Hello,
Well I freacked out over nothing..It was not bad at all..I had the stomach one done to..I think that was the worse because my throat is sore..but I can not even tell that I had a colonoscopy..It was easy..Thanks to all of you for your help..
Steph

Welcome Back, Steph :wave: Glad to know that everything went so well!! Yup...the prep is the worst part of it all...the test is a breeze like I said. I hope the results turn out okay....did they tell you anything???? And what were they looking for??

~ Goody :wave:

Congrats, Steph, and I am glad it is behind you now!! I figured you would be just fine. What a thing to get ready for though. We were just talking about them today at work, and I was amazed at how many people cancelled, or wouldn't make their appointment for one, etc. Such a simple thing that can detect soooo much, it's not really worth putting off!!

Renata

Glad it went well for you, those of us that had them knew it would ;) . As I said 1 day out of your life might can give you an extra 10 or 20 years.

It's my turn to agonize over getting this done. I haven't slept a full night since my doctor told me I needed one. I turned 50 within the past 12 months and this is a routine test. My doctor sent a referral to a gastro-enterologist and I recieved a letter from the GI last Tuesday. Now I'm really freaking out.
The letter included a script for Nuelitely so I guess this is what I am required
to drink. Not looking forward to this at all. I plan to request something else
such as phospho soda, but there is a good chance the Dr will insist on sticking with this plan.

I have been carrying the letter around for a week and haven't made the appointment yet. I know I can't put this off forever, but it's worth a try.

Are biopsies routine? That is, do they snag a little tissue to test as a routine step or do they just biopsy suspect tissue? The last thing I want is a biopsy in the low end near the anus/rectum. That tissue is a lot more sensitive than higher up in the intestines. I know I have a few hemmorhoids and the last thing I want is to have them biopsied. Can I insist the Dr NOT do this?

The funny thing is my wife is an RN. If you think I get ANY compassion from her, you obviously don't know any RNs.

drive-south

Hey there d-south... I think biopsies ARE routine, I know they are with the stomach. I don't see why you can't say you don't want one, use the argument that you have a right over your own body. You DO have say in your medical care. He may try to talk you into it really badly because he's going to be afraid of being sued, but bottom line is you DO have the right to refuse. Maybe you'd have to sign something stating that fact. They're not going to biopsy a hemmhoroid, if they find a polyp they will remove it and then biopsy it. I dont know if they just do a random biopsy if they find nothing at all - but if they do, like I said, you should be able to refuse.

I'm concerned that if I don't consent to the entire procedure and leave this to the Dr's discretion "She" might refuse to perform the test. After going through the prep and taking time off from work, I can't afford to do this. I'm also concerned about my health insurance. As it is, I have to pay a $250 co-pay to get this test done (ridiculous!). If it turns out I need a biopsy later on, I might have to pay the cost and have it done without the benefit of a sedative (no thanks).

I'm terrible about getting anything medical done. Routine physicals and blood work don't bother me. I've had extensive dental work done as well including gum surgery for periodontitus. When I had gum surgery, I recieved as many as 25 shots of novacaine in one sitting. It aint a walk in the park, but as far as I'm concerned I'd rather go through that again than get a colonoscopy. Anyone want to discuss a trade. I'll trade my colonoscopy for your' root canal. I'll even paint your house to sweeten the deal. Just tell them you're me.

Years ago, I had a vasectomy. When the Dr told me he was going to perform the procedure with a local, I chickened out. My wife talked the Dr into pretty much knocking me out for the procedure. I'm not sure what they gave me, but I was out.

I'm not ready for this.

drive-south

Hey Drive South,

I've had several periodontal surgeries & 6 colonoscopies. I'll take 4 colonoscopies in trade for one perio surg. any day. Really. Even including the bothersome preps.

Biopsies are routine for upper endoscopies, but IME not so for colonoscopies. All bets are off if the doc sees something atypical, however.

The neat thing about colonscopies is that polyps can be removed on the spot (unless they are too large/invasive). I had one removed w/colonoscopy & thank God I did! It was a precancerous polyp of a fair size ... the docs were quite surprised it had not yet turned cancerous. I was only 32 yo when that polyp came out.

I've had various levels of sedation for my colonoscopies. I prefer total light sedation (not a general) -- feel no pain & have no memory of the procedure. I've taken the option of watching the scope on video during the process & will pass on that one, happy to take the video home, thanks.

Drive South, I believe your apprehension over this procedure is much worse than the procedure itself will be. This is so much better than the old barium X-rays. Now one of those was worth a few perio surgeries in my book. And they didn't get nearly as much accurate & useful info as they do w/the scopes.

If your hemorrhoids are troublesome, let the doc know & ask for extra lubrication. Also, be sure to walk a little & pass your gas after the procedure before you get back into full diet.

The best remedy for this pre-procedure nail biting is to throw yourself into something you enjoy to take your mind off of it. Movies, model trains, ripping up the garden, taking the RN out for a night of dancing, whatever gives you pleasure & takes your mind off this subject. And tell yourself, you'll be doing that activity again real soon after your scope.

