Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

[Phoenix]

Could you please share your experience? Was it painful? Were you fully sedated or were you awake? Did you stay in the hospital overnight afterwards?

I've recently been diagnosed with diverticulitis and was told by the Dr that I must have a colonoscopy. Is this true? I am reluctant to have one done.

 

[foxinsox]

I’ve had one and a gastroscopy too for digestive issues (mild gastroparesis). They were both a breeze. I was lightly sedated but felt like I was fully asleep and didn’t remember a thing. I went in late afternoon, it took about an hour and my DH picked me up afterwards. We went home, had dinner and a quiet evening. Zero after effects, zero pain or even discomfort. Even the cleaning out beforehand was easy - the stuff they give you to drink tastes like electrolytes and helps you clear everything out but not violently like if you have a stomach flu.

 

[Phoenix]

@foxinsox, I am so happy and relieved to hear that. Thank you.

 

[AGBF]

I have had three and all were routine scheduled simply because I had reached the age for one and then because the requisite number of years between needing another had passed. The procedures themselves were always perfect. The sedation worked fine; I was aware of nothing; I woke up pain-free.

The preparation wasn't so easy. It is never pleasant, but with the last one I got a migraine (which I am prone to) and, unable to take oral medication for it, vomited for hours while also clearing my GI tract from the other end. I was dry heaving foam with my head pounding and had planned to go into the center for IV fluids, but they were not yet open. Finally I called the on-call surgeon and he told me to take migraine medicine, which made me able to exist until the procedure. I was an anxious mess and my blood pressure was very high. It was actually IV medication the anesthesiologist used that finally ended my migraine! If you need medicine for any condition, see if you can take one pill with one sip of water the day of the procedure. Getting terribly sick because you didn't get your medication is not a good thing to add to the unpleasant prep!

Good luck!

Deb/AGBF

PS-The procedure is over in minutes, they give you an English muffin (at least where I go), then send you home. Very easy aftermath.

 

[missy]

Hi Phoenix, I am sorry you have diverticulitis. I know how painful that is...my aunt has/had it but she is doing very well now. I do think you should go forward with the colonoscopy so the doctors can evaluate what is happening.

I never had a colonoscopy but my dh has had 2 within the past 10 years. Both experiences went smoothly for him including the prep. He just made sure to be home day of the prep (day before the colonoscopy) and for both colonoscopies we went to the hospital for the procedure and we were home within 3-4 hours if memory serves me correctly.

The longest part was just waiting to get discharged from the hospital. The procedures went without complication despite the need to remove polyps both times and then just waiting my dh to fully wake up and for the doctor to talk to us.

Good luck and sending lots of healing vibes and hugs your way.

 

[jaaron]

I'm sorry to hear you're having digestive issues. I had one when I was trying to figure out if I had celiac (I don't). The prep wasn't pleasant, but the procedure itself was absolutely fine. I opted not to be sedated--although they assured me they could easily give me sedation at any point if it became too difficult. I had one moment of real discomfort, but otherwise, it was odd, but no issues. In and out in about twenty minutes. One thing that I think was helpful was to eat very lightly (lean protein, eggs, not much fibre) starting two days before the prep and to have just broth the day before the prep- much less to clean out.

If it's for diverticulitis, I would imagine they want to do a few biopsies, so this probably isn't an option, but for routine colonoscopy, my doctor has recommended the virtual (CT scan) instead of traditional.

 

[missy]

Just asked my dh for more detail (my memory is not the best) and for the first colonoscopy he was not sedated and he said he was not uncomfortable but it felt weird not painful just weird. For the second colonoscopy he opted for sedation because he just didn't want to experience any of it and they also took 2 small polyps out so it worked out for the best.

I had 2 endoscopies and while they are not the same procedure obviously I was sedated with propofol during both endoscopies and was completely unaware of what was happening and then an easy wake up a short time later. I would not want to be awake during an endoscopy and probably not for a colonoscopy either. Just asked Greg and he agrees. For his next colonoscopy he will opt for sedation again. From my perspective waiting for him to wake up was stressful for me. About 20 minutes or so though that was all for him to come out of it.

 

[Arcadian]

Every 3-5 years I get one. After the cancer the first time it was a yearly event, its how they found it the 2nd time around. And it stayed a yearly event for 7 years after the 2nd time.

I always request a full knockout because I will fight under light sedation. Either way, make sure you have someone to drive you home.

