"World-class colonoscopy"

[Nords]

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...

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.

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...

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]

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]

... 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]

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-colonoscopy-prep/colonoscopy-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]

Get the colonoscopy

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]

Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok...

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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[scrinch]

I opted this year to remain conscious during my colonoscopy. It was only mildly uncomfortable, and recovery was much faster and less disorienting. I also didn't have a slug of air left in there to make me uncomfortable for days afterward. I'm going to go this route from now on. It was interesting to watch the goings-on on the monitor, too. Now I know how subtle a polyp can actually look in the colon....more like a little fold in the surface than a second uvula.

 

[imoldernu]

First colonoscopy 27 years ago, finding cancer and having a sigmoid resection.
Then every 5 years until the last one... plenty of polyps along the way, but none cancerous.
After the second colonoscopy, just had the IV just in case, but no anaesthesia... not because I'm tough, but because I like to see what's going on... last time on a large screen monitor. Just mildly uncomfortable when going around corners. All of the doctors I've had, have talked throughout the whole procedure, telling me what I was watching.
The doctor prescribes Moviprep, but I ask for Golytely, less than 1/5 the price. I don't mind the taste, as I mix it with dry gin.

Colon cancer surgery has come a long way in the past 25 years. Laproscopic surgery is now common and recovery is much faster. Way back when... a 7 inch scar, a four hour operation, 12 hospital days and, for me, three months before I could stand up straight. My neighbor had essentially the same operation (but laparoscopically) a few years ago and was back to work in 10 days.

Good luck... enjoy!

 

[scrinch]

The doctor prescribes Moviprep, but I ask for Golytely, less than 1/5 the price. I don't mind the taste, as I mix it with dry gin.

With a twist?

Glad your surgery went well and has had such good long-term results.

 

[Nords]

Colonoscopy puns...

Whew. I was afraid those were too subtle for this crowd.

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.

We have lots of travel plans for later this year, so March is turning into "bodywork month".

The following week, the dentist is routing out and repacking a 35-year-old filling (cracked). And around these fun events, I finally (nearly 14 years after military retirement) filed my VA disability claim. I'm waiting on the VA's C&P exams now.

 

[Nords]

So far so good. A quart of MoviPrep at 5 PM the night before, and again at 5 AM the morning of, is much better than chugging a gallon of the stuff I used five years ago during one evening's thrill ride. I got a lot more sleep last night, too.

But this whole prep experience (and the effective starvation that goes with it) seems to be designed to make you look forward to the actual procedure (or at least the yummy dinner which will follow shortly afterward).

Said procedure is in 5.5 hours, not that I'm counting...

 

[powerplay]

Sending good wishes for an uneventful procedure and a most enjoyable meal afterwards.

 

[Walt34]

But this whole prep experience (and the effective starvation that goes with it) seems to be designed to make you look forward to the actual procedure (or at least the yummy dinner which will follow shortly afterward).

Our experience is that we go home, eat something fast and filling, then then fall asleep for the next four hours or so.

Hope this turns out to be a non-event.

 

[Idnar7]

Nords I hope yours went good. My last one didn't. ** graphic warning ** I was sedated but not out. Started with laying on my left side. Then he told me to switch to my right side. Then my back. He called in two nurses who pushed on my intestines and told me not to fight it. Then he had me switch to my stomach. Still couldn't get it all the way. I heard him say that he couldn't spend any more time on me or he would never get out of there. He came to the recovery area to tell me he couldn't see the last couple inches. He said I would have to have a C-scan. So one month later I had to go through the whole elimination process again. They said no sedation was necessary and I could drive myself. Said it involved just a gentle stream of air. When I went in there was a lady technician (who spoke with an accent) standing with what looked like a blow torch with a huge tank. She had me lay on my back and said to let her know if the pain got too bad. She then placed the tool and blew up my colon like a life raft. Then I had to hold my breath four times while I was put into an x-ray cylinder. I had tears running down my face. Then she said roll over onto your stomach. It was like laying on a basketball. She said she were going to repeat the process from this side and she said to signal if it was too painful. I started waving my arms and saying enough. She said she hadn't turned the air on yet. After 4 more x-rays I was panting like a dog. I said to her they had said it was painless. She said if they said anything else, people wouldn't have it done. She then directed me back to the rest room to "clean up". This was just before Christmas and she wished me a happy holiday. I said don't expect a card. When my doctor got the results they were inconclusive because they couldn't see enough. So not only did I go through a humiliating and painful process for nothing, because ins had already paid for the colonoscopy, it was not covered. $1,000 out of pocket. I will never go through that again.


edit typo

 

[check6]

While colonoscopy is considered the gold standard testing for colon cancer some may want to consider the relatively new FDA approved DNA stool test called Cologuard. It is covered by Medicare. Much better than the older FIT test which just checks for blood.

 

[Nords]

Sending good wishes for an uneventful procedure and a most enjoyable meal afterwards.

Our experience is that we go home, eat something fast and filling, then then fall asleep for the next four hours or so.
Hope this turns out to be a non-event.

Those were my hopes too!

It was a huge relief. Totally uneventful, no polyps found, able to see clear to the appendectomy scar, everything's normal, no nagging carcinoid questions, and I'm paroled for another 10 years.

800 calories later (high fiber, of course) I'm starting to feel human again.

I learned some interesting things:

• When following the colonoscopy prep (a quart of MoviPrep the night before with a pint of water chaser, followed by a quart of MoviPrep next morning with another pint of chaser) the result is about a quart of dehydration.
• When you're dehydrated, your blood pressure rises. I checked in at 140/75 (dehydration and white-coat syndrome), got to 120/70 with the help of a liter of saline, and woke up in recovery at 100/60. I like this new BP trend.
• When you're dehydrated, it's hard to stick an IV needle in your vein. The nurse who stuck me is a pro and nailed it on the first try, but I could still feel more than usual.
• My before & after weight dropped by six pounds out of 190. I still don't recommend this as a weight-loss program.

