Colonoscopy

[Gumbo4x4]

to me the hardest part was not eating the day before

10-4!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Many people don't know this, but March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancers account for the second most cancer deaths in the US, primarily because when you notice symptoms, it is harder to treat.

I had my first colonsocopy at 40 because my Mom passed from colon cancer, and they found three pre-cancerous polyps which they took care of with no extra difficulty for me because I slept through the whole thing.

Had my Mom had a colonoscopy at age 50 instead of waiting until she sensed a problem, she might still be alive today, instead of dying at age 59 attached to a colostomy bag.

So many people I talk to about this say it's "embarrassing." Well, it beats getting measured for a pine box. Please, anyone who is reading this and is over age 50, 40 if you have a family history of the disease, have the colonoscopy.

Took my grandma away at 56. My dad (now 74, and in excellent health) wouldn't even have made it into his 50's if not for early screenings. I go every 5 years. So far, just 1 polyp, not pre-cancerous.

 

[lucas]

I just remembered the worst part for me was the drive to the surgery center to get the colonoscopy. I was so worried I would have to "go" again. Also, I ask for the 1st or a very early appointment. I like to get it over before they get busy and backed up.

 

[Micca]

Add me to the list that say the worst part was not eating. The rest of the experience was a non-event, and you can eat anything you want when you head home after the procedure.

 

[hops&dreams]

I just remembered the worst part for me was the drive to the surgery center to get the colonoscopy. I was so worried I would have to "go" again. Also, I ask for the 1st or a very early appointment. I like to get it over before they get busy and backed up.

"backed up" ha ha ha

I had one done at 32 (I was having bleeding issues, and they wanted to look around). The prep wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. (my prep was miralax in gatorade - be sure to pick a flavor of gatorade you don't drink often, because you won't like it again the next time you drink it.) I set up camp in the bathroom with a new book, new magazine, and laptop for netflix. The worst part was as a pp mentioned, driving TO the hospital for the procedure. I was so scared I would have to go while in the car, and there isn't really a "holding it" at that point!

I remember falling asleep mid-conversation in the OR, and then waking up in the recovery room. DH said I was like 10-second Tom from the movie 50 First Dates - I kept asking the same things over and over again as I came out of the anesthesia. He said it was hilarious - he resorted to only answering every other time, because in 30 seconds, I would just ask again. Glad I can amuse him.

 

[snapppyd]

I did have some strong gas pains for a couple of hours after. Just wanted to warn you.

 

[mr.bungle]

I had my 2nd one 2 weeks ago - my first one was 3 years ago. I had 1 polyp removed both times. The prep and procedure were really a breeze. My prep was Dulcolax, Miralax and Gatorade. Not bad at all. My advice - start eating light about 5 days before. Less in, less out! The actual procedure is very easy. They get you set up, wheel you into the room, start the iv and the next thing you know (seriously), it is over and they are asking what kind of juice you want to drink. As simple as that. You don't feel or remember a thing. If I can do it, anyone can do it!

i had this prep for my latest one and it was so much easier to deal with than the jug of salty grossness!

I've had two so far and I'm 31. They're not fun.

 

[lucas]

"backed up" ha ha ha

I knew that was the wrong term to use as I was typing it!

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I did have some strong gas pains for a couple of hours after. Just wanted to warn you.

Oh yes, the farting.

 

[PeterPanic]

Oh yes, the farting.

That's funny. The first few times, I guess I was embarrassed about passing gas right there and had to put up with very uncomfortable feelings until I could get home.

I had one done a week ago and this time I decided that they had put the air in me and I was going to give it back. As I left the procedure room I sounded like a machine gun volley. The nurse made the comment that I had taken care of that part of it, so I should be out of there soon.

Moral of the story, they want you to "let it go". Humor them, you will feel a whole lot better.

 

[Hisgirl]

Here's a blog I did about Colonoscopies. Named it Where the Sun Don't Shine

If you've ever had a colonoscopy, you'll relate to this post. If you haven't, then take heed, as your day is coming.

Everyone has to get them at some point. And over a certain age, it's every five years or so. The preparation for the appointment is so traumatizing that it typically takes 3-4 years to recover from. That's why, although you only get one every 5-10 years, it seems like it was much more recent.