I always do a first a.m. appointment and my prep is usually 2 days.

The prep is gross and can be pretty unpleasant. (I'll be the one to say it) because you're seriously clearing out your digestive tract. Trust me when I say they want it clean clean clean!!

The first day of prep is Miralax. I start that first AM to help soften the stool. I also clean up my diet because it makes life easier.

2nd day is the jug o stuff.

Here's the warnings. The jug o stuff is nasty. Yes it is! I don't care what anybody says, that pineapple dosen't taste like pineapple You can mix it with stuff as long as its not artifically or naturally colored with red or purple. Any dye makes it harder for them to read your colon.

The jug o stuff is very thick after its been mixed. yes, adding the juice makes it take longer to get down but its also better than throwing it back up!

I don't always drink fruit juice but this is exception for me and I mix with carrot and pineapple juice (organic only). But keep it VERY COLD, and drink it through a straw if your gag reflex is easily triggered.

12 hours before your procedure you should fast. No supplements. Drink lots of water, fruit juices. They say you can sometimes have gatoraide but don't drink the ones with heavy red or purple dyes (I think the blue is also out) eat soft foods as everything will go through you so quick anyway. Nothing super fatty. They also will restrict certain types of medications or supplements that thin the blood because if they have to cut, you could bleed to death.

If you have hemerroids(never could spell that word), they will get irritated. Get the PreperationH wipes or witch hazel wipes. Don't do baby wipes.

You can leak during this prep (and even after) Poise pads, or depends, the choice is yours. I use depends for better coverage. But you will have gas and trust me, you may not want to just "let it go" because....shit happens

Clear your calendar because you'll be camping out in the bathroom. And keep good reading material that you'll throw away afterwards.

After the appointment, give yourself time to get back to normal. You still could have leakage and things will move through your colon very quickly for at least another 12 hours. So mexican food same day? probably not a good idea.

 

[Phoenix]

I have had three and all were routine scheduled simply because I had reached the age for one and then because the requisite number of years between needing another had passed. The procedures themselves were always perfect. The sedation worked fine; I was aware of nothing; I woke up pain-free.

The preparation wasn't so easy. It is never pleasant, but with the last one I got a migraine (which I am prone to) and, unable to take oral medication for it, vomited for hours while also clearing my GI tract from the other end. I was dry heaving foam with my head pounding and had planned to go into the center for IV fluids, but they were not yet open. Finally I called the on-call surgeon and he told me to take migraine medicine, which made me able to exist until the procedure. I was an anxious mess and my blood pressure was very high. It was actually IV medication the anesthesiologist used that finally ended my migraine! If you need medicine for any condition, see if you can take one pill with one sip of water the day of the procedure. Getting terribly sick because you didn't get your medication is not a good thing to add to the unpleasant prep!

Good luck!

Deb/AGBF

PS-The procedure is over in minutes, they give you an English muffin (at least where I go), then send you home. Very easy aftermath.

Thank you, Deb.

Why did you have to go for IV fluids?

I am also dreading the prep, bc I hate not being able to eat anything/ I get terribly hungry and I think I might throw up from just drinking the fluids. I don't yet know what liquids they'll want me to drink the day or days of prepping. I am just prone to nausea, so am dreading it.

Glad to hear that procedures went well for you. This is relieving some of my stress, for sure.

 

[Phoenix]

I'm sorry to hear you're having digestive issues. I had one when I was trying to figure out if I had celiac (I don't). The prep wasn't pleasant, but the procedure itself was absolutely fine. I opted not to be sedated--although they assured me they could easily give me sedation at any point if it became too difficult. I had one moment of real discomfort, but otherwise, it was odd, but no issues. In and out in about twenty minutes. One thing that I think was helpful was to eat very lightly (lean protein, eggs, not much fibre) starting two days before the prep and to have just broth the day before the prep- much less to clean out.

If it's for diverticulitis, I would imagine they want to do a few biopsies, so this probably isn't an option, but for routine colonoscopy, my doctor has recommended the virtual (CT scan) instead of traditional.

Thank you, @jaaron. Could you pls explain what you mean by the part in bold?

I had a CT scan done when I went in when I had stomach pain. That's how they found out I had diverticulitis, which was shocking to me bc I am an unlikely candidate (no family history, healthy, clean-eating, never smoked, gave up drinking a while ago, exercise regularly etc).

