Colonoscopy Info Needed

[ReadyOne]

Everyone is pushing me into a colonoscopy "screening", and other than turning 50, there's no specific reason to have one (no suspicions or symptoms to check, etc.)

I'd like to know the details of the procedure. Describe the apparatus, how they start, how long it takes, step by step information.

If you had it done, what did it feel like? Did they stop and do something like take a biopsy or clip a polyp? If so, what was that like?

Does the snake bend itself, or do they push hard against your colon wall when they reach a bend? Is there some sort of bushing at your rectum to hold it open while they are inside you?

Do they use some sort of anesthesia? How do they give it, does it knock you out or what? Would it be possible to do it without anesthesia?

Some of these questions might be better answered by a person who was in the room when it was done, other than the victim.

I'd appreciate any and all details you can contribute!

Many Thanks

 

[Cathleen]

OK, first of all I have NOT had it YET! But soon I know I will. I've had tons of friends and family that have had the screening.

The preparation is worse then the test they all say. Even that isn't as bad as it use to be. You take some pills, drink lots of water and stay home! Your colon will be clean as a whistle the next day.

They give you something like valium, ativan - to take the edge off. Most of them said they never felt a thing, even when they had polyps removed. It isn't a long test.

The only thing a few said was that they had some stomach cramps later - most likely from the purging and then an empty stomach. They ate lightly after the test and then were good to go.

Good luck....... it is helpful and necessary. When you have it, please let us know what your experience was like...... I trust my family and friends certainly, but I'll never turn information down.

 

[BTK51]

Everyone is pushing me into a colonoscopy "screening", and other than turning 50, there's no specific reason to have one (no suspicions or symptoms to check, etc.)

I'd like to know the details of the procedure. Describe the apparatus, how they start, how long it takes, step by step information.

If you had it done, what did it feel like? Did they stop and do something like take a biopsy or clip a polyp? If so, what was that like?

Does the snake bend itself, or do they push hard against your colon wall when they reach a bend? Is there some sort of bushing at your rectum to hold it open while they are inside you?

Do they use some sort of anesthesia? How do they give it, does it knock you out or what? Would it be possible to do it without anesthesia?

Some of these questions might be better answered by a person who was in the room when it was done, other than the victim.

I'd appreciate any and all details you can contribute!

Many Thanks

Turning 50 is reason enough to get it done. The facts are that if you catch it early colon cancer is very treateable. If you don't - it's not! Colonoscopy is the best way to find out for sure.

It isn't real fun but I guess it really isn't that bad considering the alternative. I've had 2 only because they wanted to do a follow-up because of several polyps that had to be removed and a biospy done. After the second one, I'm good for at least 5 years unless I have a problem.

By far, the worst part is the prep before. You can't eat anything for a whole day before the test. I had both done on a Saturday morning so no food from midnight Thursday. Friday AM I was allowed clear liquids. In the afternoon (about 3:00 PM)I took half a bottle of something called "Go Lightly" There are several other products and I know some people have taken that pill. About 6:00PM I took the rest of the bottle.

I found it funny that the doctor gave me that product because when you take the whole bottle as opposed to the regular dosage (a teaspoon or tablespoon) for constipation, the last adjective I use is "lightly". This is the worst part because the stuff tastes like crap, you can't eat and you spend the better part of the afternoon and early evening on the throne. You cannot stray too far from the bathroom.

Saturday morning I was pretty weak. I went to the hospital and they gave me some pill supposedly to take the edge off. About 30-45 minutes later they roll me into the room and hook up an IV with anesthesia and have me roll on my side. That's all I remember.

About 45 minutes later I woke up in the original room. The anesthesia is very light. He told me that I could wake up but never did. Neither did anyone I know that had the procedure. There was no reaction to the anesthesia afterwards like grogginess. Maybe a little at first but nothing like when I had my knee operated on.

Once I was awake, I'll bet I was off the gurney, sitting at a table within 10 minutes, where they gave me a small ham sandwich, OJ and cookies. That's how light the anesthesia is! About 2-3 hours after I walked in, I'm on my way out. They gave me pictures that the probe took.

There was a lot of gas that day but absolutely no pain, cramping or soreness of any type. Although I was a little weak for most of the day, I ate anything that didn't eat me first. Each time I ate I felt a little better. They told me to take it easy eating but that I as long as I felt okay, that I could keep eating. THey suggested that I avoid spicy foods, which I did. Next day everything is fine, like nothing happened.