"Your chart shows it's been ten years since your last colonoscopy so you're due for another one."

"Whaaat? I'm pretty sure you've made a mistake. I think it was more like 6 months ago because that salty pineapple laxative taste just got out of my mouth last Thursday."

The test itself isn't all that bad. You just lie on a table, naked, with one of those backless gowns and the doctor shoves a garden hose with a big camera on the end up your bum to have a look-see. They give you this special medicine that makes you drowsy but you're apparently still able to listen and take instructions.

In other words, you're wide awake but the trauma is so severe your brain removes the memory, so by the time you're back in recovery, (if there was ever a need for recovery!) you have no remembrance of the event.

The doctor requires someone to escort you to this appointment because there needs to be a witness for what happens next. ( I'm quite certain this part this didn't happen to me because I have no memory.)

All of the gas that is pumped into your down-there place in order for the doctor to 'see' has to come out. The same way it went in. I think we both know what that means.

I won't mention names here but a certain someone I know took his father to a colonoscopy and when the doctor pushed aside the recovery room curtain to review the test findings, the poor father's 'natural gas reservoir' begin to explode in a cacophony only rivaled by a late night showing of 'Blazing Saddles'.

As the doctor spoke in serious tones about the results, the son convulsed in laughter until he fell out of his chair, rendered useless by the comedy show coming from his father's nether-regions.

Again, I'm quite certain this didn't happen to me. While I can't explain why, I assume my southern roots in decorum facilitated the absorption of the gas into my system which then later resulted in a tiny napkin-muffled burp.

So today, I was just sitting here going over instructions for someone's colonoscopy Friday morning. ( I shant name names, but it sure as shootin' isn't me.) He'll have to have a liquid diet all day Thursday then drink the diarrhea-inducing liquid prep early that evening, and drink it again six hours prior to the procedure, which will happen to fall at Four AM. ( I do hope I'll be able to sleep as that is quite the middle of the night!)

I emailed him these instructions and just talking about the prep he'll drink made me sick to my stomach. In fact, typing the sentence to him telling him about my nausea, made my palms sweat. There is just no brave way to face this procedure.

And then I remembered my friend's husband, Bob. I don't want to embarrass him so from this point on I shall refer to him as 'Robert'.

Bob, I mean Robert was in the hospital and it was requested that he drink a jug of colon-cleansing prep. "Uh oh", I thought when I saw the familiar clear liquid. Poor Robert! The nurse placed the heavy jug on his tray and said 'Drink up. Try to have it all gone by 8:30."

I can still see him now. He sat up a little straighter in the bed and with a look of purpose on his face, said....no, DECLARED (and with pluck!) that he was going to drink that stuff right down. Probably in 15 minutes. "Dana, I'm just like that, you know. If I have something unpleasant to do, I'll just do it fast and get it over with!" I looked at him with as innocent a look as I could and said, "That's awesome! Yes, I've heard that about you!"

My stomach lurched a little. I was still slightly traumatized by the last colonoscopy I'd had, back in 2001. I distinctly remember saying out loud that I'd rather give birth to a large baby with no pain killers than to ever drink that gallon jug of salty pineapple laxative again. I felt light-headed at the mere thought.

Robert took his first swig and I watched his face carefully. It must have been ice cold, which can delay the inevitable stomach revolt, because he seemed calm and was able to carry on a pleasant conversation.

We kept talking about Auburn and the kids and growing up stories and he would occasionally take a swig. ( I may have seen his temple twitch once or twice, I'm not sure.) The nurse came back in and asked if he was finished and he looked a little embarrassed when she picked up the jug and saw the volume had only gone down about two inches. Surely he'd drank more than that?

I shifted uncomfortably on the couch and mentally willed myself to not think about what he was drinking. Brenda and I were going to eat in the cafe later and I was determined we'd split a piece of chocolate cake and being in the same room with that colon prep was having a dreadful effect on my appetite.

(this stuff is called "MoviPrep", by the way. MOVIE prep! They want you to think it'll be like going to the new AMC theater down the road and watching a Clint Eastwood flick while passing the large bag of popcorn. I can assure you it's NOTHING like going to the movies!)

