gillian30
12-15-2003, 02:02 PM
I guess I'm here seeking courage today, to go through with the colonoscopy I have scheduled for Jan.12. When I asked my doctor about it today, she got a sour look on her face and rattled off some pretty major negatives in regards to the procedure. Perforated colon, trouble with sedation, to name a couple. Then she said ,"It's a very unpleasant procedure." No one seems able to specify why this will be such hell, though...is it painful, and if so, where? The abdomen, the rectum, the stomach...what? I just don't even know if it's worth it considering all I've been told. Is it really sooo bad?
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actudan
12-15-2003, 02:58 PM
It varies by person. True there are dangers involved such as perforation of the intestine and possible allergic reaction to the sedative. Those are rare risks but it's the doctor's or hospital's responsibility to make you aware of those risks. The procedure was a little painful for me when they blew air in my colon to expand it so the doctor could get a good look. The pain only lasted a few seconds and the procedure lasted about 10 minutes (I think). I was a little sore for a day or two and I guess it's because of my colon being expanded.
I know others that had the procedure without sedation and did fine. Others have also said that they did not have any pain after the procedure. So I guess it can vary by individual. It's a good procedure to have if you are having bowel related problems since it gives the doctor the best possible view inside your colon.
Good luck!
I know others that had the procedure without sedation and did fine. Others have also said that they did not have any pain after the procedure. So I guess it can vary by individual. It's a good procedure to have if you are having bowel related problems since it gives the doctor the best possible view inside your colon.
Good luck!
twokatss
12-15-2003, 03:23 PM
The worst part of a colonoscopy is the prep. You have to drink the phosphate soda and then sit on the JOHN for at least 2 hours. Not a pleasant experience. Your rear will be very tender. However the actual procedure is nothing because they dope you up with valium drip. You probably will not remember anything. (If you coat your rear with vaseline that will help with cleaning yourself out though). I was very nervous before I had my colonoscopy but would not hesitate doing it again if you didn't have to do the prep. Hope this helps!!!!
twisten
12-15-2003, 03:33 PM
Gillian, if you really want to know if you have crohns or celiac that is the only test that will tell you for sure.
actudan
12-15-2003, 04:24 PM
I forgot to mention the prep work. For me, it wasn't too bad except my butt was a little sore from all the wiping. The day before my procedure, I was allowed a light breakfast, liquid lunch and started taking the fleet liquid around 4:00. Before I retired for the night, I had to take some pills and in the morning I had to use a suppository. It was suggested that I use some vaseline so all the wiping wouldn't make butt as sore.
ken1967
12-16-2003, 03:19 AM
i had a colonoscopy done in august and of course being nervous is natural, and the prep isnt fun but it doesnt last long and the worst part is over with, what i did was(the nurse suggested this) was a few days before the test, dont eat alot and dont eat bulky food, try a fairly soft diet, drink lots of water, the less inside that there is the less that has to come out, as far as the test, they knocked me out and i woke up abut 45 minutes/1 hour later and was released from the hospital about 1 and a half hours later, and remember, have someone take u and drive you home, i was kinda groggy for a few hours and honestly dont remember much, my sister said i was funny as hell and should be medicated more often, so sweet,lol ,family can be so kind,and i was fine by night time so yes there are risks as with anything but the risks are greater down the road if you dont have this done and wind up having something wrong, so good luck youll be fine
Darene
12-17-2003, 01:03 AM
my sister said i was funny as hell and should be medicated more often
Apparently I too turned into a comic as I was coming out of the sedation, but I can't honestly remember saying anything funny ... I have to agree with every one though, the prep is the ickiest part, and like Ken says, eating a lighter diet for a few days does seem to help. I remember nothing at all from the procedure itself, and had no discomfort afterwards. It's better to know what you're facing, if anything, and then you can move forward helping yourself heal.
Take care,
Darene
Apparently I too turned into a comic as I was coming out of the sedation, but I can't honestly remember saying anything funny ... I have to agree with every one though, the prep is the ickiest part, and like Ken says, eating a lighter diet for a few days does seem to help. I remember nothing at all from the procedure itself, and had no discomfort afterwards. It's better to know what you're facing, if anything, and then you can move forward helping yourself heal.
Take care,
Darene
auntjudyg
12-17-2003, 10:15 AM
My, my, doesn't your doctor sound encouraging. You don't know whether they get sick of repeating the same information . . . in which case why don't they just refer you to a website or have a handout . . . or what.
Yes, there can be complications from scopes, but they are not frequent enough that anyone is suggesting people not get them. And I think they are becoming less frequent as the procedure is more common . . . more often people are getting fully sedated now, doctors have more experience, etc.
