Colonoscopy?

[nlualum82]

I have received a follow-up letter with an appt. for pre-colonoscopy (counseling, I guess) and colonoscopy.

I've had a lot of bowel problems in my adult life, a lot of constipation and bleeding, so my primary care DR. advised this.

Any advice?

:D :(

[Speaking Out]

Your appointment is for them to explain the proceedure to you and give you your prep kit. You'll have to use the kit to cleanse your colon prior to the test. I think now, they put you to sleep for this proceedure or do some type of conscious sedation where you are unaware of everything, but not the same as general anesthesia. You won't feel any discomfort, but they'll be able to look at the inside of your colon to check it all out. Don't worry. Both my parents and in-laws have had one and all of them said they didn't even know what happened.

[Josephine]

I Had the test performed this past November and found it to be a very simple procedure.

I had to start at 4:00 in the evening taking pills with water or soft drink.

This was the most difficult of the whole thing.

I had to swallow pills every 15 minutes and before I could swallow the first batch it was time to start again. I could eat jello, but none with red food coloring and have soft drinks, just no milk.

I had to be at the hospital at 6:30 the next morning and was given the usual surgical prep- I.V and those things. I was carted off to the operating room and was put completely to sleep via the I. V. I woke up in the operating room about 30 minutes later and left the hospital about one hour later.

The doctor showed me his photos and told that he didn't suspect any cancer or anything like that, but would send his tissue sampe to lab for complete testing and call me in about a week. This he did and there was no problem.

You will find the prep the most difficult and not the procedure. There was absolutely no pain for me afterwards.

I hope this helps and puts your mind at ease.

Josephine

[otey2171]

I've had four colonoscopies. The most difficult part of a colonoscopy is the prep the night before. You either take the pills with water or a mixture called golyte. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to drink and after about 30 minutes into drinking you'll have severe diahrea. The following morning you'll go to the hospital were they will start a IV and give you demerol and versed or fentynal and versed. It's called conscious sedation. You are awake but will remember nothing. You'll have no pain or discomfort. I've had four colonoscopies and 12 scopes of my throat, with both the VA and civilian doctors. They both do the procedures the same.

There is absolutely nothing to worry about. The only bad thing is drinking the stuff the night before. If the doc ever gives you the choice, the Golyte is easier to drink than the 20 or 30 pills with water. Good luck.

[Josephine]

He is correct, if you have a choice, stay away from the pills, for they are large and I had to break mine in half, which gave me twiced as many to swallow. I also had to take some pills the morning of the procedure also. My swallower was just about worn out by the time that I got all the pills down.

I am sure that your doctor will choose what is best for you, but mine chose to put me to sleep for about 20 minutes.

Josephine

[Philip Rogers]

I had one about 7 yrs ago, after avoiding it for yrs. Piece of cake - no pain or discomfort. They gave me something to make me relax, which worked really well. I was awake and watched the whole thing on the TV screen. Had to stay about an hour or so after it was over, to make sure I was ok, but nothing to fear. Brought home some photos. I wouldn't volunteer for one every week but every 5 yrs or so, it's a good idea.

pr

[Toposurveyor]

Had my colonoscopy 2 yrs ago. Only problem I had was some dizziness after when trying to get off bed in recovery room. Took me about an hour longer to be ready to get up. Other than that it was okay. I had worried about the procedure for about 2 yrs after it was recommended I should have it done. Glad I did it. The next will be in 2009.

Good luck.

Ed

[Pete53]

I am 63 and have never had one or been told I need one. Mrs Pete has had several.

[nlualum82]

Had it this morning. Was knocked out through it, woke up later feeling okay.

My wife went along and did the driving, we had a nice lunch at a new restaurant.

Got literally what most people say the government has given them figuratively!

Gary

[Josephine]

Good for you. I am sure now you see the prep was worse than the exam.

Have a good one!

Josephine

[old romad]

Had four in last 6 yrs, last one last friday. Finally no polops! five yrs before next one!

[tdak]

I just had one Nov 06, and also in 2003 (polyps found). I have had many stomach issues. But the last one I had a clean bill of health and do not have to go for 5 years now. I was very happy to hear that. It is a same day procedure and all the other posts have great info for you. I had very slight discomfort in the beginning, but then was out for the rest. I was a little dizzy and sick to my stomach feeling after I came out of anesthesia, but I have always reacted that way. I think taking the phosphosoda, and pills and such for the cleansing the day before was for me the worst part. They say it takes longer to prepare for the procedure than the procedure itsself. You will do fine.

Good luck to you,

Tamara

[john999]

Pete

You ought to get one since it is recommended for anyone over age 50. Not exactly something you dream about having but it can save your life if any cancer is detected early. There are just no symptoms of colon cancer until it is too late. If everything looks good you only have to go once every ten years.