Robert had lost some of his bravado and wasn't sitting up straight in the bed anymore. There was a faint, green cast to his face and I'm pretty sure I saw sweat on his brow. He kept drinking the stuff, but honestly, the jug just seemed to stay full, like one of those magic bottles of milk. While I know he had mettle and meant to be daring and gulp it straight down, there just are no heroes when it comes to moviprep.

Brenda and I eventually excused ourselves to go eat and left him alone with his magic jug and the nurse who kept peeking in and saying "Is it gone yet?"

I was nauseous for the rest of the night.

So starting tomorrow, I get to have a front row seat to a colonoscopy preparation. And until it really IS as much fun as going to the movies, I'll keep praying someone invents a simple finger prick.

 

[tazadd0420]

My first was around 40. Darn mom and dad with polyps and conservative Dr.

Day before prep drank 8 oz of water every hour to get hydrated before taking prep. I highly recommend this. Diahria can cause dehydration which in turn can make you feel sick.


Next day did prep. Added crystal light lemonade. Chilled the concoction. Tasted like Gatorade. Watched movies and played video games rest of the day. Pausing as necessary. Actually a pleasant day except for the "interruptions"

Do not remember any of the procedure or most of the next day after the procedure.

That may have been why my daughter got a pony.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Add me to the list that say the worst part was not eating. The rest of the experience was a non-event, and you can eat anything you want when you head home after the procedure.

I always went for the buffet as soon as I was done. I hate it that Shoney's closed

 

[carissa1970]

Here's a blog I did about Colonoscopies. Named it Where the Sun Don't Shine If you've ever had a colonoscopy, you'll relate to this post. If you haven't, then take heed, as your day is coming. Everyone has to get them at some point. And over a certain age, it's every five years or so. The preparation for the appointment is so traumatizing that it typically takes 3-4 years to recover from. That's why, although you only get one every 5-10 years, it seems like it was much more recent. "Your chart shows it's been ten years since your last colonoscopy so you're due for another one." "Whaaat? I'm pretty sure you've made a mistake. I think it was more like 6 months ago because that salty pineapple laxative taste just got out of my mouth last Thursday." The test itself isn't all that bad. You just lie on a table, naked, with one of those backless gowns and the doctor shoves a garden hose with a big camera on the end up your bum to have a look-see. They give you this special medicine that makes you drowsy but you're apparently still able to listen and take instructions. In other words, you're wide awake but the trauma is so severe your brain removes the memory, so by the time you're back in recovery, (if there was ever a need for recovery!) you have no remembrance of the event. The doctor requires someone to escort you to this appointment because there needs to be a witness for what happens next. ( I'm quite certain this part this didn't happen to me because I have no memory.) All of the gas that is pumped into your down-there place in order for the doctor to 'see' has to come out. The same way it went in. I think we both know what that means. I won't mention names here but a certain someone I know took his father to a colonoscopy and when the doctor pushed aside the recovery room curtain to review the test findings, the poor father's 'natural gas reservoir' begin to explode in a cacophony only rivaled by a late night showing of 'Blazing Saddles'. As the doctor spoke in serious tones about the results, the son convulsed in laughter until he fell out of his chair, rendered useless by the comedy show coming from his father's nether-regions. Again, I'm quite certain this didn't happen to me. While I can't explain why, I assume my southern roots in decorum facilitated the absorption of the gas into my system which then later resulted in a tiny napkin-muffled burp. So today, I was just sitting here going over instructions for someone's colonoscopy Friday morning. ( I shant name names, but it sure as shootin' isn't me.) He'll have to have a liquid diet all day Thursday then drink the diarrhea-inducing liquid prep early that evening, and drink it again six hours prior to the procedure, which will happen to fall at Four AM. ( I do hope I'll be able to sleep as that is quite the middle of the night!) I emailed him these instructions and just talking about the prep he'll drink made me sick to my stomach. In fact, typing the sentence to him telling him about my nausea, made my palms sweat. There is just no brave way to face this procedure. And then I remembered my friend's husband, Bob. I don't want to embarrass him so from this point on I shall refer to him as 'Robert'. Bob, I mean Robert was in the hospital and it was requested that he drink a jug of colon-cleansing prep. "Uh oh", I thought when I saw the familiar clear liquid. Poor Robert! The nurse placed the heavy jug on his tray and said 'Drink up. Try to have it all gone by 8:30." I can still see him now. He sat up a little straighter in the bed and with a look of purpose on his face, said....no, DECLARED (and with pluck!) that he was going to drink that stuff right down. Probably in 15 minutes. "Dana, I'm just like that, you know. If I have something unpleasant to do, I'll just do it fast and get it over with!" I looked at him with as innocent a look as I could and said, "That's awesome! Yes, I've heard that about you!" My stomach lurched a little. I was still slightly traumatized by the last colonoscopy I'd had, back in 2001. I distinctly remember saying out loud that I'd rather give birth to a large baby with no pain killers than to ever drink that gallon jug of salty pineapple laxative again. I felt light-headed at the mere thought. Robert took his first swig and I watched his face carefully. It must have been ice cold, which can delay the inevitable stomach revolt, because he seemed calm and was able to carry on a pleasant conversation. We kept talking about Auburn and the kids and growing up stories and he would occasionally take a swig. ( I may have seen his temple twitch once or twice, I'm not sure.) The nurse came back in and asked if he was finished and he looked a little embarrassed when she picked up the jug and saw the volume had only gone down about two inches. Surely he'd drank more than that? I shifted uncomfortably on the couch and mentally willed myself to not think about what he was drinking. Brenda and I were going to eat in the cafe later and I was determined we'd split a piece of chocolate cake and being in the same room with that colon prep was having a dreadful effect on my appetite. (this stuff is called "MoviPrep", by the way. MOVIE prep! They want you to think it'll be like going to the new AMC theater down the road and watching a Clint Eastwood flick while passing the large bag of popcorn. I can assure you it's NOTHING like going to the movies!) Robert had lost some of his bravado and wasn't sitting up straight in the bed anymore. There was a faint, green cast to his face and I'm pretty sure I saw sweat on his brow. He kept drinking the stuff, but honestly, the jug just seemed to stay full, like one of those magic bottles of milk. While I know he had mettle and meant to be daring and gulp it straight down, there just are no heroes when it comes to moviprep. Brenda and I eventually excused ourselves to go eat and left him alone with his magic jug and the nurse who kept peeking in and saying "Is it gone yet?" I was nauseous for the rest of the night. So starting tomorrow, I get to have a front row seat to a colonoscopy preparation. And until it really IS as much fun as going to the movies, I'll keep praying someone invents a simple finger prick.

