Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I have to have one and I'm not really too thrilled with the fact that I can't eat for 24 hours prior - and that I can't drink coffee.

I'm debating whether or not to get it.

Can I have some feedback on your experience if you have done it!

Thanks!

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I've had two...they are really not a big deal. The worst part is drinking the stuff the night before and going to the bathroom a million times to clean out your system.
The whole process took me about two hours. Went to OR or procedure room at Gastros' in the a.m., got prepped and given anesthesia, had colonoscopy (1/2 an hour) and went home. You can eat and drink whatever you want after the colonoscopy. I was fine after both times.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I never have but my boss got one every year, it's really minor, like pp said worst part is the goop the night before. They use a mild sedative so you're not allowed to leave unescorted, someone has to pick you up... You might be sleepy that day but otherwise there should be no side effects.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

many

ask your doc for the fleet phospho soda. It's a small bottle. I take that in the am before the test and laxatives at night.

I'm allowed clear liquids including black coffee..no milk and nothing with red or orange dye. I get wonton soup and eat the liquid (drink the liquid). I think I was allowed OJ.

The procedure itself is nothing but after I let out all of the air they pump in there. A bit embarrassing but everyone in recovery is doing it too.

Message edited 1/9/2009 2:09:48 PM.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I had one last year and as everyone else said the worst part about it is the stuff you have to drink.
I had no pain or discomfort afterwards and went back to normal eating and drinking.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I have and I'm due for another. As pps have said, the prep is the worst, but there are two kinds of prep. One is where you drink a liquid 24 hours before, the other is in pill form and I think it's the "quick prep".

I did the liquid and my sister has done the pills. It's not too bad...

Definitely bring someone with you to the procedure. Between the preparation and the anaesthetic, I slept for 12 hours after I had it done.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

My mom did and she told me that when she saw what was up there it made her totally change what she eats (even though anything will eventually look like "that") and she makes sure she is "clean" at least once a week... But on a serious note, do it, its only 1 day...its better to take safety precautions than to be sorry later!

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

Like everyone said, the prep is the worst part. This might be TMI, but having cottonelle and prep. h wipes saved me after having to drink the fleets phospho stuff I'd recommend having some on hand. The procedure itself was a breeze, and when I woke up I actually felt great. Someone has to be with you though to take you home - they won't let you leave otherwise.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I did it 16 weeks pregnant with no sedative The worst part is the day before prep - no eating, just drinking clear liquids, living in the bathroom AND finally the embarrasament of seeing "that" kind of doctor but otherwise it is a quick procedure and you are 100% back to yourself in a few hours (when your digestive system catches up again)

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I had one and I was totally freaking out before hand. The worst part was like everyone said, drinking the stuff before hand and running to the bathroom fifty times! The procedure itself was fine, and I mean I was really freaking out before hand. Good luck and if you have any questions, please feel free to FM!

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

Yes, I had one. The prep is far worse then the actual procedure.

If you are debating having one, I'd sy get one. If nothing else, but for the peace of mind.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I agree with everyone; it's no big deal.

You keep hearing that "the prep is the worst part" so I was scared for it. But I have to tell you, the "prep" doesn't hurt. It doesn't feel like you have an upset stomach or anything (that's what I was worried about). Honestly, the prep was so painless I thought I did it wrong and the doctor was going to send me home the next day. Drinking the gallon of Tri-Lyte was the worst part for me - you're supposed to drink one cup every 10-15 minutes, and by the 10th or 11th time the taste is unbearable. Pinching your nose shut helps.

Oh, and later on, definitely have some baby wipes and some vaseline. Use the vaseline like Prep H - it's a lifesaver.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

Just do it and get it over and done with. BTW the not having coffee is one of the things I certainly wasn't thinking about. What prep do you have to do for it - the fleet small drink thing was pretty yucky. Honestly the whole thing is NOT fun - but - it was not as bad as I feared it would be.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I urge everyone to get one, my Mom and Grandmother died of colon cancer. One day of inconvience - I lost my Mom when I was 22 yrs old. I wish she was here to see me graduate college- engaged- get married,etc.
Sorry to sound like a commercial.

Message edited 1/9/2009 10:17:45 PM.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

forgot to mention, it's the best 20 minute sleep you will ever have.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I've had so many i've lost count. I take the Visicol pills because I can't keep that nasty solution down. The prep is worse that the procedure. FYI be close to the bathroom at all times

Message edited 1/10/2009 10:27:58 PM.

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

I had one done about 10 years ago when I was 18. the worst part is the preparation the day before!! Between the not eating, having to drink that god awful stuff and then spending the night in the bathroom with the worst case of the shitts that you can possibly imagine!!

The actual procedure is a piece of cake!

If your dr wants you to get one, then do it!!

Good Luck