Feel free to PM me if there are any other questions. My one, rather strong suggestion, is to get it done and don't put it off. It's not a pleasant experience but it is definitely worth it. I delayed it but the peace of mind that I felt afterwards, combined with the fact that I don't have to do it for a while, makes it worth it.

 

[princess4u]

i had one and i have to say it wasn't that bad - by far, the worst part for me was the prep the day before - i had to drink a gallon of some kind of crap that i mixed with water - like 8 oz every half hour or something - and it tasted so bad - i really only managed to get down about 2/3 of it

i was really nervous when i went for the test - not knowing what it would be like - but the techs really but me at ease - gave me a shot of something and the next thing i knew, i was waking up - the anesthesia was very light and very easy to shake off

so all in all, it's not really that bad - and this is coming from someone who absolutely hates medical tests - don't put it off - just do it and get it over with - it's a great feeling afterward knowing that all is well

 

[vargas111]

Just to second what everone else says. Aside from the "clensing" in preparation, having you teeth cleand is agony compared to a colonoscopy. I've had two, ten years apart.

I think the bad rap must have started years ago when who knows how it was done. Very different now.

It's really NO problem. Do not hesitate.

Homer

 

[SweetDevil1977]

My mom had one done a couple of weeks ago..again she said the worst part was the "prep"...they had to give her pills to keep her from getting sick while she drank the shit they gave her to clean her out

 

[FastFastr]

First, let me start by saying... I AM NOT A DOCTOR...

As far as no symptoms, pain etc... BE CAREFUL OF THIS.

Colon cancer is painless. All kidding aside, you have very few pain receptors back there and usually people discover colon cancer when they're constipated, have bad rectal bleeding, etc caused by a tumor that has grown to be large and has (possibly) penetrated the wall of the colon and gone on to infect other parts of the body.

50 is not too young… the famous case is that of Katie Kouric’s husband who died of colon cancer in his early 40s… she now champions this as a cause.

The good news is that caught early polyps can often be cut out painlessly.

Since my dad had colon cancer and a colon resection, I had my first colonoscopy when I was 32. The prep was not fun, but I basically slept through the procedure. Bring someone with you to drive you home, and plan on not working that day.

The thought of having this done may make you uncomfortable, but the alternative is far worse! This is one of the most wide-spread, but easily curable cancers out there.

 

[SweetErika]

First, let me start by saying... I AM NOT A DOCTOR...

As far as no symptoms, pain etc... BE CAREFUL OF THIS.

Colon cancer is painless. All kidding aside, you have very few pain receptors back there and usually people discover colon cancer when they're constipated, have bad rectal bleeding, etc caused by a tumor that has grown to be large and has (possibly) penetrated the wall of the colon and gone on to infect other parts of the body.

50 is not too young… the famous case is that of Katie Kouric’s husband who died of colon cancer in his early 40s… she now champions this as a cause.

The good news is that caught early polyps can often be cut out painlessly.

Since my dad had colon cancer and a colon resection, I had my first colonoscopy when I was 32. The prep was not fun, but I basically slept through the procedure. Bring someone with you to drive you home, and plan on not working that day.

The thought of having this done may make you uncomfortable, but the alternative is far worse! This is one of the most wide-spread, but easily curable cancers out there.

Great advice. My mother-in-law passed away August 29 from colon cancer. She was 56. She was a nurse for over 30 years. She had diarrhea and weight loss due to growing tumors, but by the time she went to the doctor and had surgery, it was already Stage 3 and had spread to the liver. If she had had the screening or gone to the doctor sooner, she probably would have been fine. It's one of the easiest types of cancer to treat if it's caught soon enough, and one of the most deadly if it's not.

Force yourself to go through with the screening ReadyOne (and everyone else)...a day or two of being uncomfortable is nothing compared to fighting cancer and watching your family and friends watch you wither away in terrible pain and die.

 

[77Cobra]

Had one done since my Mother died of colon cancer a while back.So I guess I am at risk too.Anyway as everyone said the prep is the worst of it.Clear food diet,jello etc. and cleaaning yourself out.I never shit so much in one day in my life.Didn't even know they did the procedure though.

