Colonoscopy

MikeD · 07-22-2005, 04:55 PM

I've been scheduled for a colonoscopy. I'm 51 and have a colorful medical history. Without getting too graphic, does anyone have any advice? I am dreading any pain associated with it. I hear they pump you up full of gas to a painful level. My Dr. told me that I would be out for the procedure but I wonder if that includes the gas part.

Mike D.

ronin · 07-22-2005, 05:11 PM

My wife recently went thru hers in 10 minutes with no sweat. (Actually she mostly slept thru it). Those I've had have been miserable experiences. It's going around the corners that kills me. They should give you a demerol drip. Have them turn it wide open!

Brat · 07-22-2005, 05:18 PM

My husband had one several months ago, the kind where they put you out.* The worst part was the prep, where you need to have an empty gut.* Because they put you under you will need someone to take you home. After it's over plan a feast immediately after discharge.

Others recommend waiting a while to eat... but my husband headed for the hospital chow line ASAP.

REWahoo · 07-22-2005, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeD

I've been scheduled for a colonoscopy.

It isn't nearly the pain in the gut that you think it will be...

REW

nwsteve · 07-22-2005, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brat

The worst part was the prep, where you need to have an empty gut.

Both my wife and I have had ours and there is little to worry about in terms of pain.* Cleaning the gut is the worst part.* I had to drink* a gallon of solution when I had my mine but the wife got some pills she took with water.* I would ask for the pills and be sure you do not get more than 10 paces from the head.
You are better off getting than not getting.
The gas they pump in you will be excaping for awhile so be where the "music" will not embarrass anyone.

Good luck
Nwsteve

yakers · 07-22-2005, 06:12 PM

No big problem for me, I've had 4 of them. Discommfort but not real pain. The worst part is the soap/stuff you get to drink to clean out your system. I would suggest eating lightly afterward, easy your digestion back into its normal function.

smooch · 07-22-2005, 06:21 PM

My husband and I have both had them. There is no pain. The worst part is the prep, then you go to sleep, then you wake up feeling great, then you come home and sleep for the rest of the day.

Nords · 07-22-2005, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwsteve

You are better off getting than not getting.

The Navy's nuclear power industry excels at looking for trouble where it could exist, but rarely does. *These extra inspections cost millions of taxpayer dollars and usually end up breaking the equipment that was being inspected. *If I had a nickel for every time I've heard "Well, we were taking *** apart for its quarterly inspection when Schmuckatelli here snapped off a bolt..."

So as fascinating as the subject of a colonoscopy may be, I'm skeptical. *Has any statistical/medical analysis proved that they're worth the risk of poking the probe through an intestinal wall? *Are they recommended for family cancer risks or just because HMOs will reimburse the expense?

I'm hoping that medical science will invent a CAT or PET scan in the next five years (if I remember my age/health guidelines correctly) that does this non-invasively. *Full-motion color and a take-home DVD would be an unexpected bonus. *But living with the current PSA & DRE regime doesn't fill me with optimism when colonoscopy time arrives...

nwsteve · 07-22-2005, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords

I'm hoping that medical science will invent a CAT or PET scan in the next five years (if I remember my age/health guidelines correctly) that does this non-invasively. *Full-motion color and a take-home DVD would be an unexpected bonus. *

Nords,
Family history will make a difference when you start and how often you get. You can get a scan now in some areas (MRI?) but the issue is that if they do see something (shadow) you still have to have the roto-rooter treatment. Apparently the reliability of the scan is just not comparable to the full-meal deal.
Since colon cancer is one of the major causes of fatality, general consensus is the colonscopy offers a pretty good risk reward return.
nwsteve

MJ · 07-22-2005, 06:38 PM

I had the procedure done 2 years ago.
I drank this gue to cleanout my guts as well. I did request that the anesthesiologist not knock me out fully. I think I fell asleep though he said I was awake the whole time. It was painless.
Although they advised against it, I rode my bicycle there. I figured if I was too groggy or uncomfortable to ride home, i'd take public transportation. I wasn't so I rode my bike home.

07-22-2005, 06:59 PM

When I turned 50, I asked my doctor about and his response was that it wasn't as important as it's cracked up to be. He felt that it was a big deal about it because of Katie Couric. The downsides are that it is not without risk (though he said he's done thousands and had no punctures) and it's expensive.

Amazing that a doc wouldn't give more of a CYA response.

So, since I'm low on the risk factors I decided to wait until I'm 55.