As has already been stated, the worst part is the prep. There are two general approaches to prep, with minor variations, so you need to contact your doctor's office or the facility that will be performing it to find out what they recommend. Ask about sedation, too. Most often now people get a sedation where they don't even remember what happened.
There is a post now on this board or the Bowel Disorders board about someone having a bad experience with a colonoscopy. It is really unfortunate but luckily does not come up that often . . . maybe about every six months on the various boards I monitor. And the cases I recall are like this one where the person was not properly sedated but they went ahead with the procedure anyway. I really don't understand why that happens, it seems very preventable and unnecessary. Do you know anyone in the medical profession or people who have had the procedure at the facility you will be using to get reassurance about the specific facility?
Best wishes.
Yes, there can be complications from scopes, but they are not frequent enough that anyone is suggesting people not get them. And I think they are becoming less frequent as the procedure is more common . . . more often people are getting fully sedated now, doctors have more experience, etc.
As has already been stated, the worst part is the prep. There are two general approaches to prep, with minor variations, so you need to contact your doctor's office or the facility that will be performing it to find out what they recommend. Ask about sedation, too. Most often now people get a sedation where they don't even remember what happened.
There is a post now on this board or the Bowel Disorders board about someone having a bad experience with a colonoscopy. It is really unfortunate but luckily does not come up that often . . . maybe about every six months on the various boards I monitor. And the cases I recall are like this one where the person was not properly sedated but they went ahead with the procedure anyway. I really don't understand why that happens, it seems very preventable and unnecessary. Do you know anyone in the medical profession or people who have had the procedure at the facility you will be using to get reassurance about the specific facility?
Best wishes.
runrobrun
12-17-2003, 12:50 PM
I agree on the prep. I was reminded of the movie Dumb and Dumber when one of the charictars drinks some hot chocolate spiked with lax. His stomach suddenly makes a really loud gurgle and he can't hold it any longer. That is what I experienced during prep. However, if you keep your sense of humor and don't mind losing a night of sleep it really isn't that bad. It doesn't work well for a person with a scorching case of hemi's either!
I think when you weigh the prep against the lack of not knowing what might be wrong with your colon (ie cancer, palyps, etc) the prep is worth it. A scope is really the only method for knowing what is really going on.
I did experience a slight fever after getting the scope. So I suggets taking it easy on the day following the scope. I tried to go right back to work and it wasn't a fun day.
Take care,
Rob
I think when you weigh the prep against the lack of not knowing what might be wrong with your colon (ie cancer, palyps, etc) the prep is worth it. A scope is really the only method for knowing what is really going on.
I did experience a slight fever after getting the scope. So I suggets taking it easy on the day following the scope. I tried to go right back to work and it wasn't a fun day.
Take care,
Rob
gillian30
12-17-2003, 05:21 PM
Although I don't know anyone else who has had a colonoscopy at the hospital where I'm getting mine done, I did have my endoscopy done there. I requested very light sedation with no use of versed or narcotics, and they respected that. I have a problem with my heart rate and felt I might not do well with such strong sedation as versed, and am allergic to many narcotics. I really hope they do a light sedative again for the colonoscopy, but then again I don't want to be writhing in pain either. One thing I keep consistently hearing is "the prep is the worst part." I wonder if that means I'll be held prisoner in the bathroom for 15 minutes here and there, or literally be in there for 2 hours! I'm supposed to take the Fleet Phoso-soda at 7 pm, and then again at 8 pm. How bad will that be?
runrobrun
12-17-2003, 05:42 PM
Although I don't know anyone else who has had a colonoscopy at the hospital where I'm getting mine done, I did have my endoscopy done there. I requested very light sedation with no use of versed or narcotics, and they respected that. I have a problem with my heart rate and felt I might not do well with such strong sedation as versed, and am allergic to many narcotics. I really hope they do a light sedative again for the colonoscopy, but then again I don't want to be writhing in pain either. One thing I keep consistently hearing is "the prep is the worst part." I wonder if that means I'll be held prisoner in the bathroom for 15 minutes here and there, or literally be in there for 2 hours! I'm supposed to take the Fleet Phoso-soda at 7 pm, and then again at 8 pm. How bad will that be?
I took the same "Fleet". I took it at 4 pm 8pm and 6am. About 10 minutes after you take it (btw, it tastes like very saltwater) you hit the toilet. The bowls will get looser and looser you will hit the toilet about every 10-15 minutes for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Be sure to have some wet wipes available as they will ease the pain of wiping. The worst part is you will feel like you have to go the whole time. Be sure NEVER to think the pressure is gas. I assure you no air will come out it will all be liquid. By the end it is pretty much pure clear liquid with some particles. It is about like peeing out your rear! Again you have to keep a sense of humor about it.