 

[vargas111]

As everyone has said, the prep is more uncomfortable thant he proceedure, but even that is not a huge deal. Ther is nothing to dred. Just do it and you'll laugh at yourself for the hesitation.

Cheers

 

[ReadyOne]

What I'm hearing is...

The purging in preparation is a bitch.

Once they start the anesthesia, you're down and out.

Nobody has even seen the apparatus they use, or has any idea how it is used (other than "they stick it up your ass").

I've also heard that the anesthesia they use doesn't really put you to sleep, or you can wake up during the procedure, which is OK as the anesthesia removes any discomfort.

I've also heard that the anesthesia causes amnesia, so even if you woke up you wouldn't remember that they had you hanging spread-eagle from your ankles

Is there a medical assistant out there who witnessed the procedure, or even someone brave enough to do have undergone it without anesthesia (so they remember what happened)?

 

[ReadyOne]

A bump, hoping that some medical professional might stumble across this and reply...

 

[bean-73]

i used to work for a drug company and have seen a quite a few being done

the equipment is a long thin tube that has optical fibres in it. atthe top where the dr holds it there is the bit that hooks up o the monitor and on here he/ she can steer the end of the tube.

so when they get to a bend the steer the end round and dont just push it harder.

most people i have seen it done tohave been out of it or just semi conceuious.

none have ever seemed to be in pain or complained of pain.

as every one has said it is best to have it done rather than have the cancer

hope this helps

 

[trinityjons]

Everyone elses comments about the prep have been good so I will go over the procedure. You'll have to show up before the procedure and fill out a bunch of paperwork and sign some consents. Someone will come with you, because you will not be driving yourself home. Count on being asked the same questions 3 or 4 times. This is how medical personnel keep you safe, by verifyng information repeatedly. You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down, you will have an IV started so that there is venous access for the sedation. You will be on a stretcher in a room with the physician, and probably two nurses. The room may be rather dark, so the MD can see the video screen. You will be asked to lie on your left side, with your knees pulled up toward your tummy. One nurse will sedate and monitor you, the other nurse will assist the MD. The drugs used for sedation will probably be Versed and either Demerol or Fentanyl. Demerol is a narcotic, Versed is like Valium and Ativan, it will sedate you, relax you and it's an anterograde amnesiac so you will likely not remember much of the procedure even if you do remain conscious. You can refuse the sedation, but you might not get your exam if you do. You will likely be way too nervous to relax, the procedure causes cramping, advancing the scope may be uncomfortable, and if abdominal pressure must be applied that is uncomfortable as well. The drugs will be titrated by the sedating nurse under orders from the MD. The idea is to use the least amount that will comfortably get you through the procedure. Most people are fairly out. Some will remain conscious, and even watch the video monitor, but they usually don't remember it afterwards. These are also done sometimes using a heavier sedation under the supervision of an anesthetist, but that's up to your doc. Your cardiac function, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation will be monitored throughout the exam. You will probably breath some oxygen through a nasal cannula because the drugs you are given have the potential to affect your breathing.

When you are sedated the MD will put some lubricating jelly on your rectum and insert the scope. There is nothing at your rectum to hold it open, the scope slides in easily. The scope is a long flexible tube about the size of a finger. One end goes in you, the other end plugs into a processor and sends images to the video screen. The tube has a channel that can be used to insert instruments for biopsies, polyp removal or other tests, a suction channel, an irrigation channel, an air channel the fiberoptic light source, and a CCD chip that captures the "image". It is about a meter long, the last part of the tube can be flexed in any direction using controls at the MD's end of the scope.. The MD navigates your colon by bending the "bendy" part in the direction he wants to go and then advancing the scope by hand. This is done carefully, withoput force. Sometimes if the colon is difficult to navigate, the nurse assisting may be asked to apply pressure to your abdomen to assist the MD in advancing the scope. Air is put into your colon to inflate it for better visualization. Water irrigation and suction may be used if there is any residual material in the colon. The scope will be advanced to the point where your colon meets your small bowel (the cecum) and then pulled back out. If biopsies are to be done, tiny flexible forceps are inserted in the biopsy channel to pinch off small pieces of tissue. Polyps may be removed by snaring them, or by cauterizing them. You would not be aware of any of this going on. The doctor may take pictures of your colon. Ask to see these, they are kind of interesting

You may be there for several hours from the time you walk in the door until you walk out, but the actual procedure takes less than half an hour. After the procedeure you will go to a recovery area. Your vital signs will still be monitored, you will be badgered to wake up, you will be nagged to pass gas, yes fart please (the air that was put in your colon needs to come out, it's just room air...theres no odor involved). Whoever came with you may get to come back and see you at this time. After you wake up a bit the doctor will discuss the exam with you, and the person with you if you have agreed that this is okay, you may not remember everything said to you at this time. After 20-30 minutes you will probably be awake enough to go home. You will be asked not to drive or drink alcohol for 24 hours because of the medication you were given.

