Anyone had the pleasure of a colonoscopy?

[Queen of Poop]

I'm scheduled for one, on December 9th. Nothing available before then. Will have to take a bunch of clean you out meds the day before. Will be sedated for the "process".

[aTailOf2Kitties]

I've not had one myself but both of my parents and my in-laws have had them. They all pretty much said the same thing: once the drugs kick in, you don't care what they shove in there:D

[rg_girlca]

Yup, been there, done that. Good for you though for having this very important test done.

The worse part is the stuff you have to drink to prepare for the test. Mind you they did improve on the taste and the amount you have to drink, but it's spending most of your time on the toilet that's the worse part. Just relax and go with the flow, if you know what I mean and bring plenty of reading material with you. :D

The test itself is really nothing. I didn't feel a thing and my 2 sister's and 3 of my brothers have had it done also and they said the same thing.

[RICHARD]

I have to comment on this.....


The Queen of POOP worried?

Please!:eek:

I won't lie, it's not comfortable, but the worrying is worse than the procedure!

Hang tough.

There are things way worse on the planet.


This is a public service thread, you should have posted in General!

[Freedom]

Here is a tip:

There are 2 types of meds for the prep. One is a drink of yucky stuff, like a gallon of it. The other is pills, you drink ginger ale with those. It is MUCH easier, and is the method they prescribe for the seniors, like my Dad. ASK for the pills!

You can NOT drink cola or any soda with a color to it, only ginger ale. But heck that is better than the yucky stuff!

[Grace]

Here you go - http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-hew-myturn9-2009mar09,0,4391077.story


What everyone else has said. The prep is worse than the test - you can sleep through it :)

[Daisy and Delilah]

Everyone is right. The prep is the only bad part I had. The rest of it was over and I was waking up thinking it hadn't happened. I've had three of them so far.

Don't sweat it. You'll do great!!

[RICHARD]

I've had three of them so far.



Can you give one to the QOP?;)

Seriously,

After it's all done, the third one you can do standing on your head.






Kind of.:confused:;):)

[trayi52]

Never had one, but my husband has had 2 or 3. He hated the prep for it also.

Willie

[rosethecopycat]

I had an 'early' one at age 45.

The prep was a salty tasting apple juice. Not all that bad, compared to the non-flavored barium, which was what they put me through for the middle bowel test that followed.

Anyways, the actual test is a breeze. They put you in a twilight, and you wake up afterwards. I believe they started to 'wake me up' as they were 'finishing up' (i.e. removing the apparatus)

I told my husband it felt like kittens playing with my butt!(which is an actual reality with my foster kittens) I was trying to swat the kittens away!

Don't dread this test!

Just beware of the middle bowel tests that include barium. I will never go through that again. It tasted like I was drinking burnt, plastic lawn chairs.
And I don't wanna talk about what happened later. :eek:


Good Luck.

[Laura's Babies]

I am having mine TODAY! Waiting for my daughter to pick me up now. Last time (different doctor and hospital) it took me 3 days to get over the effects of the medication they gave me. I hope I get over this one faster! Usually I get up and am ready to go EAT! Last time I woke up throwing up.. Colon cancer runs in my family so I get mine faithfully!

[pomtzu]

Everyone's right on one point - the prep is the worst part. I'm overdue and I'm supposed to have one every year, since colon cancer runs in my family. My Dad and brother both had it.

Thanks for the reminder :rolleyes: - I guess I'll schedule mine after my vacation.

[happylabs]

Well, I am going to be difficult here. I know lots of people who have had them and I'M NOT DOING IT!!! LOL. At least that is what I say now. I'll keep this thread in mind though if I am ever forced to do it. :D

[moosmom]

Oh yes. Got myself quite worked up over it too, just like you. The procedure is a walk in the park. The prep, however, is the pits!!! The stuff you drink is vile (although I'm sure it would've tasted better with a tad of VODKA in it:p:p ) :p At the end, your butt hole feels like it's on fire!!! I used 100% aloe on it and it took the sting away.

I don't have to have it done for another 7 years!!! Buck up, girl. You'll get through it. Once every 7 years is fine for me!!!

[RICHARD]

It tasted like I was drinking burnt, plastic lawn chairs.


Drink a Brawndo afterwards to get the taste out of your mouth?:eek:;)

[Grace]

Remember - wine is a clear liquid.

[Queen of Poop]

Thanks all for your help, info, and support.

I am having the test because I've literally become the Queen of Poop. Spending a good percentage of my day in the bathroom already.

Had the easy tests and all came back negative, now I wait till December for the "big" one. Lots of time to fret about it.

