Colonoscopy "Adventure" Time

[clay]

[SF_Boi]

I had one when I turned 50, but not because I turned 50. I got bit by a dog, I didn't go to the doctors and got an infection. The doctor put me on antibiotics and I had a horrible reaction to the antibiotics. So after one month with the "quick step" the doctor sent me in for the above.

To tell you the truth, I didn't feel a thing! They gave me great drugs! They went in did what they had to do and I was out in approximately 20 minutes. The preparation for the procedure entailed a gallon of a nasty tasting liquid and I had to stop eating at an early time.

Have someone there that you trust to get all the details of the results of the procedure. You will not remember a thing she/he says after everything is done.

No worries, everything will be fine! We'll be sending great thoughts your way.

[Novelafemme]

Even though I was only 38 at the time, I had my first colonoscopy just last October. The prep was NOT fun, but it wasn't nearly as terrible as I thought it would be. I plowed right through the jug of nastiness and found that pouring it over ice made it much more palatable. I would literally put it in my mouth and out it would come from the other end. It's like a good intestinal roto-rooter'ing.

I was under for the entire procedure so I have no idea about the excessive farting. Although, knowing me the whole room was probably ready to float away by the time they got done.

I was super sleepy that afternoon but not in any discomfort whatsoever. They did find several pre-cancerous noduals, but I was told they can remain in the pre-cancerous stage for many decades before morphing into actual colon cancer. I have to go in every year for the next five years to get checked and if everything stays the same they will reduce check-ups to once every five years.

The whole process started nearly two years ago with a uterine cancer diagnosis that resulted in a hysterectomy followed by the removal of my appendix and right ovary. My appendix was adhered to my colon by a mucus filled adenoma that is often associated with colon cancer. Hence the colonoscopy.

I have always wanted a large family and have experienced the occasional pang of sorrow and sadness over not being able to physically have any more children. However, I don't know that could I still have them I would choose to do so. Mine are so big now that it would be like starting over. And there is always adoption should the urge manifest into a wanton reality.

[pynkkameleon]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

Even though I was only 38 at the time, I had my first colonoscopy just last October. The prep was NOT fun, but it wasn't nearly as terrible as I thought it would be. I plowed right through the jug of nastiness and found that pouring it over ice made it much more palatable. I would literally put it in my mouth and out it would come from the other end. It's like a good intestinal roto-rooter'ing.

I was under for the entire procedure so I have no idea about the excessive farting. Although, knowing me the whole room was probably ready to float away by the time they got done.

I was super sleepy that afternoon but not in any discomfort whatsoever. They did find several pre-cancerous noduals, but I was told they can remain in the pre-cancerous stage for many decades before morphing into actual colon cancer. I have to go in every year for the next five years to get checked and if everything stays the same they will reduce check-ups to once every five years.

The whole process started nearly two years ago with a uterine cancer diagnosis that resulted in a hysterectomy followed by the removal of my appendix and right ovary. My appendix was adhered to my colon by a mucus filled adenoma that is often associated with colon cancer. Hence the colonoscopy.

I have always wanted a large family and have experienced the occasional pang of sorrow and sadness over not being able to physically have any more children. However, I don't know that could I still have them I would choose to do so. Mine are so big now that it would be like starting over. And there is always adoption should the urge manifest into a wanton reality.

I got a good giggle from your "room floating away" comment. It sounds as if your procedure was about as easy to prepare and recover from as one can possibly be. I can only hope for the same!

As for all of the other health issues that led you to having to have this done, I appreciate your candor and I feel for your experience. There are a lot of people that don't like to talk about their cancer scares and experiences but I for one think that it's important and the fact that you shared it means a lot.

