink these over the course of 2 days, but most people only need two bottles total. I bought the lemon-lime flavor and I had no trouble getting it down - it's no worse than Gatorade as far as I'm concerned. No enemas, just Dulcolax and magnesium citrate. Not half as disgusting as the preps I used to have to do.

3. Fasting....I've learned that I'm better off if I don't have any sugar that day at all. No popsicles, no jello, no soft drinks, just chicken broth, tea and water. I also like flavored seltzer that hasn't been sweetened with anything, real or artificial. Now I don't get that shaky feeling, and I don't really even get that hungry.

2. If you're really nervous you can ask your doctor for a prescription for a couple of zanax pills. One will probably be enough to calm you down just before you leave to get the test done.

3. Finally, my doctor will also agree to have you asleep for the whole procedure. You lie on the table, you go to sleep, you wake up. Done.

So, I just wanted to say good luck. You'll be fine...Please don't be too scared!

 

[4nana]

Awww Shelby sweetie, sending you prayers, hugs, and *pixie dust* that all goes well and you come through with flying colors. I have one every 5 yrs, as I lost dear Dad to the cancer beast and praise God my dear Mom is a BC survivor. You keep the faith, think positive, and we'll all keep you in our prayers. I picked this just 4 U!

 

[N&B'smom]

Thank you to both of you!! I appreciate your advice and kind words. I'm going to go get my Prep today. I thought it was funny that they call it EZ Prep. I think their definition of easy is way different than mine!

donaldbuzz&minnie - is yours tomorrow????

Shelby

 

[mhsjax]

Just wanted to chime in here, I had my first colonoscopy about 3 months ago, the prep I used was Miralax and you couldn't taste it at all, I did feel a little bloated from all of the Gatoraid but that was it, The next day when they inserted the IV , I asked if this was the good stuff, they said not yet, then they wheeled me in and then They said here is the good stuff, She said my arm would feel could and then I would feel a little dizzy, I told her yeah my arm is cold, she said to you feel light headed and I raised up my head and said yes a little, next thing I know they are waking me up and telling me everything is ok, no polyps or anything, just a little IBS, then I went to Cracker Barrel and ate everything in sight, so try not to worry about the procedure anyway, it was so easy.

 

[suzannen]

N&B'smom, thank you for starting this thread. I've been lurking here ever since my doctor told me earlier in the year it was time for me to have one (ie the dreaded 50) . I had been putting it off and putting it off. My close friend called this morning to say her mother had just been diagnosed with colon cancer and it was pretty advanced. Her only symptom - she had been really, really tired. None of her doctors could figure out what was wrong with her and she had never had a colonoscopy (she's 60). They ordered several general tests to figure out what was wrong and during the colonoscopy they found the cancer. She had never had a colonoscopy because it was so "yucky." After listening to my friend cry, when I hung up the phone, it made me get over my stupied fear and I called and have now have one booked for the beginning of December. I now realize that the outcomes are 1) you're cancer and/or polyp free so you'll sleep better or 2) there is something suspicious or cancerous, but better found now than later. Admitting that to myself has made my fear of the actual procedure go way down. So, thanks for this thread and all the encouragement. Meanwhile, kudos to those who have had it and have encouraged others. And, good luck to all those of us who have one scheduled. Just remember - beating cancer is always a good thing!! (But, the only thing that scares me - in one of these threads someone mentioned no coffee with milk. Is that only for the day of the test or one or two days before? Not having a caffeine fix is truly the scariest thing of all to me!

 

[N&B'smom]

N&B'smom, thank you for starting this thread. I've been lurking here ever since my doctor told me earlier in the year it was time for me to have one (ie the dreaded 50) . I had been putting it off and putting it off. My close friend called this morning to say her mother had just been diagnosed with colon cancer and it was pretty advanced. Her only symptom - she had been really, really tired. None of her doctors could figure out what was wrong with her and she had never had a colonoscopy (she's 60). They ordered several general tests to figure out what was wrong and during the colonoscopy they found the cancer. She had never had a colonoscopy because it was so "yucky." After listening to my friend cry, when I hung up the phone, it made me get over my stupied fear and I called and have now have one booked for the beginning of December. I now realize that the outcomes are 1) you're cancer and/or polyp free so you'll sleep better or 2) there is something suspicious or cancerous, but better found now than later. Admitting that to myself has made my fear of the actual procedure go way down. So, thanks for this thread and all the encouragement. Meanwhile, kudos to those who have had it and have encouraged others. And, good luck to all those of us who have one scheduled. Just remember - beating cancer is always a good thing!! (But, the only thing that scares me - in one of these threads someone mentioned no coffee with milk. Is that only for the day of the test or one or two days before? Not having a caffeine fix is truly the scariest thing of all to me!

I'm so sorry for your friend and her mother. How sad. But at least something good came of it, you're going to get checked out. Very smart!

I have to say they didn't say anything to me about not having coffee the day before. They just said clear liquids the day of the prep. I'd call and ask them to be sure.

I am very glad you're having this done!

Shelby