Have the info sheet on what I need to do to prepare for the test and it sounds yucky. Read about it on the net - big mistake. Figure that day before I'll just pull the computer into the bathroom and communicate directly from the throne whilst filling myself with clear liquids and nasty meds. Can't wait for the fun to begin!

[Pam]

I just got the second one *under my belt* (pardon the pun) on July 9th. The procedure itself is a walk in the park. You go to sleep and, hopefully, wake up to good news. :) Nothing can beat the peace of mind - not even the prep - priceless! I go once every five years because they found, and removed, a polyp at my first one. I know....too much information!


Here is a tip:

There are 2 types of meds for the prep. One is a drink of yucky stuff, like a gallon of it. The other is pills, you drink ginger ale with those. It is MUCH easier, and is the method they prescribe for the seniors, like my Dad. ASK for the pills!

You can NOT drink cola or any soda with a color to it, only ginger ale. But heck that is better than the yucky stuff!

Sandie, there are many ways to "prepare." This time they had me take two pills three hours before drinking the stuff. That was different than last time. I told the doctor right after the procedure "we can put a man on the moon....why can't we invent a "clean out" medication that tastes good? :p:rolleyes:

[Edwina's Secretary]

If you can - be the first "victim" of the day. I cannot imagine having to wait around all day. I had mine on a Monday morning so Sunday was miserable and I had to get up at 5:00 am to "finish"....but then it was done!

[Queen of Poop]

If you can - be the first "victim" of the day. I cannot imagine having to wait around all day. I had mine on a Monday morning so Sunday was miserable and I had to get up at 5:00 am to "finish"....but then it was done!

I'm scheduled for 9:30 am, hopefully first and on time!

[pomtzu]

Definitely go with the pills if at all possible. Trying to drink a gallon of the other prep is torture. I couldn't even get it all down - tried to force the issue and ended up bring it back up.

And I don't know if anyone else ever had this problem, but the last one I had really took it's toll on me. I was going to say "took a lot out of me" - but that's obvious!!! :eek:

The final part of the prep I had to do before I left the house - I was really feeling lousy and lightheaded. I stood up to leave the bathroom - took a few steps and made it in to the bedroom - and promptly passed out on the floor. I came to right away and was okay after sitting on the bed for a few minutes. So if you feel lightheaded at any point in the prep - just sit and don't try to get up right away - just take some deep breaths and let it pass. Wouldn't want you to break something or crack your head on the way down!!! Not trying to scare you, but my doc said it can effect some people that way, altho it's not that common.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I arrived at the hospital so early (like there is something else to do at that point???) that no one was there. And I could not find a bathroom (VERY important) and was so frantic. Check it out in advance!:rolleyes::D

[Cataholic]

I haven't had one, but, members of my family have. The best way to make the prep 'no big deal' is to go on a modified diet the day before you begin the prep. Easily digestable foods, clear only...don't eat meatloaf, etc. That way the prep isn't anything difficult to deal with.

[Grace]

I haven't had one, but, members of my family have. The best way to make the prep 'no big deal' is to go on a modified diet the day before you begin the prep. Easily digestable foods, clear only...don't eat meatloaf, etc. That way the prep isn't anything difficult to deal with.

This is very good advice - and what I did, also.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Yes, I have! And I'm only 19!!:eek::eek:

I was in the hospital for about a month after they diagnosed me with ulcerative colitis. The diagnosis was found through a colonoscopy.

[Logan]

Sarah, I do hope you're much better now. You had to be so sick, my friend, and I am so sorry!!
QOP, I've never had a colonoscopy and wish you luck with yours. I have had a lower GI and that was no walk in the park and I was wide awake for the whole thing. I assume the prep is the same. It was not nearly as bad as the procedure in my case. The colonoscopy sounds better because at least you're out while it is happening!

Why in the world are you having to wait until December if you are having problems now? I won't get started on nationalized medicine, but this is exactly why I am opposed to it! And I'm making a big assumption that it is the health system in Canada that is causing the delay. I hope they can work you in sooner than December so you can find out what is wrong and start getting better!

[pomtzu]

Why in the world are you having to wait until December if you are having problems now? I won't get started on nationalized medicine, but this is exactly why I am opposed to it! And I'm making a big assumption that it is the health system in Canada that is causing the delay. I hope they can work you in sooner than December so you can find out what is wrong and start getting better!

I was wondering the exact same thing - why such a long wait? If that was my GI doc - he would have me in within days - not months.

