Colonoscopy, what to expect

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I don’t think it’s barbaric. It’s not too painfull a procedure, at least in > my case it isn’t. > I asked the doctor about the sedation. He said it’s not a problem to get one > (although it’s not a total sedation), but he preferes not to give it. > Reason: although not likely, it is possible that something goes wrong during > the colonoscopy. It’s possible to damage or even puncture the colon. When > the patient is awake he can constantly give feedback: "this is starting to > hurt a bit, this doesn’t feel good, back up a little". Things like that. > And during the scope it’s possible to talk to your doctor. The professor of > the department was called in to look along and I was able to tell him about > my meds and the current complaints I have. > My scope didn’t go that well by the way. Turns out there is a lot of scar > tissue / narrowings in the last part of the colon. Still have to get the > result from my doc. But I think my bad health of the last months were caused > by the narrowings, not by active disease (so the high dose of prednisone was > probably not right either). > — > Martin > The Netherlands > http://home.wanadoo.nl/m.dahlhaus/ > hi martin

i am sorry your scope didnt go that well..but if its not active disease at leat that is something.. i am not put totally under either cos i have epilepsy..for one thing..but i am given enough versed and demerol that i really dont care what happens..i can also talk to the doctor while undergoing it..a couple of times i have worn my glasses and watched the monitor as well…i am having one in january when we visit boston..not looking forward to it..but now its at the point where the prep is the worst of the whole thing..that and waiting in that cold waiting room in that skimpy jonny and having to pee…which i always do…on and off the stretcher clutching my jonny ..i call them ‘jillies’ cos its for me a female..anyway..its not fun…but not barbaric either.. take care martin..we are still hoping to get to see u ..when alan has his sabbatical.. hugs..annie

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Well, I’m not going anywhere — Martin The Netherlands http://home.wanadoo.nl/m.dahlhaus/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> take care martin..we are still hoping to get to see u ..when alan has > his sabbatical.. > hugs..annie

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more power to you, martin. just wanted to say that there’s nothing wrong with sedation.  (im purposely not talking about my scope saga now…long story) but i HAVE had a sigmoidoscopy, and it was EXCRUTIATING.  But that was just me. I screamed at the top of my lungs.  There’s no way my doctor will touch me without me being sedated ever again. we all have our own thresholds. peace

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Of course, when you’re in a lot of pain during a scope there’s nothing wrong with being sedated. But when it’s just a bit uncomfortable then the docs in the Netherlands advice not to be sedated. The doctor did say I must have a high pain threshold… cause it didn’t look too good in there — Martin The Netherlands – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> more power to you, martin. > just wanted to say that there’s nothing wrong with sedation.  (im > purposely not talking about my scope saga now…long story) but i HAVE > had a sigmoidoscopy, and it was EXCRUTIATING.  But that was just me. I > screamed at the top of my lungs.  There’s no way my doctor will touch > me without me being sedated ever again. we all have our own > thresholds. > peace

Response:

I don’t think it’s barbaric. It’s not too painfull a procedure, at least in my case it isn’t. I asked the doctor about the sedation. He said it’s not a problem to get one (although it’s not a total sedation), but he preferes not to give it. Reason: although not likely, it is possible that something goes wrong during the colonoscopy. It’s possible to damage or even puncture the colon. When the patient is awake he can constantly give feedback: "this is starting to hurt a bit, this doesn’t feel good, back up a little". Things like that. And during the scope it’s possible to talk to your doctor. The professor of the department was called in to look along and I was able to tell him about my meds and the current complaints I have. My scope didn’t go that well by the way. Turns out there is a lot of scar tissue / narrowings in the last part of the colon. Still have to get the result from my doc. But I think my bad health of the last months were caused by the narrowings, not by active disease (so the high dose of prednisone was probably not right either). — Martin The Netherlands http://home.wanadoo.nl/m.dahlhaus/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>What’s all this about IV’s in the other posts? >>I’ve had several colonoscopies over the years >but was never sedated >>they asked me if I wanted to be sedated, but as I was alone in the hospital >>and came there by car I declined. >>It’s not comfortable, but I’ve survived it so far >>And when not sedated you can watch the whole thing on a monitor, including >>tissue samples <G> >>Not trying to scare you by the way, you’ll be fine. The prep is the worse >>part, and maybe the bloated feeling afterwards… >>I’m going to faint now… I’m a little bit hungry… >>– >>Martin > Dear Martin: >   I’m sorry, but that does sound a bit barbarric to me.  Thank God that in this > country sedation is the standard.  In fact you usually  have to ask to NOT be > sedated!  I won’t have one without it!  Be well and good luck tomorrow! God > bless. > Love. >   Margie > CD Class of 67 > UC Class of 96

