Colonoscopy

[Kitty 34]

Well Kitty. The Sutab prep was done and the colonoscopy completed yesterday. I can honestly say that the Sutab DEFINITELY works. And within about 15-20 minutes of taking them. They were easy to take and they most certainly did their intended job.

Thank you for your reply. I was told I didn't need to start taking the pill or pills until 6 pm but that's after all day of the usual prep "diet". When did the first pill kick in? Sounds like rather soon, right?

 

[lisaviolet]

I have been quietly reading this thread. Truly happy to see people just getting it done. And relieved to hear parents letting their children know about their polyps.

My brother passed early. We will never know but a five year delay at 55 meant - for him - the possibility of living was way too slim. And that remains frustrating while missing him. Myriad of emotions will always remain in mourning, because of that fact. And for his children - memories not made.

My father did not go out of his way to directly discuss his multiple polyps, over years. He just did not know to do that, simply didn't realize. My brother, who lived in another country, took that omission hard - while facing everything.

So please be open with your loved ones.

Good on everyone just getting it done. We are lucky to have the options. I am sharing intimate details hoping to impact someone -

**Make this a priority** AND **People who might be reading and delaying - for you and your loved ones just go and get it out of the way.**

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

As for prep I did not buy what they wanted me to due to a kidney issue. I googled a gatorade prep, followed it to a T - kept my mouth shut. And the report said it was very successful. Whew.

Had a polyp, out it came and D.O.N.E done. Nice peaceful sleep.

 

[monkeydawn]

Well Kitty. The Sutab prep was done and the colonoscopy completed yesterday. I can honestly say that the Sutab DEFINITELY works. And within about 15-20 minutes of taking them. They were easy to take and they most certainly did their intended job.

Yay!

 

[dclpluto]

The hardest part is not eating. Than the hungriest I have ever been in my life the nurses wanted to talk about what they are having for thanksgiving. This was last year on November 10 so thanksgiving was still a couple weeks away but they wanted to talk about it the whole time I was waiting before the colonoscopy. The good news the doctor said I’m good for 10 years.

 

[Tinks]

The hardest part is not eating. Than the hungriest I have ever been in my life the nurses wanted to talk about what they are having for thanksgiving. This was last year on November 10 so thanksgiving was still a couple weeks away but they wanted to talk about it the whole time I was waiting before the colonoscopy. The good news the doctor said I’m good for 10 years.

Please know I am laughing at the nurses talking food while you're hungry. It would be just my luck to have that happen too. lol I can just picture it and it could be in a sitcom!

Happy that you're good for 10 years!

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

I have been quietly reading this thread. Truly happy to see people just getting it done. And relieved to hear parents letting their children know about their polyps.

My brother passed early. We will never know but a five year delay at 55 meant - for him - the possibility of living way too slim. And that remains frustrating while missing him. Myriad of emotions will always remain in mourning, because of that fact. And for his children - memories not made.

My father did not go out of his way to directly discuss his multiple polyps, over years. He just did know to do that, simply didn't realize. My brother, who lived in another country, took that omission hard - while facing everything.

So please be open with your loved ones.

Good on everyone just getting it done. We are lucky to have the options. I am sharing intimate details hoping to impact someone -

**Make this a priority** AND **People who might be reading and delaying - for you and your loved ones just go and get it out of the way.**

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

As for prep I did not buy what they wanted me to do to a kidney issue. I googled a gatorade prep, followed it to a T - kept my mouth shut. And the report said it was very successful. Whew.

Had a polyp, out it came and D.O.N.E done. Nice peaceful sleep.

I turned 50 this year, so it would’ve been technically the age to get screened anyway, but my dh was diagnosed out of the blue with stage 2c colon cancer 2 years ago at age 47. No real symptoms to speak of - just a very vigilant doctor who questioned some routine bloodwork. Discovered a very large tumor in his colon that had likely been slowly growing for years. He had to have 12 rounds of very tough chemo and had his entire colon removed and almost died. He’s still being monitored every 3-6 months. It was a very scary roller-coaster (still us) and changed our lives. I highly urge that everyone get screened as soon as they reach the recommended age. It’s not pleasant, but the alternatives are way worse.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Thank you for your reply. I was told I didn't need to start taking the pill or pills until 6 pm but that's after all day of the usual prep "diet". When did the first pill kick in? Sounds like rather soon, right?