Rob
I took the same "Fleet". I took it at 4 pm 8pm and 6am. About 10 minutes after you take it (btw, it tastes like very saltwater) you hit the toilet. The bowls will get looser and looser you will hit the toilet about every 10-15 minutes for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Be sure to have some wet wipes available as they will ease the pain of wiping. The worst part is you will feel like you have to go the whole time. Be sure NEVER to think the pressure is gas. I assure you no air will come out it will all be liquid. By the end it is pretty much pure clear liquid with some particles. It is about like peeing out your rear! Again you have to keep a sense of humor about it.
Rob
Canyondweller
12-22-2003, 02:40 AM
I took the same "Fleet". I took it at 4 pm 8pm and 6am. About 10 minutes after you take it (btw, it tastes like very saltwater) you hit the toilet. The bowls will get looser and looser you will hit the toilet about every 10-15 minutes for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Be sure to have some wet wipes available as they will ease the pain of wiping. The worst part is you will feel like you have to go the whole time. Be sure NEVER to think the pressure is gas. I assure you no air will come out it will all be liquid. By the end it is pretty much pure clear liquid with some particles. It is about like peeing out your rear! Again you have to keep a sense of humor about it.
Rob It depends on your system. It took hours before I really started going. I started taking the stuff at about 4 and don't think I went till about 10 and then until about 1AM. I used the Fleets prep. Not much to drink with it. They did not sedate me at all and it was the worst pain I have ever had in my life on and off. Because I have lung disease the Dr. was super cautious. However, he had done an edo on me a couple months earlier and I was sedated more for that. He said later he probably should have sedated me. I was ready to kill him and everyone in sight and I will never do that again without sedation. None of my friends have ever had pain but they were all sedated and remember nothing. I remember everything. unfortunately. If they can't sedate me I am not having it. don't plan to do anything but stay close to the bathroom.
:rolleyes:
Rob It depends on your system. It took hours before I really started going. I started taking the stuff at about 4 and don't think I went till about 10 and then until about 1AM. I used the Fleets prep. Not much to drink with it. They did not sedate me at all and it was the worst pain I have ever had in my life on and off. Because I have lung disease the Dr. was super cautious. However, he had done an edo on me a couple months earlier and I was sedated more for that. He said later he probably should have sedated me. I was ready to kill him and everyone in sight and I will never do that again without sedation. None of my friends have ever had pain but they were all sedated and remember nothing. I remember everything. unfortunately. If they can't sedate me I am not having it. don't plan to do anything but stay close to the bathroom.
:rolleyes:
gillian30
12-22-2003, 04:00 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've always said that my biggest fear is the sedation, since I have a heart rate and BP problem, but now I have a new fear--pain! Where did it hurt you? The abdomen, the middle stomach, or the rectum? Like a cramping off and on again or a sharp pain?
reddog1
12-22-2003, 05:53 PM
At 32 years of age, I have been experiencing spastic colon (or what I like to call the inverted dry heaves), I've passed blood, dealt with painful fisors and hemroids. Doc did a short colonoscopy (called something else) but that was without sedation and I could watch it on the monitor, very uncomfortable but tolerable. He found a polyp and wanted to dive deeper so we scheduled the full length colonoscopy. The prep was by far the worst of it. The drink tastes nasty and went clean through me in less than a minute. When I arrived at the hospital, I felt quite comfortable with the procedure about to take place. They hooked me up with some sedative, next thing I remember is asking the doc, when are we going to get this over with? He told me he was through...I thought he was kidding me...sure enough...he'd found two polyps removed them, and all I had to do was wait about an hour for the sedative to lift...oh and pass gas...that was probably the second worst part of the procedure (not painful just embarassing...a lot of gas). Anyway, polyps were benign, and the procedure was a breeze, I wouldn't' be overly concerned if I were you. And while your at it, have the doc tape it, so the next time someone says you have your head up your butt, you can tell them no and you have the tape to prove it!
Canyondweller
12-23-2003, 01:28 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've always said that my biggest fear is the sedation, since I have a heart rate and BP problem, but now I have a new fear--pain! Where did it hurt you? The abdomen, the middle stomach, or the rectum? Like a cramping off and on again or a sharp pain?