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actually don, you never mentioned the prep, but in all honesty, that is the worst of it. did you ever have an iv?  it is that simple, you get a "cocktail"in your arm and you might even get to watch the montor if you ask the doc nice.  you won’t feel a thing. probably 2 worst things, yet they are mearly minor inconveniences.  i had a sore b hole the next day.  felt like i had gotten "reamed".  it was uncomfortable, took nothing and it was gone in a day.  the air the blow in to you, you end up "farting" out afterwards, again, minor inconvenience. believe me, you will likely want to eat after, go for it. i have been thru many tests and exams, this one is by far NOT the worst, not even a close second! good luck to you, sit back, relax, don’t worry.  you get thru the prep, the rest is a piece of pie…err, i mean cake. jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

Response:

> I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

Hi Don. Had it done twice. This was my experience: *** Step 1. Insert IV. It usually doesn’t hurt until you’ve had about 100 a year and your veins are trashed. Once it’s in, it’s over. No pain. Don’t worry. You’ll only feel a quick pain, and it doesn’t even last a second. After years and years of IVs your veins will become deteriorated and it will hurt, the veins will bust and clot, like mine do. It’s not fun. The best thing to do to insure that you have no problems is to keep water constantly going thru the IV. It keeps the channel opened clearly and avoids clotting. Pumping drugs thru a clotted veins HURTS. Don’t listen to that garbage about "fluid lock;" it doesn’t usually work for longer than 10-30 minutes. *** Step 2. Waiting. You’ll probably be wheeled into a tiny cubicle where everyone is waiting to have their colonoscopies. I hate waiting. *** Step 3. Getting prepped. They’ll take you to the operating room. You’ll get some gas and they’ll hook you up to some GOOD drugs. *** Step 4. They’ll do the colonoscopy, but you’ll be on planet mars having dinner with Frank Zappa and Luke Skywalker. Trust me. *** It’s over. You’re recoving. All is good. -Best of wishes to ya

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> I use to Visicol tablets to clean me out….much more tolerable than > the salt water!  Good Luck!

I prefer the salt water stuff. I think it was called sodium sulfate or something. It was a lot better than drinking like 4 gallons of golytely!

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Thanks for your advice. I have never had an IV in the hand and only had one once in my arm for a CT scan. It hurt. I am just very scared which is embarassing since I am 31 and male. Someone my age had a colonoscopy at the same hospital I will be having mine and died a year ago. I did not know them. They had a different doctor though. I found out they will gove me demerol and versed. What is it like when you get these? I heard the demerol burns when you get it. I have the procedure done the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. WIll I be in pain afterwards? Will I go home and sleep all day?

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it is a piece of cake any pain you have (you may have zero) you will not remember the demerol doesnt hurt or burn going in it is given via IV typically

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Demeral can burn sometimes but when they put the demerol and versed in you won’t care.  I love this cocktail.  You shouldn’t feel any pain other than to put the iv in and then they will give you the other meds so you won’t care.  I do recommend having someone take you.  I am not allowed to drive myself after this test.  The reaction afterwards like sleeping and anything else is different with everyone.  I don’t anymore.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for your advice. I have never had an IV in the hand and only > had one once in my arm for a CT scan. It hurt. > I am just very scared which is embarassing since I am 31 and male. > Someone my age had a colonoscopy at the same hospital I will be having > mine and died a year ago. I did not know them. They had a different > doctor though. > I found out they will gove me demerol and versed. What is it like when > you get these? I heard the demerol burns when you get it. > I have the procedure done the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. > WIll I be in pain afterwards? Will I go home and sleep all day?

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I had my 2nd colonscopy last week and did fine once again. Its no big deal because you’re asleep for the entire thing. I’m 27 years old and hate IVs as well but trust me, that’s the worst part of it. Just don’t look at it while they insert it or you might get sick. I’d like to point out that colonscopies are much better than a sigmoidoscopy simply because you’re asleep and don’t remember anything. There is no pain during or after the surgery. Best of luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Thanks for your advice. I have never had an IV in the hand and only > had one once in my arm for a CT scan. It hurt. > I am just very scared which is embarassing since I am 31 and male. > Someone my age had a colonoscopy at the same hospital I will be having > mine and died a year ago. I did not know them. They had a different > doctor though. > I found out they will gove me demerol and versed. What is it like when > you get these? I heard the demerol burns when you get it. > I have the procedure done the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. > WIll I be in pain afterwards? Will I go home and sleep all day?