QOP - not being nosy - but have you ever been diagnosed or treated for IBS? I have the misfortune of having flareups of it, and when I do, I take Bentyl and it's cleared up almost immediately. Just a thought, but maybe your doc has already ruled that out?? I know how unpleasant living in the john can be! :eek:

[RedHedd]

The prep is worse than the procedure itself as you'll be knocked out and won't remember anything.

[Pam]

go on a modified diet the day before you begin the prep. Easily digestable foods, clear only...

Yes, that was #1 on my instruction sheet from the doctor. Nothing but clear liquids the day before and no liquids containing red, yellow or purple dyes. It doesn't make the prep go any easier (it is still like dropping a bomb in your intestines. :p ) but I did manage to drop two pounds (got weighed the morning of my procedure) so that was a good thing. :p

[Queen of Poop]

Definitely go with the pills if at all possible. Trying to drink a gallon of the other prep is torture. I couldn't even get it all down - tried to force the issue and ended up bring it back up.

And I don't know if anyone else ever had this problem, but the last one I had really took it's toll on me. I was going to say "took a lot out of me" - but that's obvious!!! :eek:

The final part of the prep I had to do before I left the house - I was really feeling lousy and lightheaded. I stood up to leave the bathroom - took a few steps and made it in to the bedroom - and promptly passed out on the floor. I came to right away and was okay after sitting on the bed for a few minutes. So if you feel lightheaded at any point in the prep - just sit and don't try to get up right away - just take some deep breaths and let it pass. Wouldn't want you to break something or crack your head on the way down!!! Not trying to scare you, but my doc said it can effect some people that way, altho it's not that common.

Thanks for the warning of lightheadedness. I already have issues with that now so I will put on a crash helmet that day to ensure I stay safe.

[Queen of Poop]

Sarah, I do hope you're much better now. You had to be so sick, my friend, and I am so sorry!!
QOP, I've never had a colonoscopy and wish you luck with yours. I have had a lower GI and that was no walk in the park and I was wide awake for the whole thing. I assume the prep is the same. It was not nearly as bad as the procedure in my case. The colonoscopy sounds better because at least you're out while it is happening!

Why in the world are you having to wait until December if you are having problems now? I won't get started on nationalized medicine, but this is exactly why I am opposed to it! And I'm making a big assumption that it is the health system in Canada that is causing the delay. I hope they can work you in sooner than December so you can find out what is wrong and start getting better!


It's our great Calgary health care system at work. When they thought I had breast cancer it was all taken care of in less than 2 weeks. With this daily diahrreah (spelling) issue they don't see it as a panic so I have to wait.

[Queen of Poop]

I was wondering the exact same thing - why such a long wait? If that was my GI doc - he would have me in within days - not months.

QOP - not being nosy - but have you ever been diagnosed or treated for IBS? I have the misfortune of having flareups of it, and when I do, I take Bentyl and it's cleared up almost immediately. Just a thought, but maybe your doc has already ruled that out?? I know how unpleasant living in the john can be! :eek:

The GI doctor said it seems to be IBS, gone way wrong. I have the issue every day, day after day. I am afraid to leave the house. If I do have to go out I get up 3 hours earlier to ensure I'm done in the bathroom before I go. Being over 40, having diahrreah every day and losing weight can be a number of problems so that's what he's hoping to find.

[pomtzu]

The GI doctor said it seems to be IBS, gone way wrong. I have the issue every day, day after day. I am afraid to leave the house. If I do have to go out I get up 3 hours earlier to ensure I'm done in the bathroom before I go. Being over 40, having diahrreah every day and losing weight can be a number of problems so that's what he's hoping to find.

Well I guess mine is way wrong too, and I've had intestinal issues for many years, but your doctor should be able to put you on meds to ease it. I've been the everyday route too, and multiple times each day, and being afraid to leave the house. There's no need that you should have to suffer like that, and I can't imagine him not giving you any meds to at least make it more managable. Sure you're going to loose weight with diarrhea every day - no way you wouldn't. It just seems kind of reckless for them to make you wait so long when it could be serious. What you're going thru is far from normal, and IMO, they should get you in for the procedure immediately.
Gosh - I feel so bad for you since I know exactly what you're going thru. I really wish I could help. :(

[Pam]

Remember - wine is a clear liquid.

Alas, the second thing on my instructions sheet was NO alcohol the day before or obviously the day of the procedure! They take all the fun out of life! LOL!

[aTailOf2Kitties]

Hopefully a colonoscopy will lead to an answer and a treatment. Do they suspect Crohn's disease? I think it results in an unpredictable colon.

