"World-class colonoscopy"

[WhoDaresWins]

Book way in advance so you can get an early slot .
Stay near a bathroom during the prep
Have someone drive you
Eat light food after the procedure . I was famished because I was the last patient of the day and got delayed so I immediately ate a greasy cheese steak ( bad move )
It really is a piece of cake after the prep
You will permanently hate whatever you mixed your prep with so get rid of it after the procedure or you will have flash backs every time you open the refrigerator .

Agreed! I was allowed banana popsicles by my doc the day before, and I ate one after each glass of the elixir. I would be hard pressed to force down a banana popsicle now two years after the fact. My prep was cherry flavored (bleh). This last doc required that I also give myself two Fleet's enemas in the morning the day of the procedure...just for good measure. I really had to study those diagrams and instructions never having done something like this before.
The grocery store where I bought the Fleet's has a long memory, too. My reward's card spits out product coupons to this day for all sorts of plumbing problems related to both ends of the digestive tract.

 

[73ss454]

I've had my share and it is really nothing. You want to have it in the AM as you won't be eating from the day before. The prep is the only bad part, just stay close to the bathroom. The anesthesia is the best part, be sure to ask for some to take home.

 

[nwsteve]

Nords,

Advice from a veteran of this procedure. Apply Vasoline liberally to the "exit location" prior to and repeatedly during the prep - greatly eases irritation.

One of best tips offered. And reapply as often as discomfort indicates. It is basically acid and burning will accompany.
Nwsteve

 

[RonBoyd]

Nord,

I have had three and will schedule another this November. It is a piece of cake... after all it is a procedure unique to men and thus torture is avoided as much as possible -- not like a mammogram, for instance.

 

[ohyes]

You guys are too funny - well, until the photo came up. My colonoscopies were much cuter than that; i just know it.

It's one of those things that wasn't nearly so bad as feared- once it's behind you. (no pun intended) My dad is a colon cancer survivor so my brother and I were told to have them often. Had one last year and the dr told me he didn't need to see me back for 10 years....and there was a polyp, but he said that kind only turns cancerous about 10% of the time.

But, truly, it's not that bad. Just get it over with so you can pat yourself on the back for taking such good care of yourself.

 

[FreeAtLast]

This weekend is Endofest 2010 in Miami.

ASGE: ASGE Endofest Hotel

 

[LOL!]

I worked as a nurse's aide one summer many decades ago. One of my jobs was to give enemas ("til clear") to every male patient scheduled for a colonoscopy or barium enema.

I was pleasantly surprised when I scheduled my first colonoscopy that you can clean yourself out the day before from the other end.

You asked for "world class". Here you go:
Milk and Molasses Enema Recipe

 

[harley]

Nords, I think it's really wonderful that you have all these great friends who are willing to lie to you and help you with the anxiety leading up to the worst experience you will ever have. My prayers are with you.

 

[Emeritus]

Had two, but agree with above. However I got to use it as a good punch line.

I was at Commencement and an irritating associate dean said "Hey Prof, you're now Emeritus, why are you hanging around?" I answered I just had a colonoscopy and it made me homesick for the school


Almost made it worth it.

 

[Moemg]

Nords , I 've always wanted to see Hawaii and I have lots of experience with enemas .

 

[Emeritus]

Nord,

I have had three and will schedule another this November. It is a piece of cake... after all it is a procedure unique to men and thus torture is avoided as much as possible -- not like a mammogram, for instance.

We are talking about colonoscopy right? I know lots of women who think men are walking colons but ladies have them too

 

[RonBoyd]

We are talking about colonoscopy right? I know lots of women who think men are walking colons but ladies have them too

Ooops.

 

[Meadbh]

Nord,

I have had three and will schedule another this November. It is a piece of cake... after all it is a procedure unique to men and thus torture is avoided as much as possible -- not like a mammogram, for instance.

Really?

 

[mickj]

I thought there was a pill of some sort you could take for the prep... rather than drinking large quantities of a nasty liquid. Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[mickj]

Not sure.. just found this from a google search:

I had my first colonoscopy a few weeks ago I and I know how awful the Golighty is. It can really make you sick and this is one reason I kept putting it off. I should mention that I am 61 and should have this done years ago. I came across a prep called Lo So Prep and it was NOT unpleasant at all. it is purchased directy from the company and only cost around $9.00. The reason the doctors do not know about it or recommend it is because they refuse to think that there might be a better prep that does not cause all the side affects. Also since the prep is mailed directly to you the pharmacy cannot make any money off of it. You can find lots of information on the product by going to google and putting in "Lo-So Prep" if you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at : The compnay that makes Lo So Prep was recently sold and I am not sure if you can still get it sent directly to you. You can reach at 1-800-544-4624. The company was called EZEM and that is how they will answer.

http://www.endonurse.com/articles/2002/08/which-bowel-preps-are-best-for-your-patients.aspx

E-Z-EM Inc.