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What’s all this about IV’s in the other posts? I’ve had several colonoscopies over the years (and will have one tomorrow, just finished the last glass of prep) but was never sedated. The last time they asked me if I wanted to be sedated, but as I was alone in the hospital and came there by car I declined. It’s not comfortable, but I’ve survived it so far And when not sedated you can watch the whole thing on a monitor, including tissue samples <G> Not trying to scare you by the way, you’ll be fine. The prep is the worse part, and maybe the bloated feeling afterwards… I’m going to faint now… I’m a little bit hungry… — Martin The Netherlands http://home.wanadoo.nl/m.dahlhaus/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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> I had my 2nd colonscopy last week and did fine once again. Its no big > deal because you’re asleep for the entire thing. I’m 27 years old and > hate IVs as well but trust me, that’s the worst part of it. Just don’t > look at it while they insert it or you might get sick. I’d like to > point out that colonscopies are much better than a sigmoidoscopy > simply because you’re asleep and don’t remember anything. There is no

you are right about that! > pain during or after the surgery. Best of luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for your advice. I have never had an IV in the hand and only > had one once in my arm for a CT scan. It hurt. > I am just very scared which is embarassing since I am 31 and male. > Someone my age had a colonoscopy at the same hospital I will be having > mine and died a year ago. I did not know them. They had a different > doctor though. > I found out they will gove me demerol and versed. What is it like when > you get these? I heard the demerol burns when you get it. > I have the procedure done the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. > WIll I be in pain afterwards? Will I go home and sleep all day?

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it is possible (i just heard of this the other day) that you can be allergic to the plastic used for the iv.  there are more than one type, ask for a different one.  can’t say i know my plastics in iv’s.  if there is a "standard", have them try an alternate.  i hear there are alternates. jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for your advice. I have never had an IV in the hand and only > had one once in my arm for a CT scan. It hurt. > I am just very scared which is embarassing since I am 31 and male. > Someone my age had a colonoscopy at the same hospital I will be having > mine and died a year ago. I did not know them. They had a different > doctor though. > I found out they will gove me demerol and versed. What is it like when > you get these? I heard the demerol burns when you get it. > I have the procedure done the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. > WIll I be in pain afterwards? Will I go home and sleep all day?

Response:

>terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles >and never been put to sleep >When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be >painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able >to eat the next day? >What is it like when they gove you the drugs?

Dear Don;    Please don’t tear yourself up worrying.  First of all, if you are not accustomed to IV needles, so much the better.  This means that your veins are probably in terrific shape and the nurse will have no problem getting the IV in.  So you will feel little to no pain. (By  the way, you are talking to a big baby here who has had CD for over 30 years and STILL can’t get used to the tests)  Anyway….after the IV is in, as soon as the doctor is ready, he will or rather the anesthesiologist will ask you a few questions, and then, ever so gently they inject the Demerol and Versed so you neveer even feel it go in. No, you don’t just "pass out’  however, as the doctor askes you to count or something, you will fall almost immediately asleep.  Not abruptly, not frighteningly, just very gently.  Then before you know it, they will be waking you up in the Recovery Room.  They keep you there usually until you are pretty well over the anesthetic and you can tolerate a little apple juice and jello. You will feel bloated and you will need to just fart away!  That is the only way you will be able to release the pressure.  You might be a little groggy the rest of that day, but by the next day you will be more than able to eat your weight worth in turkey and stuffing etc.  So, be well, try not to worry and God bless.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  OH!!!!  One more thing….if you don’t bring someone with you to drive you home they won’t do it for you that day. You have to have someone with you to drive you home.  Byeeeee!   Margie CD Class of 67 UC Class of 96

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>>What’s all this about IV’s in the other posts? >I’ve had several colonoscopies over the years >but was never sedated >they asked me if I wanted to be sedated, but as I was alone in the hospital >and came there by car I declined. >It’s not comfortable, but I’ve survived it so far >And when not sedated you can watch the whole thing on a monitor, including >tissue samples <G> >Not trying to scare you by the way, you’ll be fine. The prep is the worse >part, and maybe the bloated feeling afterwards… >I’m going to faint now… I’m a little bit hungry… >– >Martin

Dear Martin:   I’m sorry, but that does sound a bit barbarric to me.  Thank God that in this country sedation is the standard.  In fact you usually  have to ask to NOT be sedated!  I won’t have one without it!  Be well and good luck tomorrow!  God bless. Love.   Margie CD Class of 67 UC Class of 96