I will have the colonoscopy done. I knew that it was necessary and is a standard requirement - or so I understand - once you've been diagnosed with diverticulitis. Reading about the experiences you guys share here really helps to allay my fears.

Good point about eating light 2 days before the procedure!

 

[Phoenix]

Just asked my dh for more detail (my memory is not the best) and for the first colonoscopy he was not sedated and he said he was not uncomfortable but it felt weird not painful just weird. For the second colonoscopy he opted for sedation because he just didn't want to experience any of it and they also took 2 small polyps out so it worked out for the best.

I had 2 endoscopies and while they are not the same procedure obviously I was sedated with propofol during both endoscopies and was completely unaware of what was happening and then an easy wake up a short time later. I would not want to be awake during an endoscopy and probably not for a colonoscopy either. Just asked Greg and he agrees. For his next colonoscopy he will opt for sedation again. From my perspective waiting for him to wake up was stressful for me. About 20 minutes or so though that was all for him to come out of it.

Thank you, @missy, for both your posts.

Does your aunt still have diverticulitis? I hear that once you have it, you will always have it. Is this true, do you know?

Most certainly, I will opt for sedation. I am too squeamish and too anxious to have it while fully awake. I will also ask my Dr which meds he's going to use to sedate me. I think I was given Dormicum once before when I had a minor procedure and I was out for a couple of hours. Not sure if the meds would make any difference.

Glad to hear that Greg's colonoscopies and your endoscopies went well.

Thank for your kind words and wishes and please thank Greg for me also. x

 

[missy]

Thank you, @missy, for both your posts.

Does your aunt still have diverticulitis? I hear that once you have it, you will always have it. Is this true, do you know?

Most certainly, I will opt for sedation. I am too squeamish and too anxious to have it while fully awake. I will also ask my Dr which meds he's going to use to sedate me. I think I was given Dormicum once before when I had a minor procedure and I was out for a couple of hours. Not sure if the meds would make any difference.

Glad to hear that Greg's colonoscopies and your endoscopies went well.

Thank for your kind words and wishes and please thank Greg for me also. x

I think my aunt is in remission and as long as she is careful about what she eats she remains pain free. You probably already know what you should and should not eat with diverticulitis much better than I know but I do remember nuts and seeds are off her can eat list. Much like my new "normal" being on a mainly AIP diet.

I read what you wrote about trading wrinkles for good health and I am in complete agreement. We may not look our age but darn I would be OK looking my age without all these health issues. Though it could be worse and I am grateful we are not dealing with something worse.

(((Hugs))).

 

[House Cat]

My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease since he was 8 years old and recently diagnosed with colitis at 24 years old. He’s had more colonoscopies than I can remember.

The worst part is the prep.

The last time my son had a colonoscopy, he actually used something called “suprep.” It was 2 small bottles of medication rather than a gallon jug of gross drink. It was much better.
http://www.suprepkit.com/about-suprep.htm

 

[ksinger]

It's easy. In the world of medical procedures, it's one of the easiest you'll do.

Tips: Start eating lightly and don't eat meat for 2 days prior to beginning the prep. Seriously, this alone will make it a breeze. Both my husband and I did this, and neither of us sprinted for or camped out in the john. I promise, you'll have had stomach bugs that are FAR worse.

I always read about people having to guzzle gallons of sweetened goat piss with a hint of lemon, but honestly, I think they just have docs who are sadists. It doesn't have to be that way. We both used a prep called Prepopik. It consists of 2 packets of crystals. You mix one in 5 ozs of water. It's gross, but it's 5 ozs - it goes quick. Then you drink 5 8-oz glasses of water over X number of hours. Then the next 5-oz packet, then 3 cups of water and you're done.

Yes, be sure you're having it done somewhere where they have a real anesthesiologist using the good stuff - and I think that is fentanyl. Whatever it is, a skilled doc can knock you out so you are responsive yet remember NADA. Most of the horror stories you hear are from less skilled people doing the knock out. So ask about this and insist on someone who knows their stuff. Meaning, if at all possible, do NOT go to some place with a name like Colonscopies R Us to have this done.

EVERYONE dreads this one, but really, for the vast majority of people, it's a cakewalk. It will probably be one for you too. Please do not let your fear keep you from this test. It will give you a peace of mind that is worth a LOT. I say this as someone who had our 38 year old SIL dx'd with stage IV colon cancer. Both my husband and I were overdue for our first one, and we hustled in quickly to do ours, believe me.

