"World-class colonoscopy"

[2soon2tell]

Nords,

Don't worry. After Thursday you can truly say that your problems are behind you.

Just kidding. Good luck

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords Their anesthetic of choice is propofol, with a Versed chaser available upon request. I'm told that I respond really well to propofol (not that I can remember anything, which seems to be the whole point) so I'll try to pass up the Versed.

I had propofol for my colonoscopy, and Versed for my cataract surgery. So, I can compare them from my own point of view, anyway.

I remembered NOTHING from the propofol. I was out cold, I guess. I had the most wonderful dreams in the world which I couldn't remember afterwards. When I awakened I felt more refreshed than I have ever felt from normal sleep. Basically, I can fully understand why Michael Jackson wanted it even when he wasn't in surgery. DELIGHTFUL...

I was awake the whole time on Versed, and knew what was going on. It just removed all of my anxiety and I wasn't aware of any pain. When the doctor said, "Look at the light", I looked at the light, and so on. I didn't have the blissful nirvana feeling like I did on Propofol and I wasn't unconscious on it. On the other hand, it did the job well. But no bliss.

If it was me, I'd go for the propofol that your anesthetist wants to give you, and skip the Versed.

[HFWR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords ...a free prostate exam with every colonoscopy...

No trading stamps?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronstar Have a great colonoscopy, Nords!

A real Hallmark moment...

[rodi]

Wishes for an uneventful procedure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo Up yours, Doug. Sincerely.

Ok... Once again I find myself laughing out loud at the keyboard and my husband looking at me like I'm nuts.

[sengsational]

My BIL, and inventor, has one of many "rear view mirror" ideas for colonoscopes. So ask your doc if they're using one of those. According to my BIL, they miss a "sh**-ton of polyps" because they're behind a fold, or something.

As to the waking sedation vs knock-out (propofol), I kind of liked the waking sedation because afterwards, you go home and sleep the whole day away. With propofol, I was agonizing with getting rid of the air they pumped into me, wide awake, all day long.

One last thing, I didn't see what prep they had you on, but if your doc recommends some $300 big pharma thing, you can always just do this for about $10. If you care about your renal function, you'll think twice about using those salts. They outlawed phospho soda and the new ones? I wonder if the problems just haven't caught up with them yet. Mine is scheduled too, so that's why I'm up on this. But if they find no cancer, then it's worth the trouble (I guess).

[athena53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sengsational One last thing, I didn't see what prep they had you on, but if your doc recommends some $300 big pharma thing, you can always just do this for about $10.

Thanks for this link. I got an e-mail from my doc's office with a link to prep items "chosen just for you"- $32, no description of the contents. I don't think so, Doc. I'll do it my way.

And my way, BTW, includes a little white wine.

[jim584672]

Propofol works great, out in 3 seconds, and remember nothing.

[Free To Canoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords Oboy, it's about that time again. And ironically, March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. What better way to mark the occasion? ....

5 years already? Where does the time go? Glad that you survived the Appendectomy OK. Best wishes on your check up.

[lawman3966]

PREP:
My prep involved varying degrees of diet control over the course of a week. For e.g.: avoiding metamucil within 7 days of the procesure.

Then, more limitations within 3 days which I can't recall.
In the last 24 hours, I was on a Jello-only diet and was instructed to drink Polyethylene glycol and water to drink, starting about 18 hours before the procedure. This fluid was the worst part of the whole process. In fact, I strongly recommend forcing terrorists to consume this foul brew as I believe it would serve as a better deterrent than waterboarding.

ANASTHETIC:
I didn't ask about this, and just allowed the med people do their thing. I was unconscious for the whole procedure, which lasted about 20 minutes.

DRIVER:
I was told repeatedly not to drive, and to not sign any legal documents for 24 hours after the procedure. I took Uber to and from the appointment with no problem. So, I'd say a definite "yes" to using another driver. Absolutely no question about it. It could well be a DWI offense to drive yourself home. I wouldn't even think about disregarding that restriction.

RECOVERY:
About a day.

WHAT I'D DO DIFFERENTLY.
Mostly, just stress less about it. Other than that, all went well.

[athena53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawman3966 DRIVER: I was told repeatedly not to drive, and to not sign any legal documents for 24 hours after the procedure. I took Uber to and from the appointment with no problem. So, I'd say a definite "yes" to using another driver. Absolutely no question about it. It could well be a DWI offense to drive yourself home.

I'm really surprised they let you use Uber; did the driver stay there the whole time? Most facilities insist on that. Heaven forbid you might have to stay in their precious recovery beds 5 minutes after you're discharged. Makes it very difficult for people who don't have a Significant Other available.

I do mine without anaesthetic and last time I did drive home. (DH was with me but I was just fine to drive.)

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixonge Can they do the prostate part while you are still not remembering?

Well, um, I can't remember. But they claim it's part of every colonoscopy, not really just a March special twofer. I haven't asked for video or photo evidence...

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo Up yours, Doug. Sincerely.

"Thanks everybody!"

But seriously, I appreciate everyone's knowledge, experience, & support. I read this entire thread to refresh my memory before the consult, and it makes me smile just to see that this thread is still here! I'm just sorry that medical science considers this necessary... especially since I'm likely to have 3-4 more of these over the next 20 years before the doctors give up.

I've seriously considered doing these at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, and that's still an option next time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sengsational My BIL, and inventor, has one of many "rear view mirror" ideas for colonoscopes. So ask your doc if they're using one of those. According to my BIL, they miss a "sh**-ton of polyps" because they're behind a fold, or something.