This is hilarious!

 

[SamRoc]

My sister is prepping for hers right now. she has to be there at 7am. poor thing is miserable. i made a nice dinner for my Dad and nephew and she couldn't eat anything. We lost our Mom when she was 71 so this is a very important test for our family.

 

[MomRN]

I had (well, still have, but that's another story) an anal fistula. This issue was causing me a great deal of discomfort in my early 30's, so I decided to get it taken care of.

So, at age 32, I had my first colonoscopy as part of the "repair." This was done with a general surgeon. He found several polyps, one quite large. So this put me on the "three year plan." However, the repair wasn't successful so I was sent to a colon-rectal surgeon.

Turns out, colon-rectal surgeons love colonoscopies. So, even though I had one just a few months prior, he was insistent on doing another. He was positive I had Crohns Disease and that the general surgeon just didn't know what he was looking for.

Recently I went back for my 3 year follow-up and all is well in the tubes, so now I am on a 5 year plan. If that turns out well I can go to the 10 year plan just in time to turn 50.

The worse prep, by far, was the "Go-lytely" (haha to whomever came up with that name). The other two preps involved Miralax, pills, and other OTC meds.

The hardest part for me was not only not eating, but finding "clear" liquids that had no red dye that I liked.

 

[snapppyd]

I didn't have to drink any vile liquid. I took, I think, 32 pills with water. Not all at once. And I was not awake at all, totally knocked out.

It's really nothing to fear, it's over before you know it and then you have that peace of mind that goes with taking care of yourself.

 

[KayMichigan]

I know this is a zombie thread, but I couldn't find any other related threads to post in and I just wanted to pass along (so to speak) my recent colonoscopy experience, for the possible benefit of others who might be undergoing one soon.