 

[vintageloves]

I've had it done, and I second the idea of eating lightly for several days beforehand. I threw up the Miralax (all of those softener type laxatives make me sick), so the prep was miserable for me, but there was something at the grocery store, some kind of nasty tasting soda, that I used last second to help. I had a fun time calling the gastro's emergency line in a panic and sending my husband to Giant at 2 am to get that stuff.

My BIL was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 40 and just 8 months after his only child was born. I had the same symptom he did, bleeding, and I knew it was hemorrhoids (it was) and I was only 36, but I'm so glad I got the colonoscopy and I'll be getting one every 5 years. I felt it would be disrespectful of BIL to not do the test just because I was scared when I had the chance to avoid what he went though. The test itself was nothing, and once you get the prep figured out, it's no big deal.

Have it done by a Gastroenterologist and one with lots of experience. I chose the same doctor my mom used, because she had found a polyp on the right side of my mom's colon, which many miss.

You'll be fine!

 

[jaaron]

Thank you, @jaaron. Could you pls explain what you mean by the part in bold?

I had a CT scan done when I went in when I had stomach pain. That's how they found out I had diverticulitis, which was shocking to me bc I am an unlikely candidate (no family history, healthy, clean-eating, never smoked, gave up drinking a while ago, exercise regularly etc).

I will have the colonoscopy done. I knew that it was necessary and is a standard requirement - or so I understand - once you've been diagnosed with diverticulitis. Reading about the experiences you guys share here really helps to allay my fears.

Good point about eating light 2 days before the procedure!

The virtual colonoscopy is done by CT scan, but with air pumped in as they do in a regular colonoscopy. My doctor says she likes it for routine screening as it sometimes can turn things up that are harder to see on the traditional screen and is less invasive. It's great if it's an all clear. The downside is that if they see anything (i.e. a polyp), they then need to take a biopsy, so have to follow up with a traditional procedure. I believe in a case of diverticulitis, they will want biopsies to confirm the diagnosis, so that rules out the CT method.

My husband had one attack of diverticulitis, about four years ago. He, too, had no risk factors - no family history, very healthy diet, non-smoker, very moderate alcohol consumption, very physically fit - in fact, they gastroenterologist was shocked when that was the result. He had just done a very demanding bike race (about 150 miles in very hot weather), which may or may not have played a role. He's never had another episode - the gastro said if he ever felt a twinge, to go on a low residue diet and let them know so they could start antibiotics asap, but so far, it hasn't recurred. They also said that the stuff about avoiding nuts, seeds, etc. is now outdated- that once it's healed, you can go back to a regular diet.

 

[Queenie60]

Good luck @Phoenix . It's not too bad and you'll get through it with flying colors.

 

[partgypsy]

Honestly, the anticipation of the colonoscopy, is worse than the actual procedure. It's not pleasant to have to drink all that fluid and restrict what you eat for the 3-5 days, but then again think of it as a "cleanse" lol. It's nice to have it done and checked off the list. I had one this early summer because I was of the age to have one. Will need to have another in 10 years.

 

[sparlie]

I have had 2 routine screening colonoscopies over the years. They were not bad at all. I do remember waking up in the recovery area singing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from the musical "Oklahoma" at the top of my lungs! Apparently the anesthetic they use has a tendency to make you feel very uninhibited - so at worst I was very embarrassed, but no pain! Hope you feel better!

 

[AGBF]

Why did you have to go for IV fluids?

The doctor's office had told me that if I got very sick I could go in to the center where the colonoscopy was to be done (a branch of the local hospital) to receive IV fluids. The idea was to hydrate me without getting any liquid into my GI tract after I had been having diarrhea and vomiting for hours. But I didn't care if I was dehydrated. I wanted to get somewhere where someone could medicate my migraine and I thought if they had me on an IV they could put something in it for the headache! It turns out I didn't need it since I was allowed to take a pill for my migraine orally.

 

[missy]

Just wanted to clarify about the diverticulitis diet. A diverticulitis diet is a temporary measure to give your digestive system a chance to rest.

Once you are in remission you can add back higher fiber foods etc. Jaaron is right there is no definitive proof one way or another about a specific diverticulitis diet helping once you are doing well and no longer have to be on a low fiber diet.