[Grace]

Alas, the second thing on my instructions sheet was NO alcohol the day before or obviously the day of the procedure! They take all the fun out of life! LOL!

I can't remember if it was on my sheet - that was 8 years ago. If it was, I chose to ignore it :D

[Queen of Poop]

I was told to take more fiber. Like 8 tsp a day rather than the 2 I was taking as recommended by the nutritionist. Also told to eat chicken, fish and old cheddar. No meds given. So far nothing has changed, in fact, things have gotten much worse with the break in and now today someone has abandoned a vehicle at the front of our yard. So tummy is again acting up.

I have no notes about not having alcohol before the test, just can't have anything red. White wine here I come!!!

Maybe Richard will act as host that day and look after all our liquids needs!

Thanks again everyone, you're making this whole thing ever so much more bearable.

[Laura's Babies]

Had mine done today and it was a breeze! However, my daughter told me afterwards that my BP and Oxygen levels dropped and scared them, she thinks they gave me to much sedation and that what caused that. I was there longer than I should have been because of that..

All I know was I was O-U-T and didn't know a thing, went out and ate afterwards and took a long nap at home, now I am back to normal.

Only ONE polyup was found this time so I don't have to have another one for 5 years.

[Queen of Poop]

Had mine done today and it was a breeze! However, my daughter told me afterwards that my BP and Oxygen levels dropped and scared them, she thinks they gave me to much sedation and that what caused that. I was there longer than I should have been because of that..

All I know was I was O-U-T and didn't know a thing, went out and ate afterwards and took a long nap at home, now I am back to normal.

Only ONE polyup was found this time so I don't have to have another one for 5 years.

Glad it went mostly well for you today and that you're back to normal now.

[K9karen]

but I did manage to drop two pounds (got weighed the morning of my procedure) so that was a good thing. :p

Only to prove my point that you're full of it, girlfriend...:D:D:D:p:p:p

[Pam]

Only to prove my point that you're full of it, girlfriend...:D:D:D:p:p:p

haha! It's funny that you say that because on the morning of the procedure I said to the hubby "you can't say that I am full of cr@p, at least today!" LOL!

[boomersooner]

Haven't had one, but a good friend of mine did....He said to flavor the nasty stuff with non colored powder packets like lemonade or something...he also made up all of the glasses and put them in the bathroom since he was in there most of the evening! He was also put on a clear diet the day before fiber therapy (daily Benefiber) afterwards.....He doesn't remember anything about the procedure or afterwards for that matter.....Good luck...you'll do fine!

[Catty1]

QOP - is there any chance you could get this done sooner by going to a hospital in Airdrie, or Canmore, or somewhere? (I'll drive ya!)

Here's a link to a very similar story - how a woman cut her wait time for the procedure you are having: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2008/04/17/colonoscopy-wait.html

Since Alberta is all one big health region now, you should be able to get it done anywhere.

Just a thought.

{{{{hugs}}}}

ETA: When I had to 'clean out' before a surgery a couple of years ago, I found Superstore had a generic drink - lemon and ginger flavour. I compared the label with the branded stuff, and it was the same. Wasn't half bad for taste, and worked! Ask the pharmacist.

[Laura's Babies]

I overheard a lot of people talking about the stuff you have to drink and how it taste, one lady said she put a pack of Crystal light in hers are it made all the differance in how it went down and tasted. Hope I remember that next time!

As for the weight.... I hate to admit I dropped 7 pounds from beginning to end. I bet everyone I would be at 115 pounds and that is what I weighed before leaving yesterday.

[rosethecopycat]

Yep,

I dropped 5.5 lbs, but it comes right back when you start filling the 'reservoir' again.

The prep for the Colonoscopy was so delicious in comparison to the middle bowel test.
The prep for the middle bowel test was horrific.
The unflavored barium was in a large styrofoam cup, and she handed it to me, and it weighed like there was a gold bar in there or something. This is a 'heavy element' isn't it!
Certainly was not an 'edible' thing. I could only take in 1/2 teaspoon per sip. Then I had to concentrate on not hurling. I asked her what if I hurl? And she said we would have to start again.
Then I had to wait (pace) through a couple hours of xray series. Every bit of my concentration on not tossing what felt like a lead weight in my stomach.
Still with the taste of lawn furniture going on.

After the test, I went to Toojay's. Ate an egg salad sandwich and promptly ralphed it into the trash can outside.



Richard-

24 cans of Brawndo should be the prep. It's got electrolytes.

[Marigold2]

Said the husbend to the Dr after has colonoscopy.
"Please inform my wife that my head is not up there" :D:D