My appointment arrival time was 9:15 am. I was told to start taking them between 2 and 5 pm the day before - after the liquid diet all day. I started around 4:30 pm. It takes about 30ish minutes to take all 12 pills. Within about 10-15 minutes after taking the last pill, the effects kicked in.

The next morning - day of the appointment, I was told to start the next 12 pills 4 hours before appointment arrival time. I started about 5 am. That really did work perfectly as I was no longer needing to use the bathroom by the time I had to leave home for the appointment.

Good luck!

 

[lisaviolet]

I turned 50 this year, so it would’ve been technically the age to get screened anyway, but my dh was diagnosed out of the blue with stage 2c colon cancer 2 years ago at age 47. No real symptoms to speak of - just a very vigilant doctor who questioned some routine bloodwork. Discovered a very large tumor in his colon that had likely been slowly growing for years. He had to have 12 rounds of very tough chemo and had his entire colon removed and almost died. He’s still being monitored every 3-6 months. It was a very scary roller-coaster (still us) and changed our lives. I highly urge that everyone get screened as soon as they reach the recommended age. It’s not pleasant, but the alternatives are way worse.

How fortunate to have a vigilant doctor Dizneefamily. All the best to your husband and your entire family with what you have been facing.

I really hesitated to post but will be happy if we impact just one person delaying their screening or even getting regular blood work.

 

[leeniewdw]

thanks to you all for sharing on such an important and personal story!

For those who have family history that impact when your children should get their first....does insurance cover that as preventive? I ask because my kids are suggested to have their first at age 40. My first colonoscopy was at 52 and I just had my 5 yr return a few months ago (this time the report gives me a 7 yr return). Anyway, some acquaintance who are a little older were saying their kids got pushback from their insurance companies. Since these are not cheap, I wondered if anyone had experience with pre-50 screenings? It's going to be hard to convince my kids to do this at 40 but having it covered might help!

I wasn't even sure if my 5 year return was covered but we hit our high deductible before it so the out of pocket was tiny (but I should call and ask how it was covered).

 

[shoes99]

Please know I am laughing at the nurses talking food while you're hungry. It would be just my luck to have that happen too. lol I can just picture it and it could be in a sitcom!

Happy that you're good for 10 years!

I was in a surgery center waiting for my call when an older gent comes in with a cup of coffee and an egg sandwich and starts eating it in front of us
waiting to be called in for our procedure. I panicked and told the reception desk to get me in now. She took me inside her door. I was younger at the time and should have told him off. He was probably waiting for a family member and didn't think.....Some people!!

 

[lifesavacation]

Here’s my update: My appointment was at 1:30. I probably could have picked up the rental van that evening, but my dh ran and got it after he dropped me off at the surgical center. I felt absolutely fine the next day to drive everyone and participate in the party.

Like everyone says, the prep was the worst part. I did the 4L prep with mag citrate. They gave me fentanyl, propofol, and midazolam during the procedure. The combo caused my bp to crash and they had to bring me out of the anesthesia. I remember nothing of this, but after I was woken up they continued the exam and apparently I found it very uncomfortable. The dr told me that in recovery. Glad I don’t remember. I went in with the bp cuff on my arm and woke up with it on my ankle so that was a little strange. I had 1 sessile polyp removed. I am now waiting on the pathology results and will find out later when I have to have a repeat colonoscopy.

 

[Dznypal]

I had almost the same issues as the PP. I was rather figity do the dr kept giving me fentanyl one dose didn’t work so he gave me more and more. When it finally worked all the fentanyl hit me at once. They had to give me narcan to bring me out of it since I stopped breathing. Not only once but twice. Dr said it was only for a few seconds but non the less I ODED. Not a good thing

 

[lisaviolet]

Here’s my update: My appointment was at 1:30. I probably could have picked up the rental van that evening, but my dh ran and got it after he dropped me off at the surgical center. I felt absolutely fine the next day to drive everyone and participate in the party.

