colonoscopy... anyone else ben thru this ?
- Thread starter rock n roll kid
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Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
No big deal. Even the prep wasn't as bad as everybody says. I opted for the "put me out" meds. Watching "live" is about the only thing i can imagine that would be worse than reallity TV.
Have had 2. One was late 80's and the other was few months ago.
Over before I knew it and really not that bad.
Over before I knew it and really not that bad.
I've had it done twice. Absolutely, going through the prep procedure is the worst part. I hated that.
The procedure itself is painless. They knock you out with a sedative, and when you wake up, it's all over with, and you feel fine almost right away. You will experience some gas right after the procedure, and they tell you it's just fine to fire away. I think this is about the only time it's considered socially acceptable!
Both times, my results were negative - no polyps, no sign of cancerous growths. I can go five years between repeat procedures.
It's nothing to be afraid of, and it's a worthwhile thing to do as you get older. It will relieve your mind when they tell you that you're clean, and that's the most often found result. Even if they find polyps, they can be nipped in the bud, and they will have no chance to turn into cancerous growths.
John
The procedure itself is painless. They knock you out with a sedative, and when you wake up, it's all over with, and you feel fine almost right away. You will experience some gas right after the procedure, and they tell you it's just fine to fire away. I think this is about the only time it's considered socially acceptable!
Both times, my results were negative - no polyps, no sign of cancerous growths. I can go five years between repeat procedures.
It's nothing to be afraid of, and it's a worthwhile thing to do as you get older. It will relieve your mind when they tell you that you're clean, and that's the most often found result. Even if they find polyps, they can be nipped in the bud, and they will have no chance to turn into cancerous growths.
John
mjr
Member
For additional commentary, see the thread "Query," started by CAJUNLAWYER, which is now on page 2 of the Lounge.
EQGuy
US Veteran
I've had one and opted to watch the procedure on the monitor. It was interesting to watch. The Doc even gave me a couple of snap shots. I had a male nurse set up the IV and I mentioned to him that even though I had no tattoo's If I were to get one it would be one back there stating EXIT ONLY. He told me that before he had a procedure he had his girlfriend use a magic marker to write back there " exit only and danger explosive gas may be present". He said the Doc cracked up and could not start the procedure for 5 minuets he was laughing so hard. You will be fine.
crofoot629
Absent Comrade
I found the prep difficult. Different Docs use different preps though.
At a very healthy age 49 they found Stage IV Colon Cancer.
Never had any symptoms.
If I'd gone in 5 years earlier the outcome would like be different.
As it is now I've been doing weekly Chemo for almost 3 years, buying time. My kids are only 9 & 11, so time matters.
With my diagnosis approximately 50% of people are dead at 18 months.
So the good part is I'm beating the bell curve. However it's just a matter of time before it gets me.
So...... Get off your butts and get it done folks
Emory
At a very healthy age 49 they found Stage IV Colon Cancer.
Never had any symptoms.
If I'd gone in 5 years earlier the outcome would like be different.
As it is now I've been doing weekly Chemo for almost 3 years, buying time. My kids are only 9 & 11, so time matters.
With my diagnosis approximately 50% of people are dead at 18 months.
So the good part is I'm beating the bell curve. However it's just a matter of time before it gets me.
So...... Get off your butts and get it done folks
Emory
686fan
Member
I'm having my first one next week. I really dread it. The nurse (a friend of mine) was telling me that one of the good things was that I would lose a lot of weight during the prep. I asked her if she was saying that I'm full of it. She refused to answer.
I call my doctor Captain Kirk (he's about to boldly go where no man has gone before).
I call my doctor Captain Kirk (he's about to boldly go where no man has gone before).
Engieman
Member
As above, had it done twice, prep night before is the worst part of the whole experience....stay near the bathroom! Second time, recently, was far easier than it was 5 years before that. Big advances in procedures, equipment, drugs, etc. My only concern is being probed AND at the same time being able to see BOTH of the Doctor's hands. Something is not right....
Colon cancer killed my dad within a year, he refused the surgery because he had lived what he considered a full life and couldn't bear the idea of living with a colostomy (****-bag), although been through prostate exams prior to that I had never been through a colonoscopy...I hated the fasting and purging the worst, the rest is a piece of cake. If you get a clean bill of health they don't want to see you for like 5-10 years, any polyps and they want to see you sooner...I got a clean bill of health.
I've had a full prostatectomy and most of the biopbsy work, etc. is done in much the same manner as the coloscopy except they do not put you out, it is very uncomfortable, especially when they make the 90degree turn to shoot the hollow needles through the prostate. My cancer was aggressive enough that my doc advised immediate removal, its a tough decision because your sex life is never the same afterwards, I was only 53 at the time. I went through the process and there are a couple of different methods, one via your lower belly, the others from the rear...my doc is probably from german extract because he works from the rear, he basically makes a W shaped incision around your anus with the center point just under you sack, lifts your junk up and goes in from there. I'll be 62 in a couple months and currently have a 0.00 psa and according to him am probably in complete remission, life is good...I try to keep that thought in mind, the old urges are still there you just loose the ability to do anything about it without mechanical help...all spontenaiety is out the window, but your on the sunny side of the dirt...spring is in the air, flowers blooming, grandkids laughing and playing in the yard, its good.