But as with everything there are individual responses. Some people do better eliminating certain foods while some add it back without consequence. In general nuts can be very inflammatory as I have found out. And same for my aunt. She does better eliminating nuts and seeds re her symptoms. So while I used to consider them healthy they’re not so for everyone. However you might have no issue at all Phoenix. I’m sure you’ll find a happy medium once you get it sorted out.

Thinking of you Phoenix and hoping it goes smoothly.

 

[AGBF]

My husband and I both look forward to the buttered English muffins we get after the colonoscopies. (My husband gets more frequent colonoscopies than I do.)

He always asks for a second English muffin. We found out that at another nearby hospital patients are only offered saltines. We never want to go there! We are given a choice of a regular muffin or an English muffin. Since we are both on the Atkins diet all the time, an English muffin is very, very exotic! If you have been hungry and like food, Phoenix, make sure you have a treat ready at home if your hospital doesn't have one for you! Or stop off for for a great lunch. You will be able to enjoy it.

Hugs,
(((Phoenix)))
Deb

 

[missy]

I have had 2 routine screening colonoscopies over the years. They were not bad at all. I do remember waking up in the recovery area singing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from the musical "Oklahoma" at the top of my lungs! Apparently the anesthetic they use has a tendency to make you feel very uninhibited - so at worst I was very embarrassed, but no pain! Hope you feel better!

Oh my goodness I love this. And what a great song.

 

[mrs-b]

Best bit of advice I can give, after all the great advice you've already had - take a couple of boiled eggs with you to the procedure. The stuff they give you in recovery is pure sugar.

I'm having my 5th or 6th (I cant remember exactly) colonoscopy and gastroscopy on Monday. I have them regularly, since I have Crohns. The prep is boring, but it's not like having food poisoning, or that kind of diarrhea. It's more like anything you have in your gut just falls out. The procedure itself is a big fat nothing. My DH had one a month or so ago. He was dreading it, but in the end found it to be 'no biggie'. Basically, you go to the toilet a lot, you go to sleep, you wake up, you go home.

 

[doberman]

The only bad thing about the colonoscopy is the prep. I told my daughter that the next time I have to have it done I'm just going to live in the bathroom for a day and a half.

The procedure itself is fine, because once the propofol hits you you're gone.

I have to get them because my father had a genetic form of colon cancer.

 

[MamaBee]

I’ve had many colonoscopies because my aunt had colon cancer and my dad had a large number of pre-cancerous polyps. I get them every five years and I started getting them pretty early. I had different preps..A long time ago they had horrid ones..I would cry and I’m not a wimp..Now they have great preps compared to those. I’ve had the Miralax ten years ago and that one was so much better. Last year I got Prepopik...A walk in the park! So easy..not horrible tasting..no cramps..It’s easy not to eat all day..because you really aren’t hungry..You’re drinking lots of fluid and can have clear ice pops..no red or purple..They give you an IV the next morning at the hospital or center..and you’re out! You wake up and don’t remember a thing. We always go out to breakfast when it’s over. They found three polyps this time so I feel like I’m keeping on top of it. It’s very important to get checked.

 

[Arcadian]

for you folks that sail through the prep, I hate you all.

Its been just over 3 years since my last one, so I'm going to ask about this quick and easy prep for the next because I do not look forward to that part of it.

 

[MamaBee]

for you folks that sail through the prep, I hate you all.

Its been just over 3 years since my last one, so I'm going to ask about this quick and easy prep for the next because I do not look forward to that part of it.

I know you don’t mean it! You’ll be surprised the preps are so much better..

 

[AGBF]

Best bit of advice I can give, after all the great advice you've already had - take a couple of boiled eggs with you to the procedure. The stuff they give you in recovery is pure sugar.

That is blasphemy! Taking boiled eggs to ta colonoscopy? Eggs and other protein is what I eat all the time. The only time I let myself eat a pure carbohydrate is after a colonoscopy! I figure that after a couple of days of not eating and also getting rid of everything I did eat, I can eat a few grams of English muffin! Otherwise I'd never get any bread! After a colonoscopy I mix my bread with butter! No Atkins that meal!

 

[Bonfire]

@mrs-b be you rock! This. Truely, it’s not as bad as you fear. I’ve had three. The preps are advancing in ease of administration and experience, last one was easy. Just eat soft and liquidy for a day or two before prep day. The procedure itself is painless, quick and you feel fine after! Much ado about nothing, proceedure wise.