Colonoscopy: Oh what joy!

[jwmorrice]

Since I'm in my late 50's, my GP thought it wise for me to have a colonoscopy. Oh joy! Maybe it's something that Poolie would look forward to but not me. Anyway, I was surprised how interesting it was. There I was, lying on a table, camera up my ass, watching a tv that showed a very inner view.

Pain? There was none. That may have had something to do with the shot of Demerol and Valium that I got just before the procedure began.

How long did it take? About 10-12 minutes. Of course it would have taken longer if something like polyps had been discovered and removed but such was not the case with me.

The worst thing about getting the colonoscopy done was the preparation for it. You've got to take things like Citro-Mag and Clean Prep which thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, clean you out. Two evenings are taken up with not being far from the toilet.

I guess the bottom line to this post is, if your doctor suggests a colonoscopy, get it done. There's a certain yuck factor but nothing to fear and no reason to put it off.

jwm

 

[wrong hole]

my GP thought it wise for me to have a colonoscopy.

Is that the procedure where they use a ice cream scoop?

 

[Gentle Ben]

Well said JWM, with a family history of Colon cancer (father) I had my first done in my early 40's,(everything was fine) maybe a bit young for problems, but by the same token, it is possible to have polyps develop at a young age.

I do agree, the test is nothing, the preparation is , well, shitty to say the lest, but it's well worth the peace of mind knowing you're all clear when its over !

 

[great bear]

JWM: Is it true you enjoyed the procedure to such an extent you re-booked for next week?

 

[Muddy]

Colonoscopy

Ah, but the best part is when the doctor smiles and asks if you want to watch what the wee camera in the "snake" is seeing - and what the doc is checking.

Hell, I'd rather watch constant neever-ending reruns of Father Knows Best.

Oh, one more thing. I guarantee you'll throw up the first thing you eat when it's all over.

 

[jwmorrice]

...Oh, one more thing. I guarantee you'll throw up the first thing you eat when it's all over.

Well, you're wrong about that. I had a sandwich and a pop on the way home and some toast and more pop once I got here. No throwing up. Not even a queasy feeling.

jwm

 

[jwmorrice]

JWM: Is it true you enjoyed the procedure to such an extent you re-booked for next week?

True! Next week it's with a strap-on!!

jwm

 

[great bear]

True! Next week it's with a strap-on!!

jwm

If your Doctor answers to the name Submissive Dave get the hell out of there!

 

[shakenbake]

Wisw Words!

Well, you're wrong about that. I had a sandwich and a pop on the way home and some toast and more pop once I got here. No throwing up. Not even a queasy feeling.

jwm

JWM;

You are a wise man, and we should all follow your example.

shakenbake

 

[hambone]

If you enjoyed that so much, next you should try cystoscopy

 

[Gentle Ben]

Oh, one more thing. I guarantee you'll throw up the first thing you eat when it's all over.

I've had 2 colonoscopys and not not had that , mind you, its likely not a good idea to go eat a huge meal immediately after the test, but thats only because you've not eaten for about 2 days, not from side effects from the test itself.

I can see this thread taking 2 sides, the serious, and the humourous , but keep in mind ,the stats for early detection (polyps) and finding out when you have signs of colon cancer ( basically when it's too late) are reason enough for me to want to project the "serious" side

 

[Jamaica-luvr]

Concur...the preparation is very unpleasant, but dying from colon cancer is worse(as did both my parents, grandmother, and aunt).

Had my 1st one at age 44. Now 47. Peace of mind. All clear. Next one is scheduled for age 49. Can't wait...NOT....

Only side effect I had was basically uncontrollable rectal gas emissions for about 5 hours after the test....they pump you full of an inert gas(nitrogen, I think) so the doctor can see the walls of the intestine better. Some pain, but it's eased by walking, so imagine this....5 guys walking around the recovery room, farting in unison, trailing there IV stands...

Just go slow on the intake of food for the 1st 12 hours after the procedure, bland food is best, just like the getting over the stomach flu, and there should be no vomiting.

I don't remember anything after they put the IV in...guess the really pumped in the sedatives, but I watch my entire orthroscopic knee surgery on tv...they gave me an epidural, and very mild sedative...way cool to watch the inside of you knee get it's cartiledge cleaned up...

 

[Jamaica-luvr]

If you enjoyed that so much, next you should try cystoscopy

Piece of cake...had three now.....but I've been out for all three....stings a bit the 1st time you urinate after one though....sometimes a little blood...

 

[WhaWhaWha]

... all I want to say on this subject is, Thank goodness you're talking about a medical appointment. I mean I know some SPs are into anything and everything but sheesh!

 

[Ben Hogan]

Thanks for sharing ...

It's reassuring to hear that it wasn't too bad. Glad all your news was positive.

 

[Svend]

I had it about 4 years ago because of family medical history and it wasn't as intrusive as I imagined it would be. The young female assistant who chatted with me all through the procedure was definitely helpful.

It was exactly the same as when the sewer line in front of my house was probed with a camera to find the extent of tree root problems. That was painful to my wallet.

 

[tileboys]

make sure the doctor doesn't have both of his hands on your shoulders while performing this examination

 

[tboy]

Well, all I can say is for those of you that had one, and found them "not that bad..." count yourself EXTREMELY lucky. I've had....4 (lost count) and every one of them (by two diff. docs) were very painful (excruciating).

Some have posted that they were basically out during the procedure, unfortunately (for whatever reason) the docs I saw wouldn't put me out even though I begged em to (especially after the procedure started).

If you are going in for one of these exams, make sure the doc will put you out during it. If they won't, find another doctor....Trust me on this.....

 

[train]

Jamaica...try a cystoscopy awake sometime.......piece of cake.....not so much. For those of you afraid to ask (and you should be) a cystoscopy is a scope up the urethra and into the bladder.
So....how many of you winced when you read that?

I have had it twice . Once awake....I was actually put in stirrups ( my sympathy ladies ) and once , about 6 years ago while knocked out. The Doc that did it when I was out I think was Abdulah the Butcher . First piss was 80% blood and it felt like I was pissing razor blades . Most painful 40 seconds of my life....and I've had heart surgery. Took two days before there was no visible red in my urine . What were they looking for? Trace amounts of blood were in my urine on a routine insurance exam......what did they find nothing.....probable cause of the original trace? Playing hockey .


Pain scale - colonoscopy - 1 , first day after open heart surgery - 6 , cystoscopy - 8

 

[Jamaica-luvr]

Any doctor who won't put you under(or at the very least sedate you) for a cystoscopy is a fucking sadist....never...ever...put up with that shit..

Guys...cmon...would you have a root canel without freezing?