Best wishes.

d- south... If you talk to her before the test and she says she'll refuse, then you really have no choice but to go through with it. But talk to her beforehand (before the prep, etc) like the other poster said, if she sees something that's really GOT to be done, you'll be happy it was! I am 47 and always said I would never consent to a colonoscopy, never, never, never!!! However, I had an endoscopy in Dec. for stomach issues and it was such a breeze that at 50 I am going to HAVE the routine colonoscopy! - I'm totally ok with it now, as you will be for subsequent routine ones!

You should be glad - MY co-pay for an endoscopy was $500! I'm making payments!

I talked to a friend of mine the other night that has had 3 Colonoscopies and is coming up on #4 soon. He is 54 and has them every 3 years because they found a polyp when they did the first one. He loathes them even though he has had 3 and knows exactly what to expect. This wasn't real encouraging.

At this point, I just can't get myself to pick up that phone and schedule this.
I suppose I should just get it over with, but I'm not ready. I've read every note in this bb dealing with the subject. Most were pretty positive about the procedure itself, but there were a few horror stories as well. I read about the colonoscope itself and was horrified to learn they are 180 cm long (nearly 2 meters folks!). They remove polyps with "electric snare wire". Yikes!

I've also read about the virtual colonoscopy, however these are not covered by insurance ($1200 out of pocket), and they cannot remove polyps or perform biopsies if you need them. If you don't need these extras it would sure be a great way to get this exam done. However, you still have to go through the same prep, and they still insert a tube to inject air into the bowel, so it's not a totally hassle-free procedure. Perhaps in the future these tests will be non-invasive and people will get them done as easily as getting an exray at the dentist.

drive-south

I'm not quite understanding what your fear is - not saying you shouldn't have one, just don't know what your particular one is. I just had one and while they didn't find any polyps it was my understanding there's no nerve endings in the colon so the removal of such would not cause pain. I think any pain involved stems from the air they pressure in so the scope can travel thru (or somethng like that :rolleyes: ). Anyway I wrote earlier that I came awake twice during it, once during the painful part & I remember it hurting, but the best way I can describe it is like when you get up to go to the potty parlour at night & stub your toe, it hurts like the dickens but you're to groggy to even care - I then feel back asleep. The next time I woke it was during the descent and there was no pain so I watched on the monitor for a while and then dozed back off. All in all it the fear far far exceeded the facts & I wouldn't hesitate to repeat it tomorrow if necessary. I was given the same thing to drink as you're being given & I didn't think the taste was bad at all, nor did I experience any problems drinking the volume. Everyone's different, but I think we all had the same apprehension that you're having and my money's says that once you've had it you'll be telling the next guy that the procedure wasn't that bad at all.

Honest, D-south... It's a piece of cake. In all truthfulness, making the appointment was the hardest part of the whole deal.

I feared the prep the most, because I thought it would cause the same cramping that diarrhea illness does. It didn't. I didn't have one cramp. Get yourself some premium TP like Cottonelle's with aloe and the Cottonelle wipes. Coat yourself with a thick layer of an ointment like Vaseline before you start going. You'll be good "to go" - pun intended. If Nulitely is the 1/2 gallon one, that's what I drank. I mixed it with orange Gatorade, and it tasted exactly like orange Gatorade, just slightly thicker. No prob there.

I had no polyps or other problems, so no biopsies were needed. I don't think it's routine. But if I did have polyps, I'd want them removed immediately. It wasn't so fun that I'd want to do it again 3 weeks later, thank you very much.
But if they want me to do it again in 5 years, I say - Bring it on!

Drive-South

I wouldn't take the few horror stories you read here to be the norm. This proceedure is performed thousands of times a day in the U.S. At the hospital where I had mine done alone they do between 30 and 40 a day. I was apprehensive about it myself and actually put it off for years against my doctors advice. When I did finally have it done I felt like an idiot for not having had it done before. It was a breeze. The prep is really not that big of a deal. Remember most things are what we make of them. If you take it in stride it's really nothing. Please don't let your fears keep you from getting a test that can save your life.

Well, I called and made an appointment for the colonoscopy today. My app is for June 14 so I have almost 3 months to get used to the idea.

The person that booked the app said that I have the option of having the concious sedation (versed + fentinol) or general anesthesia using propofol. I have read that many patients prefer the propofol as you are in a deep sleep and awaken quickly with no hangover. I don't want to wake up in the middle of the procedure and "stub my toe". I definately want the propofol.

drive-south

Mine was a TOTAL breeze with versed and fentanyl. Just tell the anesthesiologist you don't want be conscious and you won't be. The thing I feared the most was the prep. I fasted for one day (the day before the colon test). It's not like you can't consume anything at all. You can drink many things and eat jello if you want to.

I was told to take phosphosoda - 1.5 oz mixed with 4 oz. of OJ. Easy to drink, tho real salty. Had no problems "going." Took a second dose the next morning (the morning of the test), "went" some more. Easy! You will not feel or remember a thing.

