Colonoscopy experiences, please!

[ICNJess]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone can tell me about their colonoscopies. I have on on November 9th and would like to know what it was like. I had a flex sig and that was just awful. My dad says he remembers nothing from his, and Betsie and my dad both keep telling me the prep is much worse than the actual test. My G.I. told me that a flex sig is a million times worse than a colonoscopy. Just wondering if you could share your memories of it so that I can be really prepared...and anyone who has Crohn's that is reading this, tell me a little bit about that too, please. Thanks!!!

Jess

[jaime15]

Well....I'll be blunt....it isn't fun!
The prep for it is bad cause I had a terrible time giving myself enema's.. :mad:
I felt very lethargic from not eating two days before the test then going through all the medical stuff you have to do the day before the actual test.
Are you getting put under..even slightly? My gp wasn't even going to sedate me cause it was "easier" for him to do it in his office...after I talked to people who had it done.....they said.....get sedated! So I had to go to the hospital instead for the procedure....he then only wanted me slightly under so I could "see" everything on the screen....whatever... :rolleyes:
I remember feeling them sucking the air back out just before they finished up...boy did I bout come off the table...yikes!.....Alot of uncomfortable gas afterwards......
You'll be fine.....these doctors do tons of these all the time........best wishes you get the answer you're looking for...hugs....

[ICNJess]

Hi Jaime,

Thanks for replying! (Shouldn't you be in bed resting???)

I am being sedated. He told me his goal was to sedate me, and I said my goal was to be heavily sedated so that I don't remember a thing, and he LOL'd and said, "We have the same goals!!" So he assured me that I would be sleeping. My dad (he and I have the same G.I.) was knocked out for his just a few months ago. I figure that the prep will be business as usual. I don't have enemas, just something I am supposed to mix in ginger-ale (which luckily for me is IC friendly) and I'll just be stationed near my bathroom all day. I'll have to add toilet paper to my shopping list that week LOL

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

Hugs,
Jess

[ICNDonna]

I had a colonoscopy in June and I agree that the prep is the worst part of it. On the day before the procedure, I had to be on just clear liquids; then at noon I started drinking what looked like an impossible amount of a laxative drink that didn't taste wonderful! It took about a half hour for it to start working, and I then spent the next few hours near the bathroom so I could make quick trips!!!! The way I got it down was that every ten minutes I chugged down an 8 ounce glass --- that way it was over quickly. By about 7:00 pm I was over the bathroom runs and was exhausted so I went to bed early.

The test itself was easy. They started an IV in the holding area. Then when I went back to the procedure room, medication was added to the IV. I didn't feel a thing, yet I could see my colon on a TV screen. After the procedure I was taken back to the holding area and kept there for about a half hour, after which my husband brought me home. I had a polyp removed but that didn't cause any problems at all.

You'll be fine. Just don't plan to do anything on prep day.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Katrina]

Hi Jess, I do hate the prep....my doc now has given me the choice of having my prep in the hospital so they can treat any pain and problem. Don't mean to scare you though, most people have a much easier time. The test itself I always am put under for theese days (maybe I am wimp but with IC I find that is best because the pressure just is to much for me)....if you think you may want that you need to talk to your doc right away. As far as Chrones...what do you want to know?
Anyway, with Jamie is right...even with sedation you wake up with a lot of gas to get out so do so ...the sooner you do the better off you are. I have had a lot of theese done and survived them all...you will be ok.
I am on meds for long term antibiotic treatment and Asacol for my Inflammatory Bowl disease. As you may remember I already lost my colon to it. (((((big hugs to you)))))
You have gone through so much....I so wish you didn't have this worry.

:grouphug: Let me know if I can help you anymore.
:kiss:

[kelly McC]

Hi,
I just had a conoloscopy and the prep was the worst. I dont remember any of the procedure. Good luck
Kelly

[ICNJess]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. The doctor is torn between a nasty bad case of IBS, or Crohn's, because my symptoms have been on going and getting to the point of stomach bile in my stool. I can't seem to keep solids in me, and I always feel nauseated and thirsty. Last week I had these awful stomach cramps during an episode that had me doubled over in bed.

I am sick of being sick! ACK!

Well if the prep just consists of being in the bathroom all day...business as usual! LOL

Our family is taking a beating...November 2nd my husband has his wisdom teeth taken out, and then the 9th is my colonoscopy. Fun stuff, right? I can't wait for December!!

Hugs,
Jess

[mallenajolie]

Hi:

I too like the others noted above found the prep the worst part. The test is relatively quick. I was sedated but not out. They gave me quite a bit though since I am so nervous with any type of procedure. I had a sigmoid scope, and your doctor is right, that is much worse. You have been through the worst part. Don't plan on doing anything right after, you will be exhausted. Hope this makes sense, having lots of pain today, even on oxycontin??