E-Z-EM Inc., offers Lo-So Prep and NutraPrep. Lo-So Prep contains less than 35 mg of sodium, which makes it appropriate for patients on a sodium-restricted diet. It is low in volume -- only eight ounces of laxative must be ingested -- compared to other preps requiring consumption of several quarts of liquid. Lo-So Prep, with its citrus flavor and natural effervescence, can be dispensed from the office. Each Lo-So Prep kit contains three laxative agents: magnesium citrate effervescent granules (which yield a solution equivalent to 4.4 grams of magnesium oxide), four 5-mg Bisacodyl tablets USP, and one 10-mg Bisacodyl suppository USP.

The NutraPrep System, used in conjunction with Lo-So Prep, provides an alternative to the clear-liquid diet typically associated with bowel preparation and fulfills total nutritional requirements. The low-residue food is labeled as breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack, and is a simple program to help ensure compliance.

 

[Lazarus]

I felt them put it in. Then nothing until it was over.

Liquid diet the day before, then the prep that night and in the morning. Had mine done at about 1:00 PM.

You would prefer the morning. You won't have to starve as long.

Haven't talked my wife into doing it yet.

 

[WhoDaresWins]

Nords, I have heard from a friend that she took some kind of pills prescribed by her doc and did not have to drink the humongous jug of nauseating Go-Lightly or whatever they call it that my doctors both prescribed both times. Different docs seem to have different regimens. She also did not have to do the Fleet's enemas like I did the day of the test this last time
Oh, and the type of banana popsicles I was allowed (see my earlier post) were the cheap banana flavored popsicles...nothing involving real banana solids which would not have been allowed as it is clear liquids only the day before. I just recalled that I also had a diet sheet to follow with this last one: no nuts or seeds for two weeks prior, no rare meats 3 days prior, and other stuff that I can no longer remember.
I am going back next summer for my third experience so it is really not that bad. It was smooth sailing once I checked in at the hospital, and I was out the door for home in about 3 hours after I arrived. They use a short acting anesthetic and I could have just walked out quite easily to get to the car but this last hospital required my friend bring her car around and they wheeled me out.

 

[Martha]

Ooops.

Your profile picture goes so well with your Ooops!

 

[Moemg]

The problem with looking for an easier prep is if you are not totally cleaned out you will be canceled and re booked for the next day at the end of the schedule .You will stay on liquids an additional day and have to repeat the prep .

 

[BookPerson]

I thought there was a pill of some sort you could take for the prep... rather than drinking large quantities of a nasty liquid. Anyone have any experience with this?

Nords and mickj,

I've used the meds twice now (with the repeat colonoscopy after 3 years due to a couple of adenomatous polyps showing up). Never did the liquid so can't compare. The gastro doc offered them as an option the first time but hesitated when I asked for a repeat dose until she checked my records. Got the impression that some patients taking the pill-route might not end up with as good a clean-out. Not sure if that results from the differing formulations, individual physiology, or patient compliance. Still have to drink large volumes (water) with the meds and the last 2 or 3 pills are a struggle (nausea). Per the doc I was "clean as a whistle" the first time (oh why do I remember that) and so was rewarded with a repeat dose.

The procedure is as easy as reported (much better for me than getting my hair washed at a salon). My gastro, though, used a different twilight drug for the second. Preferred the first version where there was a complete oblivion from count 96 or so. No pain with the second but heard the beginning of the procedure and ended up with vague memories.

As for the place - I used a local hospital with easy parking in a ritzy part of town. It's got to be revenue-plus for the facility. The pampering (solicitude, warm towels, little booties) was a bit like being at a spa. Sooooo nice after the prelude. My gastro offered that, the downtown trauma center, or a local office suite as options.

0bviously you'll be choosing a gastro who does colonoscopies on a regular basis. Saw a reference to a study a while back referencing a miss rate for those nasty little polyps in Canada that was uncomfortably high (maybe only detecting 60 %). No comparable US-percentage but the conclusion was that the Canadian result wouldn't necessarily be comparable to the US since colonoscopies in Canada are much more frequently performed - per the news article - by primary docs and not specialists.

Bon voyage.

 

[Dudester]

How's that for an oxymoron?

In a week or two I'm going to visit my local clinic for a flu shot. Based on the way my last visit went, this time when they ask me for my age and consult my medical record, I expect the exit doors to slam shut until I surrender to the colonoscopy crew.

I had a colonoscopy about a year ago. One of the big problems I had involved lining up someone to drive me home after the procedure. My ride home got sick at the last moment and had to reschedule the procedure at the last moment (fortunately, I didn't have to pay a penalty to the clinic).

