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I finally saw a gastro for some weird digestive issues I've been having the last few months, and he wants me to get a colonoscopy. I'm petrified. Something about a camera being shoved in my rear and sent to explore makes me so very squeamish. I also read that the aftermath is incredibly painful. Can someone either reassure me that it's not bad at all, or tell me honestly that it's that bad? I'm really scared!

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:33 pm Post subject:

No, not painful. Not dignified, but the meds tend to erase any memory of the event and eliminate any pain. One of my friends was actually deliberately conscious during his and found the travelogue interesting. Not the kind of pictures to share, but interesting. Nothing to fear if the equipment is anywhere up to date.

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:49 pm Post subject:

Make sure the doctor understands you want to be heavily medicated.

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 6:38 pm Post subject:

I have never had one, but I have seen them done. You will be out and won't remember a thing. You shouldn't be too sore afterwards either. I think the prep is the worst part of the whole thing. Make sure you follow directions though, it is much easier for you during the procedure if you are cleaned out beforehand. Here is a funny video. It is not appropriate for younger viewers, but it is very funny.
http://youtu.be/BBMsPNI6EZE

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:34 am Post subject:

Lol, that was a funny video. The prep sounds interesting! So I appreciate the reassurances. I plan to be utterly and completely medicated. And I certainly hope their equipment is UTD!!! This is NOT something I thought I'd be doing at 37.

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:35 am Post subject:

Have not had one but have known a few people who did-- they seemed to do fine...

I have had to take that colon cleanse stuff when I had my kidney stones blasted, that was supremely nasty... kinda funny though. Just make sure you are no more than say 10 steps away form the bathroom after you take it... it's like Draino Smile

kinda like a scene from Bridesmaids Laughing

Love that clip--Billy Connolly is one of my favourites. Smile

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 1:02 pm Post subject:

I had my first one this Fall. Frankly, the procedure itself was not bad at all (of course, I was out completely Smile

) but I'd been dreading it for five years and it wasn't as bad as I expected. The day before was a little yucky!

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 2:53 pm Post subject:

I had one about 6 months ago for ongoing stomach problems. Not something you're looking forward to at 37? Try 20. Shocked

The prep day is in my top 10 Worst Days Ever. I cannot drink Gatorade anymore.

The procedure, however, was painless. I was out cold for the whole thing and afterwards, I was so doped up that I don't even recall talking to my doctor. They gave me orange juice and I was far more excited about it than I should have been Laughing

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:35 pm Post subject:

Fear not...... Wink

I can only tell you (not from personal experience), that I hear the prep is much worse than the test......and I have done the prep for a hysterectomy, but not had the actual scope!! My mom has had it twice, and again tomorrow.....the prep is the sh**s, but you won't remember a thing, and the "afterwards" is "back to normal"......
I don't look forward to it either, although my oncologist says I need one....I will wait till the ripe age of Fifty, thank you very much!! Laughing

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:59 pm Post subject:

Ugh, RG, sorry you had to face such a thing at 20. I've worked into invasive testing, starting with childbearing and infertility issues, and now this. I'm kind of used to it. At 20, I hadn't been through anything but having my wisdoms removed! Although, the aftermath of that was quite unpleasant for weeks. Dry socket or something like that, and vicodin didn't help at all. No one went anywhere near my rear end though!

So prep day is heck, but will I be out of commission for the entire day of the test? They want to do it the 28th of Dec, right in the midst of the holidays and visiting with family. I know prep day I will be down for the count, but will the test day be normal once I'm awake? Will I be able to function, care for a very excited toddle, and manage my mother's behaviors?

I really don't have dramatic issues, just annoying ones. Maybe the digestive "travelogue" can wait..... they're already doing a gross 3-day poop test, and blood work. That should be enough!

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 4:25 pm Post subject:

I have had a bunch. The prep is the worst as has been mentioned. The first time the doctor woke me to talk during the process was embarassing but it isn't anymore.

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 5:51 pm Post subject:

Prep was no fun, as has been said. I don't remember the test at all. Afterwards I was a little groggy from the meds, but felt ok. They told me not to make any life altering decisions for 24 hours.

I'm not sure about the toddler care and difficult relatives. Someone to help with the child would be good.

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 8:32 pm Post subject:

Lanhimom, what exactly do you mean, the doc woke you to talk during the process??? What was he, bored? OMG.

I guess difficult relatives are difficult regardless of invasive rectal procedures. I think I might skip it til after the holidays, as I've been feeling fine for a while now and suspect nothing is even wrong in the first place.

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:29 am Post subject:

Been there done that.
As everyone said the prep part is the pain. (I liked M4M's comment! lol)

Afterwards, just make sure you flatulate...and you'll be good to go! Wink

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 5:43 pm Post subject:

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