Colonoscopy
 

Hi,
I've had symptoms that seem to be like IBS, and my Dr. thinks so too. But to be sure, he has sent me to have a colonoscopy. I have never had one before, and I'm not looking forward to it! In fact, I'm dreading it! Surely they are not as bad as they sound like, or look like? lol
:o
~Jaime~

Toull de just fine
 

The test, itself, is a piece o'cake. Exactly as my gastroent Dr told me, I felt nothing during or after and he did remove some polyps - cutting did occur. You are sedated. In fact. after mine was done and I woke up, I asked the nurse if we were finally going to get started -lol. The prep is a little different. This starts abou 8 hours before the test.

if you know the nurses or if they're trying to humor you, erase your apprehesion. they'll give you a normal glass full of 'water'. As you drink it, you'll find it tasteless and only very slightly denser than water. Drinking it all is very easy. Then, they bring in the rest of it :eek: :winky: A little over a gallon. You have to down it all.

About 1/3 thru, you'll need to continue drinking, but in a different room :D All output from the test site must be completely clear, i.e. colorless. Towards the end, you'll swear you've discovered a new path, directly from your mouth to the exit point! Input and output are over in a blink. Seriously, the worst is some stomach discomfort - we generally don't drink that much liquid in such a short period!

I went in with same feelings you have. I wouldn't run right out and have one every day, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I feared. It would have been easier if I had know the size of the container of the liquid I had to drink was! You'll do fine; promise, I'l be thinking of you and mentally sending yoiu encouragement. :hug:

Thanks for the information. But the preparations sound worse than the procedure! I'm dreading all that 'emptying', I already have stomach problems and diarrhea...I don't need to have more of that! lol
:o
~Jaime~

You're on the right track with your thoughts :) I was in the hospital last year from a thyroid storm that nearly (literally) starved me to death. I also had stomach probs and diarrhea before the colonoscopy. The good thing about your gallon-sized cocktail is that you're experienced with its symptoms:winky: but when its done, it doesn't come back, later! And, it doesn't include things like cramping... way less than what you've been through. Please don't dread it too much - it will get you diagosed and on treatment that brings you real relief, It's all good :)

Hugs Jaime, from one who's been there! :hug:

I had a colonoscopy a few years back which showed a bowel tumour, so I had to go back and have a hemicolectomy and trust me, I was more worried about the prep than the consequences of the operation.

It was a piece of cake! Here in Oz there are 3 or 4 bowel preps available, and it depends on your doctor as to which one they order. I had one order Glycop-prep and that's 3 litres to drink. :p

For the bowel op and the post op check colonoscopy, I was ordered Golytely and that was just 2 glasses of prep washed down by lots of clear fluids.

The preps do clean you out but I didn't get any cramps, and each time I had enough time to make it to the bathroom. Don't plan on leaving the house, that's all. :winky:

Wow! My next colonoscopy, I'm coming to Oz! :) :) I think I started with one glass of Golytely, but what I had to finish (different) didn't even permit time to traverse from hospital bed to in-room facilities :o Jaime, sounds like Koala has the best advice for your time and place. I'll still think of you and am very glad Koala had even more encouraging experience to provide :)

The only thing I'm not sure of yet, is how far ahead you have to take these preparations, and how long you have to go without eating. Is it done on the same day or the day before, as my appt. time is 1:30pm?
Still don't feel any more 'excited' about it! lol But still have 5 weeks to wait...
~Jaime~

Some doctors prefer their patients have a low residue diet for 2 days and clear fluids for one day before the colonoscopy, but most now seem to have given away the low residue diet and just use clear fluids for 24 hours prior to the procedure instead. It totally depends on your doctor's preference.

With a 1:30pm appointment, you should expect to have either all or half the bowel prep the afternoon/evening before.

My appointment was early in the morning, so my prep was all done during the day/evening before, but because you have an afternoon procedure, you might find your doctor wants half the night before and half in the morning.

Once again it depends on your doctor's preference.

Everyone needs to starve prior to theater to prevent intra-operative complications and the starving time also depends on doctor preference. Some would say nothing in your stomach for 6 hours prior to your surgery, and some say 4, but it's important to drink lots of clear fluids while you can to prevent dehydration. I got in a supply of sports drinks so I didn't deplete my electrolytes with the trips to the bathroom.

You should get all of this information as a printed information sheet from your doctor before your operation, and if you don't get one ... then ask.

After seeing my spouse w/the go litely?
 

I KNEW I couldn't get that stuff down me. So I asked for a pill! Then measured out several liter bottles of water.
Here is some guidance on prep and follow up:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts....er/1778-1.html
You will get specific instructions similar from your doc also.
The prep is the hardest part. The Exam? Well, I was mildly anesthetized and slept thru it all.
Afterwards? That bloating/gassy feeling is because AIR gets into your intestines during the exam...in a way that doesn't normally happen.
All in all? Definitely eat light, broths, toast puddings that kind of thing after the exam to help clear things back to normal.
It is a necessary and useful/life-saving test. It's gotta be done, but there are worse exams to have? In that light it's not so bad! PS? You won't be able to drive yourself for the test-because getting back home you are gonna be 'out of it'. Go fiercely! :hug:'s - j

Thanks. I haven't got any instructions yet, but I'm sure they will give them to me closer to the date. At least I know now that I will have to keep at least 2 days free, and not plan anything! lol

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..

