Colonoscopy
- Thread starter ISUCyclones2015
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I am 44 years old, and I've had Ulcerative Colitis since I was 23, so I've had 6 colonoscopies so far (have to have them every 2 years go forward). Like it was said earlier, the actual procedure is nothing. You may be able to stay awake during the procedure (I still remember watching the monitor on my first one), but more than likely you'll not be aware of it and not remember a thing afterwards.
The worst part by far is the prep the day before. The best way to describe the taste is a mixture of raw eggs and snot. Like someone said, get a lemon or 3 - it will help deaden some of the taste. I usually stop eating a full 2 days before, so the bathroom trips aren't as many since I usually am unable to down the whole gallon.
Bottom line - don't fret about it. While the prep sucks, the procedure is easy, and it has literally saved my life. Every man should have one once they hit 45, and then every 5 years after if they are healthy.
The worst part by far is the prep the day before. The best way to describe the taste is a mixture of raw eggs and snot. Like someone said, get a lemon or 3 - it will help deaden some of the taste. I usually stop eating a full 2 days before, so the bathroom trips aren't as many since I usually am unable to down the whole gallon.
Bottom line - don't fret about it. While the prep sucks, the procedure is easy, and it has literally saved my life. Every man should have one once they hit 45, and then every 5 years after if they are healthy.
It all depends on the prep. I have had many of them (UC like the above poster). Movi-Prep is the best, it is only 32 oz at night and then 32 oz the next morning.
I always chase each glass with some sprite/7up/ginger ale. Chug the 8oz down and then rinse your mouth out with sprite and spit it into the sink. It will get that salty taste out of your mouth so you won't start throwing up by the 4th glass. I have had preps that are 64 oz and 128 oz before. Those are much much worse because it takes 4 hrs to get it all down.
The procedure itself is cake. You go in, lie down, they put an IV in. Go into the room, get some happy juice and wake up an hour later with the worst gas pains of your life. Once you start farting, you are free to leave.
I always chase each glass with some sprite/7up/ginger ale. Chug the 8oz down and then rinse your mouth out with sprite and spit it into the sink. It will get that salty taste out of your mouth so you won't start throwing up by the 4th glass. I have had preps that are 64 oz and 128 oz before. Those are much much worse because it takes 4 hrs to get it all down.
The procedure itself is cake. You go in, lie down, they put an IV in. Go into the room, get some happy juice and wake up an hour later with the worst gas pains of your life. Once you start farting, you are free to leave.
Due to family history I started having these several years ago. At first every 3 years and now every 5 since they haven't found anything. The worst part is the prep the night before. It's like giving yourself the flu. They'll knock you out for the procedure. It'll be fine, best of luck.
Don't ask for beer flavored prep stuff they still don't make it. I ask every time.
Don't ask for beer flavored prep stuff they still don't make it. I ask every time.
Have had several. The last one I had, only had to drink a 1/2 gallon of the "junk". I hold my breath when drinking it, 8 oz @ a time, so do not taste it until after I swallow and breathe. I added flavored lemon lite to each glass and it was drinkable. Best of luck, its really no big deal as far as a procedure but it sucks that you start doing this at 19.
I'm 31 and not looking forward to the day I have to do this. I'm not sure I would be able to keep that stuff down.
Agreed. The procedure is simple. I have family history (father died at 56) so I have had it done three times. Each time, the last thing I remember is being on the table, and the staff asking me to turn on my side after they gave me the "good stuff". Next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room.
Prep...let's just say that after my second time, my wife sent me to a hotel to spend the night before "prepping"! Have something to read next to the toilet...you're gonna be there awhile...and often! Have plenty of liquids to drink, too.
Best of luck...you're doing the right thing!
That's what I wanted to hear. I'm young so hopefully I don't have to get one of these for awhile, but I've always thought farting in front of some doctor or nurse would be uncomfortable.
Nothing to it as was said earlier-you will not remember a thing. I have had 3 since I have your family history and also as I am old enough to fart dust.
PLEASE-in the future- do not use the phrase "good chunk" in a colonoscopy thread.
I really don't remember my prep as tasting bad. It was just a lot -- A LOT -- of liquid. I think it depends on which process your doctor has chosen.
I got a headache during the day before with no eating, drinking only water. I suppose some of it was due to the first-time experience and not knowing what would happen.
Also, do exactly what you're told. As in swallow everything you're supposed to and don't drink anything with red dye, etc. because it can show false "positives" and then you've wasted the whole prep.
I was ready to sleep and eat a bit after I got home, but I was back at work the next day with no problem. My appt was early afternoon. Make sure someone drives you home, too, even if you think you can do it. They probably won't let you leave on your own anyway.
I got a headache during the day before with no eating, drinking only water. I suppose some of it was due to the first-time experience and not knowing what would happen.
Also, do exactly what you're told. As in swallow everything you're supposed to and don't drink anything with red dye, etc. because it can show false "positives" and then you've wasted the whole prep.
I was ready to sleep and eat a bit after I got home, but I was back at work the next day with no problem. My appt was early afternoon. Make sure someone drives you home, too, even if you think you can do it. They probably won't let you leave on your own anyway.
When I started crapping I started wondering what came out cuz all I saw was pee. Then I realized it came from my rectum. Lots of feeling like ur gonna throw up but u never do. Expect a restless night. I didn't remember the procedure at all. And after I started farting they gave me one of those oatmeal sandwich cookies with cream filling and some apple juice. U will be fine. . .
A lot more "good" can come from a colonoscopy than bad - kudos for taking an aggressive stance.
One tip for you is to buy and use flushable moist wipes rather than just tp. The frequency of your bathroom visits will make you red and sore down there. Also, you may want to use A & D ointment to ease the pain.
I actually just went through this, and in the course of the test, and a CT scan afterwards, I had surgery 2 weeks ago to remove a mass (and about 6" of colon). The good news is that we got it early and there was no cancer. Had I waited another 2 or 3 years, it would have been a different story.
I have been doing well since - actually went on 3, 45 mile bike rides starting 8 days after surgery. I have no intention of missing RAGBRAI!
Colon cancer is very, very preventable and curable if you catch it early - but you have to be the one to stay on top of it.
Best of luck to you!
One tip for you is to buy and use flushable moist wipes rather than just tp. The frequency of your bathroom visits will make you red and sore down there. Also, you may want to use A & D ointment to ease the pain.
I actually just went through this, and in the course of the test, and a CT scan afterwards, I had surgery 2 weeks ago to remove a mass (and about 6" of colon). The good news is that we got it early and there was no cancer. Had I waited another 2 or 3 years, it would have been a different story.
I have been doing well since - actually went on 3, 45 mile bike rides starting 8 days after surgery. I have no intention of missing RAGBRAI!
Colon cancer is very, very preventable and curable if you catch it early - but you have to be the one to stay on top of it.
Best of luck to you!
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