REWahoo · 07-22-2005, 07:03 PM

My doc said he recommends all his patients get one when they turn 50. Said he had two patients in the last year in their late 50's both diagnosed with colon cancer. One was caught early and had a good prognosis. The other was caught late and... well, I scheduled mine for the following week.

Glad to have it behind me...

REW

MRGALT2U · 07-22-2005, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl

When I turned 50, I asked my doctor about and his response was that it wasn't as important as it's cracked up to be.* He felt that it was a big deal about it because of Katie Couric.* The downsides are that it is not without risk (though he said he's done thousands and had no punctures) and it's expensive.

Amazing that a doc wouldn't give more of a CYA response.

So, since I'm low on the risk factors I decided to wait until I'm 55.

I'm 60 and I am waiting forever, i.e. I am not having any, not now, not ever.
I have better things to do than test and screen for every possible
affliction. *DW thinks I overdo it (tests) already and she has a point. * I'm
not afraid of dying. *It is kind of final though.

JG

REWahoo · 07-22-2005, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRGALT2U

I'm 60 and I am waiting forever, i.e. I am not having any, not now, not ever.

JG, you remind me of an old curmudgeon I knew growing up. His motto was "Whatever it is, I'm agin' it!"

REW

MRGALT2U · 07-22-2005, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smooch

My husband and I have both had them. There is no pain. The worst part is the prep, then you go to sleep, then you wake up feeling great, then you come home and sleep for the rest of the day.

Sometimes I have a few beers while out fishing, "come home and sleep for the
rest of the day", and there is no prep involved. Well, I have to check the gas and
buy bait, but still............

JG

farmerEd · 07-22-2005, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords

So as fascinating as the subject of a colonoscopy may be, I'm skeptical. *Has any statistical/medical analysis proved that they're worth the risk of poking the probe through an intestinal wall? *Are they recommended for family cancer risks or just because HMOs will reimburse the expense?

You are right to be skeptical...at my local doctors office (group practice) they (the doctors) are instructed by management to "over-prescribe" colonscopies, for just about any ailment that might even remotely be in the same area...apparently it is a very lucrative procedure for the medical profession...my doctor (whom is also a friend), admitted this freely.

So if your doctor suggests you need one...perhaps a second opinion or some self-research on the 'net is in order to see if it is worth it; I've also heard (sketchy on the facts here I admit, but I am too young to have needed one myself

) that there are two types of colonscopies..one that goes in a little, is less uncomfortable and costs less (and therefore less profitable) and a more invasive version where they go waaaaay in...much more uncomfortable, and costs a lot more (and thus is more profitable for the docs)...and I've read there is no statistical evidence that the more invasive procedure is better (in terms of finding things)...so guess which procedure is used more? You guessed it, the more expensive, more invasive and more profitable procedure which is no better than the cheaper, easier alternative.....

MRGALT2U · 07-22-2005, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo!

JG, you remind me of an old curmudgeon I knew growing up.* His motto was "Whatever it is, I'm agin' it!"*

REW

Yeah, I have noticed that. I plead guilty. Not too sure why this is
as I am "for" lots of stuff. For some reason, I get the most worked up
(and respond accordingly) when I am opposed to something, and yes.........
it is a very long list.

JG

Eagle43 · 07-22-2005, 07:53 PM

I've had two of them. First one, I was wide awake. I asked the doc to show me the tool after he was through. Bad idea. Very long and the idea of it was frightening. Best way to experience it is to be asleep. They put you down with the minimum drug needed, and you wake up with a little gas.

And whoever said the prep was the worse part of it is correct. Just to clean out your bowels. First time, I had to drink a gallon of the most awful stuff. Sit close to the toilet for your own safety and that of your family. Nowadays, you don't have to drink a gallon, but it's very potent.

BTW: The last time, the doc said I had some polyps and wanted to do it again in two years. Coming up on 3 now, and I guess this September, I get violated (inspected). Probably better than dying, though....

What would be the best line for this experience. "Did you find Osama Bin Laden while you were in there?" or "WMD"? I think I saw an internet joke with a bunch of punch lines for this...

REWahoo · 07-22-2005, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle43

I think I saw an internet joke with a bunch of punch lines for this...

Yep, you sure did...you posted them here (reply #53):

http://early-retirement.org/forums/i...?topic=3142.45

First thing to go is your memory....

REW

Eagle43 · 07-22-2005, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo!