Like everyone says, the prep was the worst part. I did the 4L prep with mag citrate. They gave me fentanyl, propofol, and midazolam during the procedure. The combo caused my bp to crash and they had to bring me out of the anesthesia. I remember nothing of this, but after I was woken up they continued the exam and apparently I found it very uncomfortable. The dr told me that in recovery. Glad I don’t remember. I went in with the bp cuff on my arm and woke up with it on my ankle so that was a little strange. I had 1 sessile polyp removed. I am now waiting on the pathology results and will find out later when I have to have a repeat colonoscopy.

Wonderful you're done, and were absolutely fine for your party.

---------

Although it would be awful if you remembered/woke up, it is more common in some countries to be awake during this procedure.

 

[leeniewdw]

Does anyone know if a less than 10 year return colonoscopy should be covered with insurance as preventive (and thus covered 100%)? I had a 5 year return a few months ago, but we'd already hit our (high) deductible so didn't really give it much thought. I've gotten a few small bills (< $100) from the facility, the pathology, the Dr. It just dawned on me that my DH has to get his 5 year return colonoscopy in 2022 and I'm hoping we aren't hitting the deductible again in 2022. I know I should just call and ask, but I'm thinking that insurance didn't cover mine as I've been billed for small amounts for mine.

It's terrible to think I'm already thinking of pushing his colonoscopy a few months into 2023 as he'll be getting a knee replacement so we're FOR SURE hitting our deductible that year.

 

[leeniewdw]

I had almost the same issues as the PP. I was rather figity do the dr kept giving me fentanyl one dose didn’t work so he gave me more and more. When it finally worked all the fentanyl hit me at once. They had to give me narcan to bring me out of it since I stopped breathing. Not only once but twice. Dr said it was only for a few seconds but non the less I ODED. Not a good thing

My goodness! Aside from propofol, I have no idea what they gave me. I guess that's as much on me as them.

Glad you are well, but holy smokes!

 

[maxaroni]

Does anyone know if a less than 10 year return colonoscopy should be covered with insurance as preventive (and thus covered 100%)? I had a 5 year return a few months ago, but we'd already hit our (high) deductible so didn't really give it much thought. I've gotten a few small bills (< $100) from the facility, the pathology, the Dr. It just dawned on me that my DH has to get his 5 year return colonoscopy in 2022 and I'm hoping we aren't hitting the deductible again in 2022. I know I should just call and ask, but I'm thinking that insurance didn't cover mine as I've been billed for small amounts for mine.

It's terrible to think I'm already thinking of pushing his colonoscopy a few months into 2023 as he'll be getting a knee replacement so we're FOR SURE hitting our deductible that year.

As far as I understand it, it will not be covered at 100% if under 10 years. I was due last year for a 7 year call back and had asked the insurance company about this and was told I’d have to pay. I didn’t get into specifics as I decided to put it off until this year when I went on to Medicare. Due to covid, it may not have happened anyway last year.

 

[monkeydawn]

Here’s my update: My appointment was at 1:30. I probably could have picked up the rental van that evening, but my dh ran and got it after he dropped me off at the surgical center. I felt absolutely fine the next day to drive everyone and participate in the party.

Like everyone says, the prep was the worst part. I did the 4L prep with mag citrate. They gave me fentanyl, propofol, and midazolam during the procedure. The combo caused my bp to crash and they had to bring me out of the anesthesia. I remember nothing of this, but after I was woken up they continued the exam and apparently I found it very uncomfortable. The dr told me that in recovery. Glad I don’t remember. I went in with the bp cuff on my arm and woke up with it on my ankle so that was a little strange. I had 1 sessile polyp removed. I am now waiting on the pathology results and will find out later when I have to have a repeat colonoscopy.

Im glad you came through well. You are lucky they didnt cancel the procedure when your husband left. Typically they need someone on site that can be responsible for you during the procedure. I know someone that had theirs cancelled when their person left to run an errand and was then unreachable. To do that prep for nothing would be maddening.