In the state of Washington where I live, you have to have someone else take you home after a colonoscopy no matter what, even if you live across the street from the clinic.

The day before the procedure, one preps (aka "fasts"). This involves drinking a terrible tasting fluid as well as eschewing solid food. You can drink broth, jello, etc. to get some nourishment during the prep. For me, the worst part of the prep was not the terrible tasting liquid but going for a full day without solid food. I was discussing this point with a doctor recently, and he said that he had the best luck drinking cokes during the prep. Apparently the sugar helps reduce the hunger pangs.

I didn't find the choice of anesthetic to make much difference. Since I had to have a ride home, I just let my ride steer me through the hallways to the car.

Have a plan to stop at a restaurant on the way home. You'll be hungry, and in my case, gave me a way of repaying my friend for the trouble I put him through.

 

[Calgary_Girl]

Since I'm "only" 38, I haven't had to have one yet . Both my parents have had it done however and they report that it was no big deal (not sure if I believe them).

Hopefully, when my time comes, I'll just be able to have a routine blood test and skip the unpleasantness of it all:

New blood tests promise simple cancer detection

 

[dfdski]

Had colonoscopies in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2009. Next one will be in 2012.

(1) The first 4 I used (IIRC) the Fleet #3 kit. 4 small pills and 1 small bottle of liquid. The last time I couldn't - I was told that the FDA concluded the pills were a cancer risk. Not sure if I believe that. I had no choice on things, as each time it was the specialist who prescribed it.

(2) Light breakfast the morning before. Two slices of unbuttered toast. Black coffee only. Clear liquids only. Chicken broth okay also. Start drinking 4 ounces of fluids every hour beginning at noon. At 4pm you start taking your "medicine". By 5pm you're pretty much camping out in the bathroom until 9pm. By 10pm? You're so empty you pretty much fall alseep immediately.

(3) My specialist does them on Mondays and Wednesdays at a small outpatient clinic down the road. He does followup work from his office the other days. The first 4 times I was the first or second one he did that day. The last one was in the afternoon. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRYING TO SCHEDULE IT EARLY IN THE MORNING! Yes, the worst part is cleaning yourself out the day before, but if you have to hang around the entire morning after that (and you can't even drink water after 6am), you are a glutton for punishment.

(4) Once you're in the waiting are they have you change into a gown and they put an IV in. I usually waited about 10-15 more minutes before they wheeled me in. Not sure what kind of anesthetic they use, but they pretty much had me counting down from 100 and I was zonked out before I hit 90. Afterwards they move me to a recliner where I'm told I fart up a storm - it's a side effect. I'll take their word for it because I'm still not too aware.

(5) I do know that each time the specialist told me the results - but only once did I actually remember. I am required to have someone drive me home. No cab, no walking home. If I can't provide proof that someone will, they cancel.

(6) I greatly recommend having it done. They found non-cancerous polyps the first time and a small mass too new to say what it was the second time. One polyp this last time. As of now I'm considered "average" - meaning I'm 52, male, and I should have this procedure done every three years.

(7) Finally, there really isn't any good time of the year to do it. No matter what it's going to be 24-30 hours of your life gone in hopes of hanging around on this planet for years longer. I still work, so I usually leave for home at noon the day before the procedure and take a 2 hour nap afterwords. The first time I was told not to drive for 24 hours afterwords but I was actually bowling that evening.

 

[Nords]

47 posts in ~24 hours and on the top-ten hottest threads list. Hmm, I seem to have poked a, um, nerve here. Thanks for all the advice!

REWahoo, this is what nukes do-- we ask annoying questions! I'd hate to be an uneducated patient with an old-school doc, especially if there's a better procedure.

Rich, I've never heard of a vodka called Crystal Lite but I'll see what I can find out here. I'll try a disgusting flavor that I'm unlikely to ever touch again anyway.

Moe, I wonder how many of the board's posters have never even heard of Nurse Ratched. Any resemblance between her and my mother the RN is completely coincidental...

Thanks for all the tips on morning appointments, designated drivers, GoLighty, Lo-So Prep, Vaseline, banana popsicles, and hard-boiled eggs. (There's a bunch of words I've never used together before in a sentence.) I'm looking forward to an interesting conversation with the doc.

For all you yet to experience your next colonoscopy, feel free to keep updating this thread with your latest research... and videos for Rich...

 

[Emeritus]

(5) I do know that each time the specialist told me the results - but only once did I actually remember. I am required to have someone drive me home. No cab, no walking home. If I can't provide proof that someone will, they cancel.....the first time I was told not to drive for 24 hours afterwords but I was actually bowling that evening.

The ride home is to protect you
The not driving is to protect OTHER people on the roads
Unless you are as bad a bowler as I am, you are probably not a threat to others