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Don’t worry about it. When I had my barium enema, it was "supposed" to be a terribly uncomfortable procedure. I fell asleep. Ditto the colonoscopy – they sedated me so that I wasn’t aware of a thing.  I was well enough to go home a couple of hours afterwards, and ate a large meal. Honestly, it shouldn’t be a problem at all.  If anything, those couple of seconds before you fall asleed from the anaesthetic feel amazing! Duncan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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Don’t be scared–it’s a safe, routine procedure. You’ll be able to walk to the car–you probably won’t even be that drowsy after a few minutes of sleeping it off before leaving the hospital. One temporary problem is that they shoot gas up your gut so you’ll be feeling very bloated for several hours–maybe even having cramps from bloating before you can expel all the gas; the whole expulsion process may take up to several hours, but after that you’ll be fine.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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Don…I think the worst part of it all is drinking the stuff the day before to flush you out. It is very salty/nasty tasting.. I learned to chill it as much as possible and stand over the kitchen sink and slam it. You will have to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of the stuff. It gives you the chills and makes you need to go right then so make sure the bathroom is always free for the first few hours.  My colonosocopy was in 1998 so I don’t know if the routine has changed at all.  I think the stuff was orange or cherry flavored but that doesn’t help the taste much.  The IV in your hand doesn’t hurt at all (just don’t watch ‘em put it in). The procedure meds just make you very sleepy. Good Luck to ya and have a good turkey day!!!  You will feel fine then..don’t forget to cheer on the Green Bay Packers too!!! Doobie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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I use to Visicol tablets to clean me out….much more tolerable than the salt water!  Good Luck!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Don…I think the worst part of it all is drinking the stuff the day before > to flush you out. It is very salty/nasty tasting.. I learned to chill it as > much as possible and stand over the kitchen sink and slam it. You will have > to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of the stuff. It gives you the chills and > makes you need to go right then so make sure the bathroom is always free for > the first few hours.  My colonosocopy was in 1998 so I don’t know if the > routine has changed at all.  I think the stuff was orange or cherry flavored > but that doesn’t help the taste much.  The IV in your hand doesn’t hurt at > all (just don’t watch ‘em put it in). The procedure meds just make you very > sleepy. > Good Luck to ya and have a good turkey day!!!  You will feel fine > then..don’t forget to cheer on the Green Bay Packers too!!! > Doobie > I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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Yes there are lots of other stuff to take then what you had.  I prefer the pills Visacol.  They are big and there’s a lot of them but no taste at all. UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Don…I think the worst part of it all is drinking the stuff the day before > to flush you out. It is very salty/nasty tasting.. I learned to chill it as > much as possible and stand over the kitchen sink and slam it. You will have > to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of the stuff. It gives you the chills and > makes you need to go right then so make sure the bathroom is always free for > the first few hours.  My colonosocopy was in 1998 so I don’t know if the > routine has changed at all.  I think the stuff was orange or cherry flavored > but that doesn’t help the taste much.  The IV in your hand doesn’t hurt at > all (just don’t watch ‘em put it in). The procedure meds just make you very > sleepy. > Good Luck to ya and have a good turkey day!!!  You will feel fine > then..don’t forget to cheer on the Green Bay Packers too!!! > Doobie > I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and bloating that has lasted over a year. When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able to eat the next day? What is it like when they gove you the drugs? This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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Hi Don.  I think we were all scared the first time but don’t worry it’s not bad.  You will get a iv put in so just don’t look when it’s done.  When they put you to sleep you won’t feel a thing.  After you wake up they take you by wheel chair outside for your driver to take you home.  You can not drive yourself as you will still be sleepy probably.  When you get home if your tired sleep but you are probably going to want to eat first.  You should be fine afer the test other than maybe a little tired until all the med is out. Try to drink so you can flush it out of you.  As for eating the next day too you shouldn’t have any problems enjoying yourself.  The only needle will be the iv anything else should be put through it.  Just try to relax about it and you will be ok.  My son, who was 23 and feared needles was given gas to chill him out for the iv and then he didn’t have any problems except hunger and being tired.  He was in the army at the time.  Good luck with the test and have a Happy Thanksgiving.  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am having one the day before Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. I am > terrified and have never had it done before. I am terrifed of needles > and never been put to sleep. I am having it for constipation and > bloating that has lasted over a year. > When they give me the Demerol and Vesed will I pass out? Will it be > painful afterwards? Will I be able to walk to the car? Will I be able > to eat the next day? > What is it like when they gove you the drugs? > This is embarassing. I am a male and 31 years old but I am scared.

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