Yep, you sure did...you posted them here (reply #53):

http://early-retirement.org/forums/i...?topic=3142.45

First thing to go is your memory....

REW

Thank Goodness it wasn't the same ones. But, you are correct!!!

07-22-2005, 04:55 PM	#1
MikeD Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 475	Colonoscopy I've been scheduled for a colonoscopy. I'm 51 and have a colorful medical history. Without getting too graphic, does anyone have any advice? I am dreading any pain associated with it. I hear they pump you up full of gas to a painful level. My Dr. told me that I would be out for the procedure but I wonder if that includes the gas part. Mike D. __________________ I just want to celebrate another day of livin' I just want to celebrate another day of life - R. Earth

07-22-2005, 05:11 PM	#2
ronin Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 428	Re: Colonoscopy My wife recently went thru hers in 10 minutes with no sweat. (Actually she mostly slept thru it). Those I've had have been miserable experiences. It's going around the corners that kills me. They should give you a demerol drip. Have them turn it wide open! __________________ a surfer who hasn't wised up to the importance of hard shoes....

07-22-2005, 05:18 PM	#3
Brat Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2,715	Re: Colonoscopy My husband had one several months ago, the kind where they put you out.* The worst part was the prep, where you need to have an empty gut.* Because they put you under you will need someone to take you home. After it's over plan a feast immediately after discharge. Others recommend waiting a while to eat... but my husband headed for the hospital chow line ASAP. __________________ Duck bjorn.

07-22-2005, 06:12 PM	#6
yakers Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,564	Re: Colonoscopy No big problem for me, I've had 4 of them. Discommfort but not real pain. The worst part is the soap/stuff you get to drink to clean out your system. I would suggest eating lightly afterward, easy your digestion back into its normal function. __________________ A slave is someone who waits for someone else to free them

07-22-2005, 06:21 PM	#7
smooch Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 123	Re: Colonoscopy My husband and I have both had them. There is no pain. The worst part is the prep, then you go to sleep, then you wake up feeling great, then you come home and sleep for the rest of the day.

07-22-2005, 06:38 PM	#10
MJ Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,992	Re: Colonoscopy I had the procedure done 2 years ago. I drank this gue to cleanout my guts as well. I did request that the anesthesiologist not knock me out fully. I think I fell asleep though he said I was awake the whole time. It was painless. Although they advised against it, I rode my bicycle there. I figured if I was too groggy or uncomfortable to ride home, i'd take public transportation. I wasn't so I rode my bike home. __________________ I look to the present moment because that's where I live my life.

07-22-2005, 06:59 PM	#11
TromboneAl Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Colonoscopy When I turned 50, I asked my doctor about and his response was that it wasn't as important as it's cracked up to be. He felt that it was a big deal about it because of Katie Couric. The downsides are that it is not without risk (though he said he's done thousands and had no punctures) and it's expensive. Amazing that a doc wouldn't give more of a CYA response. So, since I'm low on the risk factors I decided to wait until I'm 55.

07-22-2005, 07:03 PM	#12
REWahoo Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 10,382	Re: Colonoscopy My doc said he recommends all his patients get one when they turn 50. Said he had two patients in the last year in their late 50's both diagnosed with colon cancer. One was caught early and had a good prognosis. The other was caught late and... well, I scheduled mine for the following week. Glad to have it behind me... REW __________________ Some claim to have a crystal ball when it comes to investing in stocks and real estate. Me, I've got a disco ball... Retired in 2005 at age 58 - better FIREd late than never.

07-22-2005, 07:53 PM	#18
Eagle43 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,634	Re: Colonoscopy I've had two of them. First one, I was wide awake. I asked the doc to show me the tool after he was through. Bad idea. Very long and the idea of it was frightening. Best way to experience it is to be asleep. They put you down with the minimum drug needed, and you wake up with a little gas. And whoever said the prep was the worse part of it is correct. Just to clean out your bowels. First time, I had to drink a gallon of the most awful stuff. Sit close to the toilet for your own safety and that of your family. Nowadays, you don't have to drink a gallon, but it's very potent. BTW: The last time, the doc said I had some polyps and wanted to do it again in two years. Coming up on 3 now, and I guess this September, I get violated (inspected). Probably better than dying, though.... What would be the best line for this experience. "Did you find Osama Bin Laden while you were in there?" or "WMD"? I think I saw an internet joke with a bunch of punch lines for this... __________________ Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized. Leo Buscaglia Disclaimer: My Posts are for my amusement only.