slo’s WEDNESDAY 9/3 poll - Colonoscopy

[Micca]

I've had 3 or 4, kinda forgotten about them. It sounds like it's the worst thing in the world, but it really isn't Drinking the prep is yuck, and it sucks to be hungry, but that's about it. By the time you head to the hospital/clinic, you're 90% finished. You don the fabulous hospital gown and the next thing you know you wake up and it's time to leave....for lunch!

 

[Turn the Page]

I've had 3 or 4, kinda forgotten about them. It sounds like it's the worst thing in the world, but it really isn't Drinking the prep is yuck, and it sucks to be hungry, but that's about it. By the time you head to the hospital/clinic, you're 90% finished. You don the fabulous hospital gown and the next thing you know you wake up and it's time to leave....for lunch!

I work outside in the summer and recently discovered liquid iv. I like that much better than Gatorade. I will ask my doctor first but I can't imagine why I couldn't use that instead next time.

 

[tvguy]

I have had two and I am on a 10 year cycle since they found nothing. Last one 5 years ago, next one will be in 5 years when I am 73 and I assume that will be my last one since they apparently don't do them after age 75.
My wife is on a five year cycle as she always seems to have polyps, all benign.

 

[georgina]

I've had a couple, last one was 2019 but I am on the 10 year schedule. Had a friend my age have cancer detected during hers, not exactly colon cancer but at the entrance/exit area (thought DIS might censor the word)

 

[clappyclaps]

I'm not at the age yet where I'd need one, thankfully I've got a few years yet but sounds like thats something I've got to look forward to!

 

[disney212]

Crohn's disease so every year along with an endoscopy. I've had up to 4 per year before I finally reached remission using Stelara. Works great but over $27k every 7 weeks so 0 clue what will happen if I were to lose my job or when I retire. I pay my $5k out of pocket max every January then $0 the remainder of the year.

 

[John VN]

Have had 4 and now it's Cologuard -- *Cologuard is an FDA-approved, noninvasive, prescription-based, use-at-home collection kit for screening people 45 or older who are at average risk for colon cancer ... *

First time I watched the white Propofol moving down the tubing and BAM, I woke up in recovery. WAY COOL. Also the first time the nurse said I had to *PASS GAS* and sent me to the rest room where since I couldn't fart I did the *palms together and blow* hard enough to make a loud fake fart.

 

[disneychrista]

I work outside in the summer and recently discovered liquid iv. I like that much better than Gatorade. I will ask my doctor first but I can't imagine why I couldn't use that instead next time.

Is the liquid IV color-less? I thought about using this next time. Even though I chugged Gatorade all day I was still dehydrated by the time I went in. I thought if I could add this to the prep it might help with that.

 

[Rogue1677x]

I had one at 38 due to family history of colon cancer and that's when I learned the phrase "redundant colon". I really didn't need extra loops, length and all that, but alas, I got it anyways.

I joked with another doctor for a different test that champagne should be allowed as a clear liquid for colonoscopy prep and she said a patient actually drank vodka with his. Needless to say he was disappointed they wouldn't do the test because he couldn't have sedation with alcohol in his system.

 

[Turn the Page]

Is the liquid IV color-less? I thought about using this next time. Even though I chugged Gatorade all day I was still dehydrated by the time I went in. I thought if I could add this to the prep it might help with that.

I do believe some flavors are but I couldn't swear they all are.

I always mix it in my metal water bottle so I'm not actually sure.

 

[Jasper&Bowie]

I had one done last year and found out that I have 4 spots of diverticulitis. Thankfully no precancerous cells so I don't have to go back for 10 years.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I have had one and am on the 10-year plan.

 

[design_mom]

I've had a bunch... and have another one scheduled for November. Not fun, but the prep is the worst part. (Good luck at yours!)

I am happy that "cola" counts as a clear liquid. I think the carbonation helps me feel full.

 

[kanne323]

I had one last year, before the recommended age of 45, due to severe anemia. The worst part about it was the cost, because I wasn't old enough for it to be considered screening.

I found the prep to be not so bad, but I had one that seems very different from most- I had to drink double doses of Milk of Magnesia every four hours (I think) along with double doses of Dulcolax pills. Followed each round of meds with at least 16 oz of water. It was very easy to get down and I was pleasantly surprised with the whole process- I never had cramping or nausea. I was pretty sick from the anemia at the time, though, so I wasn't eating a lot, anyway, and did fine with the clears and then NPO. I stocked up on Gatorade and even bought myself ginger ale, and ended up not touching it, only having water and seltzer and some really not great tasting chicken broth.

They found absolutely nothing- no polyps, no GI bleeding, nothing, so I don't need to do it again for ten years. I recovered fine, with no issues, unlike my endoscopy I'd had a few months earlier. That one left me with a lot of soreness from some mild stretching they did, and I had a hard time eating for a good week or so.

 

[MIGrandma]

I have had 3, the most recent was in July this year. No issues, except I couldn’t finish the prep. I had exactly 2 cups to finish drinking, but I got nauseous and ended up vomiting. That didn’t happen the other two times so I was surprised when it happened this time. I let the doctor know right away I wasn’t able to finish but they said as long as “everything was clear” it was fine. The worst part was getting the IV in, it took 2 nurses and 3 tries. Ended up terribly bruised. But all was good, don’t have to have another for 10 years. I will be almost 80 by then so may not do it, especially if the prep isn’t better by that time.

DH also had his 3rd one this summer, but he had some pre-cancerous polyps removed so has to have another in 3 years.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have had two and I am on a 10 year cycle since they found nothing. Last one 5 years ago, next one will be in 5 years when I am 73 and I assume that will be my last one since they apparently don't do them after age 75.
My wife is on a five year cycle as she always seems to have polyps, all benign.

 

[NC Belle]

I hope that your test goes well.
I had office appointment with my gastro. and still need to book my appointment and the times are not fitting.

 

[disneychick0412]

I had my first one a few weeks ago due to turning 45 this year. The prep was unpleasant, but I think it was because of the volume of liquid, not necessarily the taste.
1 benign polyp, diverticulosis, return in 5 years. It was also my first time ever being under any type of sedation. So that was kind of wild! I’m completely on the side of early detection is key! Go get your colonoscopy or mammogram or whatever else you need! It’s that important!!!

 

[amcnj]

I have had several. I am currently on the “three year plan”. Though by the time it actually happens it can be closer to 4. Someone I knew had to go every year for a number of years, so I’m not complaining. Is the guideline still “don’t bother after age 75”? Or has that changed along with the recommended age for the first one?