Anyone had the pleasure of a colonoscopy?

[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?

[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!!!

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!

[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!!

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!

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

[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!!!

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.