I hadn't kept solid food down for weeks before hospitalization. The hospital had fed me via IV for a week, at most, before my colonoscopy. My procedure time was 6:00 a.m. the next morning, and I certainly couldn't believe there'd be much to drain out of me!!

Even so, the 1st glass arrived about noon the day before. Around 2 hours later, my green "food" was removed from all the other bags on the IV pole; no more water to drink, either. At 6:00 p.m., their pressure began "You MUST have all this down before 2:00 a.m. Remember, the sooner it's gone, the sooner we can give you a nice, big, extra morphine shot and you can sleep." About 10:00 p.m. I DEMANDED to see my output. it...wasn't...clear :eek: At 1:55 a.m. it cleared. By then, I was throwing up the last glass or two, on top of everything else taking hikes out, elsewhere :( The nurse was right there with that big morphine dose, saying "Think what this would have been like if you'd been eating normal food". Needless to say, I was still awake when they wheeled me out.

As already mentioned, you'll get exact details from your Dr about your preparation instructions. I just took the very, very long way around to say if you can do it, back up a coupla days from his instructions and find some clear liquids that you like. You now know my experience when I was sure I was already empty. If Koala comes back saying that even this part is easier there - scoot over - Me and Mine are Moving to OZ Permanently :D :)

Sounds like you had a really bad experience Katie and if it was me, I would be changing hospitals for my next one because it sounds like it was the nurses who gave you a bad time, rather than your doctor.

I've had 2 colonoscopies now in the past 3 years, and am due for my next later this year. As one who's had bowel cancer surgery I have to have repeat colonoscopies every one or two years; the time difference depends on the last 'scope results.

I don't know if it's location or doctor's preferences but I had the first in one state, the 2nd in another and they both went well for me. The prep was not too bad and the colonoscopy was easy as.... I also went through the same prep before my hemicolectomy.

You'll be given this wonderful stuff IV before the procedure (in Australia it's called Hypnovel) which will put you asleep enough that you'll remember nothing about it at all. There'll be no hang over.... no post-op vomiting!

You'll be fine Jaime. Your doctor, or the hospital, will provide you with a printed instruction sheet, but if you need any other information, just send me a PM. :hug:

Koala, I couldn't agree more!! :o I was already in emergency transport to a different hospital, the one of my choice and that I'd used for nearly 30 years. It was about 16 miles away, with the last 5 in heavy, city traffic. Unfortunately, 1 mile into transport, I fell into a coma and was diverted to a different hospital; a country-club, members-only, HMO with heavy emphasis on "country...side without traffic", 7 miles away. Even so, my arrival BP was mid-80s/high-30s (I'm always very generous with these #s, the paperwork clearly states otherwise). I was also in organ failure and my blood oxygen showed certainty of brain damage. My husband was immediately told "She's got 2 hours, at best. Call your family and friends, now. Tell them that no conversations with her are remotely possible."

Danged place saved me, albeit the 10 of the 15 days I remember I'd like to forget lol. Yes, the nurses were all theirs. The ones doing the colonoscopy prep were some of the better ones :rolleyes: However, the gastro Dr and his procedure staff were from my 'hood' :D When he saw me later at his office, and he said "See ya in 5", there was complete understanding it would be under far different circumstances. :winky:

If/when I and mine move to OZ, I'm taking him with me :) :) :)

Only a week to go! I'll be glad when it's over! :o

You'll be right! :)

You should remember nothing after they put you on the table, not a thing .... I didn't!

My own check colonoscopy is due in September, so I need to phone the specialist soon to make a booking. It's not something I look forward to, but with my history I can't let them pass.

Let us know how you get on Jaime, and please know that I'll be thinking of you.

Not having the colonoscopy tomorrow...don't know when it will be yet! The hospital changed dates and didn't let me know...I phoned today, asking why I haven't heard anything about the prep, and was told my appointment had been changed! Not happy...I wanted this over with! :mad:
~Jaime~

I'm so sorry Jaime, and I'm appalled they didn't notify you of the change! I worked in hospitals for over 30 years and that's the first time I've heard of that happening.

I know you were a little anxious (as we all would be) and so to have it cancelled this close, without a new operation date to prepare yourself, must be extremely frustrating.

I hope you hear soon. :hug:

I have sorted out the problem now... it was a lack of proper communication! lol I do have an appointment tomorrow, but just for a consultation, they never put that in the original appointment letter, they just assumed I knew! I told them I have never had this procedure before, so I don't know how things go...I said more information would have been nice, she apologised in the end. I have calmed down now...! lol
:o
~Jaime~

I'm pleased that it's been sorted out, and thank you for letting us know. :hug:

make sure they have your phone # and address properly recorded..