Mine went fine, and honestly I didn't think the prep was all that bad. I was given the Miralax/Dulcolax/ Gatorade prep intstructions, used Lemon Lime Gatorade for the prep solution, and drinking all of it down wasn't hard at all. It was a challenge to not eat anything all day before the procedure, but it was only for one day so I just powered through it.

The procedure itself was no big deal, they gave me Propofol and as soon as they turned it on, I was out like a light! Didn't feel a thing. Next thing I knew I was back in my room and the nurse was telling me I woke up quickly and asking if I wanted water or a cookie. They only found one small polyp that the doctor said he wasn't worried about, and I was able to get dressed and walk out to where my sister was waiting to take me home.

I'm glad I had it done, the prep wasn't fun but it's good to know for sure how things are looking. And when I do my next one in five years I'll have a better idea of what's going to happen and not stress out about it.

 

[RogueX]

I'm in my early 40's, but thanks to family history, I had to have one a few years ago. My veins are ridiculous on a good day, so it took 6 IV nurses to get the line in. The prep was not fun, but I managed. What was interesting was apparently I had be turned during the colonoscopy due to a redundant colon. Extra colon is not what I needed, money would have been more useful.

 

[MrsPete]

When it is over, you will wonder why you stressed over it.

Totally agree -- it's more inconvenient than painful. They found polyps inside me, so I'm on the 5-year plan now, and I genuinely don't care. When I have to go again, I won't dread it a bit.

The prep is the worst part but I got the pills instead of the liquid.

I asked my doctor for the pills, but he says they're super-hard on the kidneys -- or did he say liver? -- and he will not give them.

Drinking the prep wasn't nearly as bad as I'd heard -- it was bad and salty, but it wasn't unbearable. I scoured the internet for tips, and here's how I handled it:

- Follow the diet in the days leading up to the prep. This is not a time for half-efforts; if you do a poor job of "cleaning out", the doctor may not be able to do the exam (or may not be able to do it well). No point in doing a bad job and being made to re-do it a week later.
- You're allowed to have clear or yellow Gummy Bears -- that helped me tremendously; something to bite is a psychological thing.
- Cold helps with the prep, so place two large wet glasses in the freezer ahead of time (one for your evening drink, one for your morning drink). Chill the prep and chill your mixing liquid. Do not underestimate these details.
- You're allowed to mix the (poorly named) Go-Lightly with any clear liquid. I chose white grape juice and would make the same choice again. If you can read the newspaper through a glass of the liquid, you're allowed to mix it with the Go-Lightly. White grape juice is a perfect choice because it puts some sugar /nutrition into your system, and the taste helps the prep.
- I chugged my Go-Lightly like it was my job: I knuckled down and took 10 big sucks on the straw, then allowed myself a clear gummy bear and a few seconds break. Then 10 more big sucks. I had the whole large glass down in less than 5 minutes -- no point in prolonging what must be done.
- Drink through a big fat straw -- it'll go down faster, and you'll taste it less. When I had half a slurp left, I drank it straight from the cup and was AMAZED at how much worse it tasted without the straw.
- I don't usually drink water bottles, but I find that they go down FAST, so I did have them ready for the after-prep drink.

- The liquid took about 20 minutes to "go through me". People do not lie about its effect. You should claim a bathroom for yourself /tell your family you're "off duty" in all ways for the evening. Likely you'll be, um, busy for an hour, and then you'll be done -- but err on the side of caution.
- Sorry if this is too much information, but I strongly suggest you splurge on the softest toilet paper -- and buy Vaseline or some other lubricant and use it on your toilet paper from the very first wipe. It'll save you some discomfort.
- I read online that you should have an iPad with a full charge at the ready.

- After the exam, you're going to be starving, and you'll feel well (though perhaps a bit buzz-drunk). You and your driver should plan for a good meal on the way home from your appointment.

they found three pre-cancerous polyps which they took care of with no extra difficulty for me because I slept through the whole thing.

I could say the same thing. Last thing I remember is trying to count backwards. No pain before, during or after.

I've always been put under.

Isn't everyone "put under?"

Oh yes, the farting.

My husband had great trouble with this, but I didn't. Don't know why.