I've had a full prostatectomy and most of the biopbsy work, etc. is done in much the same manner as the coloscopy except they do not put you out, it is very uncomfortable, especially when they make the 90degree turn to shoot the hollow needles through the prostate. My cancer was aggressive enough that my doc advised immediate removal, its a tough decision because your sex life is never the same afterwards, I was only 53 at the time. I went through the process and there are a couple of different methods, one via your lower belly, the others from the rear...my doc is probably from german extract because he works from the rear, he basically makes a W shaped incision around your anus with the center point just under you sack, lifts your junk up and goes in from there. I'll be 62 in a couple months and currently have a 0.00 psa and according to him am probably in complete remission, life is good...I try to keep that thought in mind, the old urges are still there you just loose the ability to do anything about it without mechanical help...all spontenaiety is out the window, but your on the sunny side of the dirt...spring is in the air, flowers blooming, grandkids laughing and playing in the yard, its good.
MORSNO
US Veteran
So, in an hour and a half after asking your question you got 30 answers that have two things in common. 1. It's easy 2. The prep is the worst part.
I've had 4 of them myself, twice they also did the upper scope due to my acid reflux. The prep is the only inconvenience, you'll be amazed at how many trips to the bathroom you'll make.
I've had 4 of them myself, twice they also did the upper scope due to my acid reflux. The prep is the only inconvenience, you'll be amazed at how many trips to the bathroom you'll make.
starman041
Member
I am 67. I had a colonoscopy done in 2007. The doctor told me to have it done again in two years.
I did not follow his advise. In 2012 I started having problems, got a colonoscopy and they found a mass. Took out over a foot of my gut. Mass was positive for cancer.
I am now on chemo. Take the test on a regular bsis. Operations suck. Cancer sucks. Chemo sucks.
I did not follow his advise. In 2012 I started having problems, got a colonoscopy and they found a mass. Took out over a foot of my gut. Mass was positive for cancer.
I am now on chemo. Take the test on a regular bsis. Operations suck. Cancer sucks. Chemo sucks.
Had it done this past Feburary.
7 pre-cancerous ployps. Two of them termed aggressive(Tubulovillous) so I have to be "monitered" closey.
Glad I went or they would have been trouble for sure later down the road.
Yes..the prep.
Combo of seawater/goatspit with just a hint of lime.
7 pre-cancerous ployps. Two of them termed aggressive(Tubulovillous) so I have to be "monitered" closey.
Glad I went or they would have been trouble for sure later down the road.
Yes..the prep.
Combo of seawater/goatspit with just a hint of lime.
Stainless44
Member
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Funniest piece ever written on the subject:
Dave Barry: A journey into my colon -- and yours - 02/11/2009 | MiamiHerald.com
Dave Barry: A journey into my colon -- and yours - 02/11/2009 | MiamiHerald.com
ohiobuckeye
Member
My last one was a breeze. Rather than the nasty jug of "Drano" to drink the day before, the last prep involved only a small bottle of unknown substance that went down real quick and easy with a couple of bottles of Gatorade. nothing nasty at all. Afterwards, the doc gave me a series of still pictures and it was clean as a whistle all the way from the "entrance" to the appendix. How's that for a metal image to carry into lunch...
Frank237
Absent Comrade
No big deal. I fretted over it and the prep was FAR worse than the procedure.
But...some people DO held large amounts of air from the procedure...when I got up and finally farted....sounded like a chain saw or maybe a 20mm vulcan cannon.
FN in MT
But...some people DO held large amounts of air from the procedure...when I got up and finally farted....sounded like a chain saw or maybe a 20mm vulcan cannon.
FN in MT
The day before is pretty bad. The doctor telling you that he doesn't have to see you again for 10 years more than made up for it.
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Hello, I have had this procedure 2 times and will be going in for my third. I lost my grandmother and mother to colon cancer when they both turned 69 years old. The sad part was both could have probably been saved had they had procedure earlier in life. I am considered high risk for colon cancer so I stay on top of this. The preparation is getting better, the actual procedure is painless and over before you know it. Two of my brothers had polyps found and removed during their procedure and they had no complaints afterwards. Good luck.
First time I had it done, I was semi awake and joked with the doc as he asked questions. Found a couple of polyps, snip-snip(with a laser) and I was good to go. Because they found the polyps, I was told to return in 5 yrs. I returned in 8. Returned this past Feb. and the exchange went like this:
Nurse: Just relax, lay back and roll onto your side. We're just going
to give you something to relax you a bit.
Me: Ok. (as I'm rolling over) Last time I had this done, I was joking with the doc and nurses.