My test is scheduled for 9:00am with registration at 8:00 so there won't be time for "going" in the morning. With the Nuelitely I'm sure I'll do plenty the night before. I'm glad I got an early appointment. I don't want to sit around all morning waiting. I should be done well before noon and will have the rest of the day to recoup. It almost sounds like I'm ready for this!

drive-south

I took the Nuelitely - had to pick a flavor and I picked Lemon Lime (well the pharmacist told me it was the best & strongly advised against the Cherry or Pineapple ;) ) - I thought the taste was very mild, not much stronger than water. Although it says not to mix it with anything other than water - if you go to their website it says you can use Crystal Light - I read that after :rolleyes: . It's a shame you have to wait so long to get in - to me the waiting was the worst and I only waited 2 weeks. Oh, and of the 10 people in the hospital recovery room waking from the same procedure (various doctors) - I was the only one that came awake (heck I can't sleep at night either), so I think the chances are very very slim you'll have a "stub your toe" experience :) . Good luck & let us know how it goes.

Hey drive-south! Good for you!! I am sorry though, that you'll have to wait so long. Once I called for an appt, I was in and done within 8 days, I think it was.

Anyway, just want to pick up on what Daisy says about not mixing the 'stuff' with anything other than water. Preps vary, and so do the mixing instructions. My prep was a jar of generic powdered polypropylene glycol, and my doc's instructions said to mix with Gatorade. Soooo... do it exactly as you're told so as to avoid any 'do-overs'.
Eventually, you'll be here along with the rest of us, saying "That wasn't nearly as bad as I thought." And the peace of mind is priceless.
Good luck!

I spoke to my primary care physician today and I told her that I had booked the colonoscopy and have had so much anxiety about having it done that I haven't slept a full night in weeks. I can't stop thinking about it and I just don't think I can go through with it. We discussed my concerns and she told me not to have the test done at this time. She is cancelling the app for me and we will discuss further at my next physical next year. At that time she will probably do fecal blood count and possibly some other simple tests but she said she doesn't see any harm in putting it off, and she doesn't want me to continue to stress over it as I am doing myself more harm than any good that can come out of getting test done.

I'm sorry I just couldn't go through with it. I'll tell you what really did me in. Last night I was doing some more surfing. I found an excellant web site called allnurses.com. It is very similar to this message board. I found a very long string there about colonoscopies. Someone provided a link to a physicians site that actually has a video of the test being done on a patient. That drove me so far over the edge, I didn't sleep a wink last night and I decided I'm not going through it. Even though I've cancelled my appointment, the images from that video still haunt me. The Dr looks like he's snaking out a kitchen sink, driving the scope into a patient a foot at a time. It's barbaric.

I think what I find unbearable about the procedure is not the pain or the prep, it is the humility. It's got to be the most humiliating, degrading thing I've ever had to deal with. Sorry if I put anone off that needs this procedure done. It's just not for me.

drive-south

Drive-south, I respect your decision not to submit to the test at this time. Your doctor has given you good advice to wait till you can stand the thought of it and are comfortable.

I've been thinking, though, about that term "barbaric". At first, I figured I would let it slide, out of respect for you and your unease about the test; but that would be a disservice to others on the fence about getting screened for colon cancer who may have read it. If there's a chance to sway them in the direction of testing, that's what I hope to accomplish by adding this much ~

One could use the term "barbaric" for procedures such as root canal or Caesarian section delivery. Cancer treatment is often "barbaric"; radiation and chemo are no walks in the proverbial park. However, all of these procedures save lives, and few people think of them as "barbaric". To have any of them is a question of mind over matter. Gotta do what ya gotta do.

And then.... There's the "barbarism" of colon cancer itself. My dear uncle died of it, so I know what it does. He had had multiple early symptoms, which he kept hidden from his wife and children. He was too scared to face the thought of testing or treatment... until the day he massively hemorrhaged while getting out of his car.

At the wake, his corpse weighed about 100 pounds and looked the way an unembalmed corpse would look after being buried for about 6 months. The skin was draped in folds over the bones of his skull... jaundiced yellow from the metatastic liver cancer. Now that's "barbaric".

Drivesouth - You shouldn't have cancelled! Don't you realize that you had stressed and worried over this for WEEKS, and now it was for nothing. Now you will reschedule at some point and go through all this ALL over again, so instead of total worry time being 4-5 weeks, its' going to be those 4-5 weeks PLUS the weeks before the next one! That is really a shame. Also, you are concerned about it being humiliating... this is the doctors job, he isn't thinking ANYTHING about it, he does this all day long and you are just another one the assembly line (get it? The ASSembly line?? Just a little proctology humor there :D) I'm serious, your intestines to him are like pipes to a plumber, that's it, nothing more. He's concerned for problems and looking for things that aren't normal. He is thinking nothing more than that.

It is true, everyday in anxiety prior to the procedure. I can said prior to the preps. A benefit to look in these thread, at least I know what prep I can ask for. Of course, the one can mix with Gatorade or Fanta??? Lemon Lime.

But..... I'm still no confident to do it. Is that true, every one over 40 or 50 should have one?

Pika.

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