The doctor asked if the room's music track was good (70s classic rock). Then I realized that I wasn't going to be listening to any of it. 330 mg of propofol later (no Versed), I don't remember hearing more than the first song.

I'm told that the procedure took about 15 minutes. I woke up back in the recovery room 30 minutes after I'd left. The whole process was a lot faster (and seemed much more efficient) than Tripler.

For anyone on Oahu, I'd happily recommend Pacific Endoscopy and Dr. Yang.

Nords I hope yours went good. My last one didn't. ** graphic warning ** I was sedated but not out. Started with laying on my left side. Then he told me to switch to my right side. Then my back. He called in two nurses who pushed on my intestines and told me not to fight it. Then he had me switch to my stomach. Still couldn't get it all the way. I heard him say that he couldn't spend any more time on me or he would never get out of there. He came to the recovery area to tell me he couldn't see the last couple inches. He said I would have to have a C-scan. So one month later I had to go through the whole elimination process again. [...] So not only did I go through a humiliating and painful process for nothing, because ins had already paid for the colonoscopy, it was not covered. $1,000 out of pocket. I will never go through that again.
edit typo

I'm sorry to hear about that. It's events like this which make me wonder whether I really need to show up at the 10-year point, or if I should just try to quietly age out of the system.

While colonoscopy is considered the gold standard testing for colon cancer some may want to consider the relatively new FDA approved DNA stool test called Cologuard. It is covered by Medicare. Much better than the older FIT test which just checks for blood.

Although that's a good symptom to detect, I'm not sure how they'd find polyps. Snipping off the growths has always seemed to be the issue holding back the virtual & external colonoscopies.

But I hope they figure it out in the next decade, although I may never have another update for this thread...

 

[sengsational]

Good to hear it was totally uneventful from a cancer perspective.

I certainly remember being totally parched in the hours leading up to the procedure. Nobody talks about that, but it's no fun. I didn't know it wreaked havoc with the BP.

 

[athena53]

Nords I hope yours went good. My last one didn't. ** graphic warning **

Wow- what a nightmare. From what I've read, colonoscopies can be difficult if your intestines have more twists and turns than usual or are otherwise tricky to navigate, but the tech who did the second procedure sounds like she was a mammogram tech in a previous career! I'm guessing that the more she inflated your intestines, the better they can check out your colon, but she may have been overenthusiastic. The "it's the patient's fault" attitude of both the doc and her would rub me the wrong way, too.

If you've got any alternatives, I wouldn't use that facility again.

 

[Ronstar]

Wow- what a nightmare. From what I've read, colonoscopies can be difficult if your intestines have more twists and turns than usual or are otherwise tricky to navigate, but the tech who did the second procedure sounds like she was a mammogram tech in a previous career! I'm guessing that the more she inflated your intestines, the better they can check out your colon, but she may have been overenthusiastic. The "it's the patient's fault" attitude of both the doc and her would rub me the wrong way, too.

If you've got any alternatives, I wouldn't use that facility again.

My last colonoscopy couldn't be completed because of a twist. I had to redo the prep and go in for a lower GI the following week. Not fun.


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[Fedup]

While colonoscopy is considered the gold standard testing for colon cancer some may want to consider the relatively new FDA approved DNA stool test called Cologuard. It is covered by Medicare. Much better than the older FIT test which just checks for blood.

It's good to know. I think Colonoscopy is not effective up to 70 from what be read.


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[lucky penny]

Lessons from my own colonoscopy history, up through yesterday's procedure:

Lesson #1. For some (me), a 1-day prep isn't enough. For my previous colonoscopy, I followed the instructions to a T but wasn't sufficiently, ahem, cleaned out, so the procedure couldn't be completed - ugh! Doctor advised repeating it in a few months. Then I procrastinated, & by the time I went to reschedule, the doctor had retired. New doctor said she would do it but she thought I could wait a few more years since I had no history of polyps; once every 10 yrs was fine for me, she said. So I let it go & another year passed. But when I told my gynecologist what the new doctor said, he strongly urged me not to wait & do it now. (It was now 7+ years since my last complete one.)

Lesson #2 - Drink Gatorade! Determined that this time I'd have the cleanest colon ever, I started preparing several days earlier. I maybe overdid it, but it worked: ate very lightly for several days, drank magnesium citrate on Monday, ate almost nothing on Tuesday, so I was feeling kind of depleted before I even started with the Movi-prep on Wednesday (C-day was Thursday). But then I saw Gatorade on the list of permissible stuff (not red), so I got a big jug of it, which I started guzzling, & quickly felt so much better.

Lesson #3 - Movi-prep was disgusting. Some blogs advised drinking it with a straw, amid chasers of lemon-lime soda, but that only made it take longer to get it all down. That orange Gatorade afterwards really helped get the bad taste out, though. For the second dose of Movi-prep on Thursday morning, I just drank the whole quart as fast as I could -- much easier, I think.

Lesson #4 - "Past history of no polyps" is no guarantee of future performance. Result on Thursday: 2 small polyps were removed (they even give you nice full-color photos). So, I'm very glad I didn't wait. New doctor now says I'm on a 3-year schedule (although I thought I'd be "aging out" of colonoscopies if this one came out clean).

Lesson #5 - The procedure itself was painless since I was totally sedated. Took the subway home afterwards with no after-effects of sedation at all.

My advice to all: just do it!