Anyone had the pleasure of a colonoscopy?

[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.


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 - 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.

[RICHARD]

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

Drink a Brawndo afterwards to get the taste out of your mouth?

[Grace]

Remember - wine is a clear liquid.

[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

[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]

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!

[*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!