I had almost the same issues as the PP. I was rather figity do the dr kept giving me fentanyl one dose didn’t work so he gave me more and more. When it finally worked all the fentanyl hit me at once. They had to give me narcan to bring me out of it since I stopped breathing. Not only once but twice. Dr said it was only for a few seconds but non the less I ODED. Not a good thing

Once I had one scheduled for a Friday the 13th. I wigged myself out beforehand about it LOL and, apparently "fought" the anesthesia. I was out for a l-o-n-g time for that one.

Does anyone know if a less than 10 year return colonoscopy should be covered with insurance as preventive (and thus covered 100%)? I had a 5 year return a few months ago, but we'd already hit our (high) deductible so didn't really give it much thought. I've gotten a few small bills (< $100) from the facility, the pathology, the Dr. It just dawned on me that my DH has to get his 5 year return colonoscopy in 2022 and I'm hoping we aren't hitting the deductible again in 2022. I know I should just call and ask, but I'm thinking that insurance didn't cover mine as I've been billed for small amounts for mine.

It's terrible to think I'm already thinking of pushing his colonoscopy a few months into 2023 as he'll be getting a knee replacement so we're FOR SURE hitting our deductible that year.

Are you sure you actually owe these amounts they are billing you for? Ive received two bills in (I believe) error in the last week. We hit our deductible in March. Both bills were for after that for things that should be covered. Of course the insurance company cant understand or explain why I received a bill but they need to research further.

Ive been getting colonoscopies about every 6 months for 3 years now. But I have Crohns and Ive been having trouble finding a med to control it so it isnt exactly the same situation. Having said that, Ive been fully covered when I should have been. Well, except for UHC's trying to weasel out of all anesthia charges.

 

[lifesavacation]

Im glad you came through well. You are lucky they didnt cancel the procedure when your husband left. Typically they need someone on site that can be responsible for you during the procedure. I know someone that had theirs cancelled when their person left to run an errand and was then unreachable. To do that prep for nothing would be maddening.




Once I had one scheduled for a Friday the 13th. I wigged myself out beforehand about it LOL and, apparently "fought" the anesthesia. I was out for a l-o-n-g time for that one.




Are you sure you actually owe these amounts they are billing you for? Ive received two bills in (I believe) error in the last week. We hit our deductible in March. Both bills were for after that for things that should be covered. Of course the insurance company cant understand or explain why I received a bill but they need to research further.

Ive been getting colonoscopies about every 6 months for 3 years now. But I have Crohns and Ive been having trouble finding a med to control it so it isnt exactly the same situation. Having said that, Ive been fully covered when I should have been. Well, except for UHC's trying to weasel out of all anesthia charges.

Due to COVID, my ride wasn’t allowed to stay. They took his number and called him when I went in recovery. They didn’t even want him in the waiting room when I checked in. I misunderstood and had him come with me and they promptly asked him to leave.

 

[starry_solo]

thanks to you all for sharing on such an important and personal story!

For those who have family history that impact when your children should get their first....does insurance cover that as preventive? I ask because my kids are suggested to have their first at age 40. My first colonoscopy was at 52 and I just had my 5 yr return a few months ago (this time the report gives me a 7 yr return). Anyway, some acquaintance who are a little older were saying their kids got pushback from their insurance companies. Since these are not cheap, I wondered if anyone had experience with pre-50 screenings? It's going to be hard to convince my kids to do this at 40 but having it covered might help!

I wasn't even sure if my 5 year return was covered but we hit our high deductible before it so the out of pocket was tiny (but I should call and ask how it was covered).

I think it depends on your insurance company and your policy (high deductible/co-pay/etc.?).

 

[monkeydawn]

Due to COVID, my ride wasn’t allowed to stay. They took his number and called him when I went in recovery. They didn’t even want him in the waiting room when I checked in. I misunderstood and had him come with me and they promptly asked him to leave.

Ive had three during covid. While its true your ride might not be able to stay in the building, mine has been required to stay on property. We were super fortunate with the weather thankfully.