Gillian, the pain was everywhere. Yes, it was severe cramping. No pain in rectum. I was screaming either knock me out or get that thing out of me and then it would subvside and he would say alsmost done and then a few seconds later it would start again. They were trying to hold my stomach form. It started after they made the first turn. I am a person that usually can handle a lot of pain but I could not handle this. This sedation they usually use is quite safe. I have friends that have congestive heart failure and a variety of severe problems and they have no problem with the sedation. Also, you can ask to have a anesthesiologist to do it rather than a nurse if you are concerned. They always have them around. With my second endo they sedated me more and I had no problems even with my emphysema. They always give you oxygen during proceedure, too. I was awake for my endo while still in the room. You just need someone to use the least amount that you need to keep you comfortable. My Dr. said he would keep me comfortable during the colonoscopy and I really told him off and changed Drs. because he admitted he probably shoud have used more.
:wave:
Gillian, the pain was everywhere. Yes, it was severe cramping. No pain in rectum. I was screaming either knock me out or get that thing out of me and then it would subvside and he would say alsmost done and then a few seconds later it would start again. They were trying to hold my stomach form. It started after they made the first turn. I am a person that usually can handle a lot of pain but I could not handle this. This sedation they usually use is quite safe. I have friends that have congestive heart failure and a variety of severe problems and they have no problem with the sedation. Also, you can ask to have a anesthesiologist to do it rather than a nurse if you are concerned. They always have them around. With my second endo they sedated me more and I had no problems even with my emphysema. They always give you oxygen during proceedure, too. I was awake for my endo while still in the room. You just need someone to use the least amount that you need to keep you comfortable. My Dr. said he would keep me comfortable during the colonoscopy and I really told him off and changed Drs. because he admitted he probably shoud have used more.
:wave:
Canyondweller
12-23-2003, 01:29 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've always said that my biggest fear is the sedation, since I have a heart rate and BP problem, but now I have a new fear--pain! Where did it hurt you? The abdomen, the middle stomach, or the rectum? Like a cramping off and on again or a sharp pain?
But in spite of everything I am glad I had it done for peace of mind. It is survivable.
But in spite of everything I am glad I had it done for peace of mind. It is survivable.
310march
12-28-2003, 08:22 AM
Hello, Gillian---I recently had a colonoscopy and the worst part is the "prep"---you will be out of it and won't know what they are doing to you ....it will be over before you know it! The prep keeps you running to the bathroom, till you are totally cleaned out and then the rest is what I call "a piece of cake" Please don't worry too much---it will all be over very soon. Marilyn
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suzyshop1
12-29-2003, 12:20 AM
Gillian i can understand your apprehension at having a colonoscopy done.Im waiting for a schedule paper to come in the mail,for when im to have mine done.Im so tired of tests.The doctor doesnt think anything will turn up with this test.Hes just covering all the bases. I dont know what im more afraid of ,that they will find something or nothing.This last doctor gave me a prescription for bentyl which seems to be doing nothing.I know im afraid to death of tests,but i know i have to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit to find out whats wrong with me.The doctor is expecting to not find anything.So when i have the test done ,i will at least know that they are trying everything to find out where the pains coming from.How many more uncomfortable tests left can there be?Good luck i will say a prayer that you have the courage to get thru this test.Take care
gillian30
12-29-2003, 02:41 PM
Thanks so much for your warm wishes...I hope your test goes well, too. I already have an intestinal disease called Celiac Disease but I'm not recovering as the doctors would have expected, so we're going forward with the colonoscopy. I'm apprehensive about all invasive testing, but I know I'll probably end up going through with it since there seems to be no other answer as to why I'm still having problems. And I agree with you about the Bentyl, it did nothing for me during the 3 months I took it. Good luck to you, too.
jc5113
12-29-2003, 05:34 PM
[QUOTE=gillian30]I guess I'm here seeking courage today, to go through with the colonoscopy I have scheduled for Jan.12. When I asked my doctor about it today, she got a sour look on her face and rattled off some pretty major negatives in regards to the procedure. Perforated colon, trouble with sedation, to name a couple. Then she said ,"It's a very unpleasant procedure." No one seems able to specify why this will be such hell, though...is it painful, and if so, where? The abdomen, the rectum, the stomach...what? I just don't even know if it's worth it considering all I've been told. Is it really sooo bad] Gillian I had the colonoscopy in March 03 and the worst part was the prep.They used an anesthesia with an amnesiac effect so there is no memory of what happened plus its over before you know it. You'll do fine/ I was worried about mine too but I won't hesitate to have mine done again when its due.
cheer up
12-30-2003, 05:21 PM
Gillian: I had the colonoscopy back in May of '03. The prep was annoying and running in and out of the bathroom for hours was the worst. As others have said, you will end up with clear liquid and some particles -- that is fine, you are "clear" and ready to go when you reach that stage. (I called the doc's office and said I wasn't sure things were "clear" enough but was quickly assured those particles are just colon tissue particles).
