Colonoscopy scheduled..hints?? suggestions???

[DisMN]

I've got a few years to go before I have to go for my first but already I've been anxious enough to discuss it with my Dr. She has assured me that even though I have a history of waking up during surgery, they will medicate me enough that it won't happen. They just need to be forwarned.
Also, not to be too personal, but hey it's the Dis, has anyone who's had this done had a history of childhood sexual abuse? Because my major fear is mental trauma. Does that make sense? I really don't want to relive anything, even when I'm out cold. I don't want to come out of a colonoscopy having to re-do 5 years of therapy!

This is definitely something you'll want to bring up to your therapist......I had similar concerns as you. I put off a colonoscopy for many many years because of it....but it all went fine and I'm glad I finally had it done as there is a history of colon cancer in my immediate family.

Oh also, do mention your worries to the doctor who'd be doing your colonoscopy...and the nurses and anyone else if you are comfortable doing so. They were incredibly kind, gentle and understanding of my fears.

 

[SandraVB79]

Don't you sometimes wonder what makes a doctor decide that this is the view of his patients that he wants to make a caREER of?

It's the same with gyns. I don't think it's only cute newborn babies they get to see!

 

[Bonnie40]

Great tips and suggestions...just to add...

It's a really good idea to start your prep earlier than suggested. Also, the suggestion to back off on what you eat for a few days prior is key...I always stop eating meat and anything greasy...makes a big difference, especially if you have a hard time keeping the prep down completely.

Sometimes the prep can give you chills and make you shakey...Gatorade is a good liquid to combat that problem...just don't drink the red flavour!

Sucking on popsicles as you're drinking the prep can help get it down a little easier.

The suggestion of wipes (and/or vaseline) can really help your tushy to not feel so raw.

Broth is a great idea.

I feel like an old pro at this stuff...my son was 4 years old when he had to have his first one! Between him, my other kids, myself, husband and extended family, we've been down this road more times than I can count!

BTW, the drugs are fabulous!

 

[Sleepy]

I was not allowed to drink anything after midnight so by the time the exam was over (10am) I was so dehydrated I had a really bad headache.

They did not give you an IV? I was given one. Thought it was normal procedure.

 

[daisax]

It astounds me that the major problem most people have is dealing with the liquid, but yet doctors don't generally offer the alternative! Grrr....

I was told once that the pills aren't as good because sometimes they don't break down all the way, and lead to artifacts on the images. Still, you'd think they'd IMPROVE them then, or at least improve the palatability of the liquid!

 

[Daxx]

The prep was def. the worst part of the whole thing ... that and being stuck w/the IV needle b/c I hate needles. I threw up the initial round of prep (the stuff you mix in w/kool aid) and then the Dr. had to order me up some "concentrate" that came in a little bottle and tasted like lemons. It was awful but b/c it was a concentrate there wasn't as much to have to drink. The "cocktail" that they give you through the IV is just yummy, though! I never felt so relaxed in all my life. I didn't want to wake up and DH said the nurse was screaming my name but I didn't care! DH said that I was a total idiot coming out of it -- he said "I've never seen you drunk but now I know what you'd be like!"

Good luck to you.

 

[Christine]

You got the OsmoPrep tablets--it will be a piece of cake!