Interesting. I'll ask about that. The doc who claims that he'll be doing the procedure (or at least selling tickets to the interns) promises to catch all of the polyps-- and most of the lumps which aren't big enough to be considered polyps yet. Apparently with my genetic heritage the question is not "if" but rather "how many round trips we'll have to make to haul it all out". I was joking with him about "minimum wall thickness" (nuclear engineering humor) but he was serious...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sengsational One last thing, I didn't see what prep they had you on, but if your doc recommends some $300 big pharma thing, you can always just do this for about $10. If you care about your renal function, you'll think twice about using those salts. They outlawed phospho soda and the new ones? I wonder if the problems just haven't caught up with them yet. Mine is scheduled too, so that's why I'm up on this. But if they find no cancer, then it's worth the trouble (I guess).

MoviPrep has a $24 Tricare copay, and apparently our local pharmacy thinks that's ridiculously high. I'm just glad that we can get the job done with two quarts instead of six.

I don't worry about the salts. Most of them are electrolyte supplements, or else the kidneys never have a chance to work on them as they race through the small & large intestines. But I've read that it can be an issue for those who have marginal renal function. I'm also encouraged to drink plenty of other (approved) liquids during the prep to stay hydrated, so the renal function will certainly have plenty of fluid to help flush any excess.

I was warned to stop the fluids on the morning of the procedure so that there's not too much in my system. My appendectomy gave me a very rational dislike of catheters, and I specifically asked if one would be involved in a colonoscopy, but the answer was that it wouldn't be necessary if I followed the directions on stopping fluids Thursday morning. I'm happy to hold up my end of that deal.

I've heard about other colonoscopy preps gone bad because of the caffeine content of the flavored sports drink. (Hypercaffeinated jitters from those who don't usually drink caffeinated beverages.) I'll have a few cups of coffee on Wednesday morning, just like every morning, but from then on it'll my usual green tea & water.

[stepford]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sengsational My BIL, and inventor, has one of many "rear view mirror" ideas for colonoscopes.

When I had mine the surgeon shared a bit of modern day proctology lore. Apparently many of those suffering with problems in that area now take selfies of the offending region with an appropriately placed phone, and then send the photo to their doctor. The docs have named this practice "rexting". Priceless.

[DayDreaming]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords ... There are the usual warnings about abstaining from nuts, fruits, and veggies. Wednesday will be a fasting day, although I can drink as much clear liquid as I want...

Nords, I'm curious about the "no fruits or veggies". Does that mean no RAW fruits or veggies, but cooked is ok?

I'm curious because I'm about 48 hours from my colonoscopy and I was only told no nuts, corn or whole grains for 1 week prior to the procedure. Today I plan on fish and cooked veggies for dinner, scrambled eggs tomorrow morning, a clear liquid diet the rest of tomorrow - probably plain water or green tea. I have the procedure done Monday afternoon.

[audreyh1]

This is amazing - the difference.

Two colonoscopies within the past year (1 each), different doctors. They used the same prep, and neither mentioned ANY food restrictions other than the day of fasting.

I took it upon myself to avoid nuts/seeds and eat low fiber for a few days before the prep, and so did DH. But the doctor's offices didn't seem to think it important.

Nice pics - we both had very clean colons.

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeDreaming Nords, I'm curious about the "no fruits or veggies". Does that mean no RAW fruits or veggies, but cooked is ok? I'm curious because I'm about 48 hours from my colonoscopy and I was only told no nuts, corn or whole grains for 1 week prior to the procedure. Today I plan on fish and cooked veggies for dinner, scrambled eggs tomorrow morning, a clear liquid diet the rest of tomorrow - probably plain water or green tea. I have the procedure done Monday afternoon.

I didn't ask for clarification, but I think it means no seeds or peels. For example, there's this site:
https://moviprep.salix.com/what-is-a...py-preparation

I haven't done the meal planning yet but I'm going to pretty much live on fish, eggs, & yogurt for Sunday-Tuesday. I'll look over all of that paperwork early Sunday morning and get a clue.

You would think that a slug of high-fiber food would just race through a colon, but apparently that's not the case.

Buried deep in the fine print of one of my colonoscopy prep "guidelines" was an admonishment to avoid suppositories during the prep. Yeah, that issue would be explosively self-correcting...

[nerkdawg]

Had one at a local surgery center - slept through the whole procedure - but they found over a dozen polyps. That got me referred to a specialist for a follow up colonoscopy.

The specialist used a lighter anesthesia so that you are awake during the procedure. Still not bad, just a little uncomfortable.

Biopsy of polyps revealed cancer in one. Due to the cancerous polyp, the number of polyps, and family history ..... This led to a surgery - total colectomy.

No more colon, but the doc was able to reattach the small intestine so I don't have an ostomy bag.

Remarkably your body can adapt very quickly to life without a colon. Good news is that all biopsies are clear so no more cancer!

So, even though the colonoscopy prep is a nuisance - please have it done - it can be a lifesaver!

[jabbahop]

Dawg - so glad to hear that the cancer is gone and also they were able to avoid the bag.


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[HFWR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok...

Quote:

I'm happy to hold up my end of that deal.

Colonoscopy puns...

As an aside, Confucius said "Man going through turnstile sideways going to Bangkok..."

[MichaelB]

<rimshot>

[Fedup]

This thread reminds me I'm due for one a few years ago but I was too busy. I have to wait after I return from my vacation overseas.


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