I drank the mix too fast and threw some of it up, but still had no problems. Just don't gulp it all down in seconds because you will overload your throat/stomach too fast. Take nice, easy swallows until each glass is empty. It tastes ghastly, but try not to think about it.
The procedure WAS a piece of cake. My facility was gorgeous and the anesthestheologist terrific after I told him of my fears about the meds due to my heart arrythmia. He reassured me there would be no problems and there were not. They knock you out with one shot and bring you back with another. It's so smooth and pleasant you wish you had the stuff at home!
My procedure took about 30 minutes or so, but my doc is known to be "quick yet thorough." I had no polyps, no signs of microscopic colitis as was suspected, and I was up and out of there within another 30 minutes. I COULD have driven home easily, but they won't let you do it -- liability, you know...
Once home I had a couple of incidents of "gas" but that was IT. I ate lightly the balance of the day and normally the next. NO problems, no soreness, no nothing. I had eaten fairly lightly PRIOR to the procedure, too, so there had not been much in my system from the get-go.
What DID happen was that six weeks later I had a horrendous attack of biliary colic, my first ever, and it was revealed that I have gallstones. So... who knows if all that probing around awakened the sleeping stones or not, but it's a cute story. I have heard of women having gall bladder problems during or after pregnancy/childbirth so I stand by my theory that existing quiet stones can get shocked into activity after being disturbed by labor, colonoscopy, pressure on organs caused by the pregnancy, etc. But, I digress....
You should be just FINE and will be very happy you had this done. Once it's over you will likely not need another colonoscopy for YEARS. And by then, they may have figured out how to do the test NON-invasively.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Stay positive -- it's NOT bad for the vast, vast majority of people but I would highly recommend being "out" for the procedure.
Joan
Thanks so much for your warm wishes...I hope your test goes well, too. I already have an intestinal disease called Celiac Disease but I'm not recovering as the doctors would have expected, so we're going forward with the colonoscopy. I'm apprehensive about all invasive testing, but I know I'll probably end up going through with it since there seems to be no other answer as to why I'm still having problems. And I agree with you about the Bentyl, it did nothing for me during the 3 months I took it. Good luck to you, too.
I drank the mix too fast and threw some of it up, but still had no problems. Just don't gulp it all down in seconds because you will overload your throat/stomach too fast. Take nice, easy swallows until each glass is empty. It tastes ghastly, but try not to think about it.
The procedure WAS a piece of cake. My facility was gorgeous and the anesthestheologist terrific after I told him of my fears about the meds due to my heart arrythmia. He reassured me there would be no problems and there were not. They knock you out with one shot and bring you back with another. It's so smooth and pleasant you wish you had the stuff at home!
My procedure took about 30 minutes or so, but my doc is known to be "quick yet thorough." I had no polyps, no signs of microscopic colitis as was suspected, and I was up and out of there within another 30 minutes. I COULD have driven home easily, but they won't let you do it -- liability, you know...
Once home I had a couple of incidents of "gas" but that was IT. I ate lightly the balance of the day and normally the next. NO problems, no soreness, no nothing. I had eaten fairly lightly PRIOR to the procedure, too, so there had not been much in my system from the get-go.
What DID happen was that six weeks later I had a horrendous attack of biliary colic, my first ever, and it was revealed that I have gallstones. So... who knows if all that probing around awakened the sleeping stones or not, but it's a cute story. I have heard of women having gall bladder problems during or after pregnancy/childbirth so I stand by my theory that existing quiet stones can get shocked into activity after being disturbed by labor, colonoscopy, pressure on organs caused by the pregnancy, etc. But, I digress....
You should be just FINE and will be very happy you had this done. Once it's over you will likely not need another colonoscopy for YEARS. And by then, they may have figured out how to do the test NON-invasively.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Stay positive -- it's NOT bad for the vast, vast majority of people but I would highly recommend being "out" for the procedure.
Joan
Thanks so much for your warm wishes...I hope your test goes well, too. I already have an intestinal disease called Celiac Disease but I'm not recovering as the doctors would have expected, so we're going forward with the colonoscopy. I'm apprehensive about all invasive testing, but I know I'll probably end up going through with it since there seems to be no other answer as to why I'm still having problems. And I agree with you about the Bentyl, it did nothing for me during the 3 months I took it. Good luck to you, too.