[clay]

As far as "pain" no I didn't! There may be a mild discomfort afterward, as the rectum is "being stretched" to receive the scope BUT it is well lubed with KY Jelly.
As far as sedation, they won't use a general anesthetic. Most often a patient is given some Versed to relax the whole body and Propofol (called "milk of amnesia" (it is white, milky color and medical professionals compare it to that white milky colored Milk Of Magnesia ONLY call it "milk of amnesia"}. They will have you on a table on your left side. The anesthetist will put on an oxygen nasal cannula and begin the induction of the Propofol and you will go to twilight immediately. This medicine is really good as you will wake up rather quickly once in recovery. You will be drowsy a little, off and on. Mine wore off in 2 days. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes to 45 minutes. Recovery is about 45 minutes or so. I felt bloated and gassy and this time I passed gas when urge hit. No one even gave me a second look or even heard it. The RR nurses are so used to it they don't even pay attention. My Gastrologist does them 2 days a week, doing at least 10 to 12 each day, so he is also used to it.


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My gastrologist always tells me right then my results. When I got the initial one of having a tumor, I didn't know for 2 days it was adenocarcinoma, as the biopsy section was sent out and takes that long to get back a report. I didn't remember the doc talking to me at all the first 2 times, but the one last Thursday I knew what he said and was aware of him coming in to my recovery room. There is a tiny camera on the scope and my doc makes pics, color pics. I asked for a copy, took a note with me to the Endoscope suite to give to the Nurse there to make sure I got pics. I will take these to my Oncologists when I see them next!! It is two different hospitals.
BUT you will get results right then. Have your daughter to write down what the doc says. You can also ask for and receive a written copy of the report as soon as it is available. Tell the doc you want a copy of your dictated report as soon as available. Since your hospital is 4 hrs. away, you will probably have to call the Medical records division and get the report mailed to you. But YOUR DOC will have a report and is easiest to get a copy from.


Mix it with Orange Gatorade...64 oz. of Gatorade. I had to drink 4 oz of the gatorade plain to get the powder laxative in it. I refrigerated mine 24 hrs. be sure to shake it really well. DO NOT use a RED OR PURPLE gatorade...colors the colon and doc unable to see it clearly..


Whooohhhooo I am going to be on lookout for that You Tube...wink
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And Clay.. I adore you more than you will ever know. You have been a constant source of support, encouragement and friendship since the very first time that we "met" on here. I love our thought provoking and giggle sessions over the phone and you truly are one of my BFF's. We've both had our share of battles but we both keep going strong. You are a hero to me.[/B][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/quote]

Awww Pynk: We are such kindred spirits! You are MY Hero!! You fared much worse a battle with that damn C than I did!!! Your whole outlook, your humor, your spirit..you drive me to embrace my life, my world, and to always look ahead with sunshine and smiles.
We will talk before the test and afterwards. YOU will do great..just set you rmind to stay positive and focused. I am but a call away...always...
this too shall pass and we will laugh and giggle and just be in the moment...{{{{{{{{{{{pynk}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[princessbelle]

I've had a colonoscopy due to having IBS several years ago.

How did i deal with it mentally? I'll be very honest....not good. I dreaded it horribly. So bad that i rescheduled it twice. Finally my doc called and basically said "DO IT".

I cried about it. I'm a medical person and constantly talk people into getting tests done that are needed. But when it comes to my veins and my innards it's a whole different ballgame.

The worst part of it, for me, was the prep. It was gross and it was difficult. But, like so many things in life, it passed (literally) and was over quickly.

The procedure was a piece of cake. I remember them telling me to lie on my side and i was cracking jokes begging them to use a "barbie size hose". I saw the nurse start the cocktail into my veins which included Versed and then...lights out.

Next thing i knew it was over and they were waking me up to tell me all was well. I was starving and went out to eat right after leaving. Still a little groggy it was good times. I remember being so freaking relieved because i had dreaded it so very bad. I promise you, it wasn't bad at all. And to be frank, i wasn't even sore. It was like it never happened.

I will not be scared next time and i will not put it off. Again the worst of it for me was the night before drinking the yuk that cleans you out.

The rest was easy.

I commend you for doing this and making this thread. Sometimes it is not easy to discuss things like this. But, it is so, SO important.

You will do just fine. I cry when someone draws my blood i'm such a wuss. If i can do it...anyone can.

[Corkey]

I've had 3 in 3 years. The most draining is the night before, the "prep". Oy' I'm usually starving too much to pay attention to much else. You won't feel a thing, and you may not remember it at all. Enjoy the drug and don't fret.

[tapu]

Don't bother asking if you can just get a semi-colonoscopy. They laughed at me.