It's true that people say the prep is the worst part. It's important that you do the prep as ordered though, a bad prep means stool in the colon which means poor visualization which means something might be missed. Colon cancer is very treatable when caught early so if you have the opportunity to have this exam you should, family history or no family history.

Oh jeez I think that about covers it. So go to it, and come back and tell us all how it was no big deal.

 

[The_old_man]

It has been mentioned that the new procedures ( described above) are much better than in the past.

I have had all of them over the years, and am due for another next year.

The first that I had was thirty years ago. The standard evacuation procedures involved Magnesium Citrate and phenolphthalein after an ounce of Castor Oil. The combination did indeed clean me out, I shit the bed twice that night.

The examination involved a series of perforated split tubes, the first was about half inch in diameter and eight inch long, each succeeding tube was a loose fit over the previous as well as a few inches longer. Over a period of about ten minutes this series continued until the final tube had been inserted, a monster of about three inch diameter and almost two foot long. Fortunately ample lube was used. No anesthetic. The Proctologist then used an illuminated mirror to inspect the expanded area through the perforations and slit in the tube. He did not remove the tubes in series as he had inserted them, just pulled the final tube out.

The second exam was much less uncomfortable, although no less invasive. Preparation was the same and I only shit the bed once. The instrument used was just as rigid but only about one inch in diameter, a short tapered end with several glass ports inset in the taper. The other end, again eighteen inches away, had several attachments, one was an eye-piece. This was well lubed and slowly inserted, no anesthetic. When fully inserted air was pumped in to inflate the colon. The Dr. then used the eyepiece to inspect. There was a release of the pumped in air before removal of the scope.

The last two were as trinityjons described, with the exception of anesthesia, I requested that none be used as I wanted to watch the monitor. After the first one I did not think anesthesia was required.

 

[ReadyOne]

Thanks. That's exactly the stuff I was looking for.

 

[Show&Tell]

Prep side effect...

Had one a yr ago b/c of IBS. I had more intensive prep work for some reason but when I went in for test my blood pressure was so low they could not take me in until they gave me bags of fluid to bring it up--which delayed it by over an hour, while I listened to the nurses talking a/b what they were going to have for lunch!!. You won't remember a thing when it's over. I was starving and my boyfriend took me to a diner we love and I ordered enuf food for 4 but only could eat a little of it. Still drugged. THey did do a biopsy but I didn't even realize it until the next day when the nurse called to check on me and mentionned it.

My sister went into potassium-shock during the prep work. she started shaking uncontrolably and had chills. She had a bottle of potassium pills and took one and it stopped the reaction. I've since heard of several people who had that happen and having the potassium is a great idea.

My grandfather has had colon cancer for years and my mother was diagnosed a few months ago after having a colonoscopy b/c of mysterious stomach pain. Luckily it was in the early stages but the surgery was really tough to get over and she is going through radiation which is really bad--but better than being dead. She confessed she'd had symptons for almost a year but had not told anyone!! Lost weight w/o trying, felt week and sick, upset stomach alot, and felt a lump-like firmness in her back.

The dr says it is part environmental and part heredity.

 

[cyberski]

I've had 4 since 1987, and they are a piece of cake except for the day before shit, but if you're like me, and the pains are coming from ulcerative colitis, that 24hrs of no solids and the phospho soda isn't that big of a deal either. Shit, they even ask ya (or they did me) if you want to watch what's going on on the same monitor as hey are viewing, and the last 2 i've had (last being july2 04) i've watched the procedure as it happens. This last one they even captured a screenshot of the dealio, and gave me a pic of my innerds.

Wanna see?

http://cyberski.walagata.com/myscan-resized2.jpg