Nurse: Oh, we're going to be entertained!
Me: I wouldn't call it entertaining.
Nurse: Ok. When you feel comfortable, you can roll back and sit up slowly.
Me: What? is there something wrong.
Doc: Nothing wrong. In fact everything was just fine. No polyps. We'll see you in about 10 yrs!
As everyone says, the day before is the worst. No food(only liquids) and the prep they give you to take the night before. Just remember, the commode is your friend and get a package of moistened towels. Even the softest toilet paper will begin to feel like sandpaper....
Nurse: Just relax, lay back and roll onto your side. We're just going
to give you something to relax you a bit.
Me: Ok. (as I'm rolling over) Last time I had this done, I was joking with the doc and nurses.
Nurse: Oh, we're going to be entertained!
Me: I wouldn't call it entertaining.
Nurse: Ok. When you feel comfortable, you can roll back and sit up slowly.
Me: What? is there something wrong.
Doc: Nothing wrong. In fact everything was just fine. No polyps. We'll see you in about 10 yrs!
As everyone says, the day before is the worst. No food(only liquids) and the prep they give you to take the night before. Just remember, the commode is your friend and get a package of moistened towels. Even the softest toilet paper will begin to feel like sandpaper....
Doug M.
Member
In 36 replies there are a couple about the possible penalties of putting off the 'scope. That's a clue. Cancer and treatment suck. I call it the "over 50 indignity", and a couple of us at work had one in a short period of time - boy did we gross out some of the younger kids.
The prep sucked. I have learned that there are different ways of getting you to the desired empty state, some of which taste worse than others. The suggestion to mix it the night before and chill it is a good one. I also cut mine with a (sugar free) gatorade and Crystal Light lemonade (I'm a bit diabetic, well controlled) mix to assist with the taste and hydration issues. (As noted, NOTHING red or blue - because of the pink color of your intestines, that would make it hard to see what they need to, and you would have a do over.) I saw 18 photos they took of the whole length of clean intestine, which was impressive, and also showed why they worry about what color foods you take in prior.
I ate a huge breakfast of allowed food choices (really cheesy scrambled eggs) to allow me to cost as long as possible, and had to watch which of my meds I took during the prep and until after the procedure. That afternoon, I started the prep. Because of the food choice, it took over an hour for the prep liquid to hit. Once it did, wow.
Wear loose clothes, like sweat pants, that you can get down FAST. Don't be more than about 15 feet from a toilet at any time for any reason. Don't let anyone use the bathroom, if you have to send the rest of the household to a hotel. Seriously. If at any time you begin to wonder if you should be heading for the toilet, you need to start moving NOW. I took the advice of people who told me that, and am glad I did.
I went until it seemed like I was pissing out of my butt. What Keith R said about sandpaper and the moist towelettes is SO TRUE. Much to my surprise, when I went to bed I got through the night without any real issues. Taking the last quart of the gallon in the AM made me nervous, as I had a 25 minute drive to the clinic and no place to stop in a hurry but the side of the interstate. Amazingly, no issues.
The procedure? Nothing. Sedated, out, woke up later. Farted. A bunch; sounded like a Jake Brake. A little weak from hunger by the time I got to eat, but no biggy.
The prep sucked. I have learned that there are different ways of getting you to the desired empty state, some of which taste worse than others. The suggestion to mix it the night before and chill it is a good one. I also cut mine with a (sugar free) gatorade and Crystal Light lemonade (I'm a bit diabetic, well controlled) mix to assist with the taste and hydration issues. (As noted, NOTHING red or blue - because of the pink color of your intestines, that would make it hard to see what they need to, and you would have a do over.) I saw 18 photos they took of the whole length of clean intestine, which was impressive, and also showed why they worry about what color foods you take in prior.
I ate a huge breakfast of allowed food choices (really cheesy scrambled eggs) to allow me to cost as long as possible, and had to watch which of my meds I took during the prep and until after the procedure. That afternoon, I started the prep. Because of the food choice, it took over an hour for the prep liquid to hit. Once it did, wow.
Wear loose clothes, like sweat pants, that you can get down FAST. Don't be more than about 15 feet from a toilet at any time for any reason. Don't let anyone use the bathroom, if you have to send the rest of the household to a hotel. Seriously. If at any time you begin to wonder if you should be heading for the toilet, you need to start moving NOW. I took the advice of people who told me that, and am glad I did.
I went until it seemed like I was pissing out of my butt. What Keith R said about sandpaper and the moist towelettes is SO TRUE. Much to my surprise, when I went to bed I got through the night without any real issues. Taking the last quart of the gallon in the AM made me nervous, as I had a 25 minute drive to the clinic and no place to stop in a hurry but the side of the interstate. Amazingly, no issues.
The procedure? Nothing. Sedated, out, woke up later. Farted. A bunch; sounded like a Jake Brake. A little weak from hunger by the time I got to eat, but no biggy.
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