Glad that appointment is over with...I hate talking about my bodily functions with everyone! lol I will be getting a check up...from both ends! Gastroscopy as well as a colonoscpy at the same time...hopefully soon!
:eek:
~Jaime~

Watch out for the 'gas'?
 

The air that's gotten into you during the tests. Eat pablum type stuff, toast, oatmean, mushes of any sorts [I like potatoes as I can put chicken broth and butter into them without guilt-make a great potatoe soup]. Eat small and 'gentle things' at first? Couple of days later? Maybe a good hunk of meat?
In the interim? Be prepared for well...how do I put this delicately? Surprise farts...or Farts Plus? Have your washing machine primed and loaded to be active during this phase. It WILL pass tho, after a couple of days.
A gasto test IS an invasion into you? But while it's not 'fun or pleasant'? It IS necessary and useful and saves our lives!
I'm disappointed about docs who tell you how to 'prep'? And then neglect about how you should 'recover'! I ALWAYS ask about the 'care and feeding' of myself after any procedure! You'd be surprised how many docs are surprised! DUH? It baffles me. Hugs to you and good things and results!!!! - j :hug::hug:!'s

I have a date...my colonoscopy/gastroscopy will be on the 7th July...less than 2 weeks away! :eek:
~Jaime~

I bet you are SOO excited? NOT!
 

Just be patient with yourself while taking the 'prep' stuffs? And don't get far from a 'commode'! That and slurp all the liquids you can/are allowed before during until and then after ...As Instructed! This can be a life-saving test. Take it. Be safe rather than sorry!
At least? It's AFTER the holiday.... :yahoo:
So go have fun until? Then PREP and get IT over with!
:hug:'s - j

It's good you have the date. At least now you can plan around it.

I need to phone soon to get a referral for my next one, not that I'm looking forward to it but it has to be done.... the first one I had saved my life!

Keep us up to date, and feel free to ask me if you need any further info.

Colonoscopy
 

I'm due too, but no appointment as of yet. I had my 1st five years ago; no big deal. (The alternative is very scary for me!!)
Sue:)

OK Jaime... start counting? Start 'hydrating'!
 

Tomorrow, go and get a small paks of gatorade and slurp a couple before you start the 'procedure' with all the pills or glop or whatever. Fluids WILL help you get thru it all. AND Don't forget, we all have to go thru it all more than once in our lives? This is ONE time I can and do think of JELLO as a friend! As a pre-prep? It's a good one, you feel full, yet it isn't at all stressing to your digestive tract!
Once you get thru the first one? You'll get thru the others! Trust me on this? I've had three of 'em. I can still kick butt with my mind, and do damage with my cane so there! You now know what you're getting into, what they might be looking for and I hope TRULY that there is nothing to be found! That's the best result from 'this exercise/test'!

Remember? No chili-cheese dogs for at least a week! [of course, you are gonna want one NOW? DON'T!] Save it for when you CAN appreciate it!
After this procedure? You will be a member of what I call the 'inner-space' club. You have had your inner space explored! At least part of it. Go forth and test fiercely! :D and :hug::hug::hug:'s for the doing of it! - j

Just got home from the hospital an hour ago. Both procedures went well. I'm just glad that it's all over with now. The 'cleansing' was not much fun at all! lol Now I'm still bloated and sore, I guess it will take a while for things to settle down.
I didn't get any bad news, but then I didn't get told much at all. I just have to wait to see the Dr. in 3 weeks!
:o
~Jaime~

P.S. I can't eat chilli (and I don't like it anyway), so I don't have to worry about that! lol

Glad to hear it's over and that you're OK.

Hugs from me.... :hug:

Whoo HOOO!!!!! Ya made it!
 

The 'process' is more surprising than the testing IMHO. If no techs got worried looks on their faces and said all looks good? It's a 97% chance that it IS good! So you don't have to look 'forward' to it again for another five-ten years! :Excited: [We don't have any dancing chili's in our smilies :D!]
You made it thru, just eat 'gently' for the next 2-4 days...Don't surprise your self with a hot italian sausage or more yet?
Remember, the whole thing could have been horrid? But they did not find something worse!
So, come Saturday? Find some tame way to go party hearty!
:hug::hug::hug: I think we outta have a 'club' for colonoscopy survivors? The total ANGST before the test, then the ANGST-PLUS! going thru the prep are worse than the test itself. Aftermath? That strange bunch of AIR in your gut! Just don't go to any special 'presentation dinners' rite afterwards? Wouldn't be fun, or nice or anything!
Go get on with the rest of life -One thing checked off the LIST!
:hug::hug:'s- J

I feel relieved right now...after this long wait, I saw the Gastroenterologist today, and my Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy results were clear! My hiatus hernia hasn't got any bigger, and everything else is good inside...considering the constant reflux, and the IBS symptoms I've had! I must be tough inside! lol
:o
~Jaime~

That's wonderul Jaime_S :yahoo:

It was certainly worth the wait to read that news!


.......... I must make an appointment to get my own done!

YEAH! It is ....One thing...
 

MORE OFF THE LIST! Count that as a plus for all the angst and efforts.
Tomorrow more tests? Or something! :hug::hug::hug:'s - j