The prep is nothing compared to colon surgery and six months of chemotherapy if a tumor is found.

WARNING: TMI possible! June 3 I thought it was over for me. Had a colonoscopy June 3 first thing in the morning. Passed blood after returning home around 1 pm. I had been advised that some bleeding was normal. This continued and after five times of passing blood and vomiting 3x, I could not even get off the toilet. My husband had to get me off the shitter, clothe me and CARRY my ass to the pickup. I could not function. He drove me in to the ER at whatever speed the F-150 cuts out at 102-104 (puss Ford!) and called the Sheriff's Dept to advise them he was going in at this speed with our vehicle description and do not try to stop him ...I did not even remember the ride in. Emergency room and an overnight stay for me. Hemoglobin and potassium I was told were "dangerously" low There was a polyp removed that had not been cauterized during the colonoscopy. This was the 2nd time in a row I have had issues with this procedure. Is it leave my asshole alone, or I AM an asshole - leave me alone Preventative procedures <<poopie face>>

quote:

There was a polyp removed that had not been cauterized during the colonoscopy.

Sweet Jesus.

I’m glad you’re still with us!

This test is easy, compared to chemo/radiation. Towards the end of my treatment had a monthly test x4 and only stopped with the end of my cancer. Have a checkup every 6 months and a test every 4 years. So far cancer has been gone 7 years, Praise His Holy Name.

Earlier this year, I followed the prep instructions exactly as directed for my colonoscopy and nothing happened. Nothing at all.
Eventually, I gave up and went to bed, though I barely slept because I was worried about what could happen next. The next day, I took the second dose, which worked slightly better, but the result was an inconclusive colonoscopy due to “poor prep.”
Three months later, I had to go through the entire process again — thankfully, that time everything went smoothly, and I got a clear result.
I still can’t believe the prep didn’t work the first time.

When I had mine a couple of years ago it was 4 liter bottle with some lemon lime powder I mixed in with it. Started with some pills that morning, and the 2nd set of pills at 6pm and drank 8oz cups every 10 minutes through the first 2 liters. Then at 3am I drank the last 2 liters at the same rate.

It actually went way smoother than I expected, the first 4-5 trips after I started the liquid were a little scary (comparable to having too much taco bell), but after that it was just frequent trips and all liquid. As long as I get to prep the same way before my next one I'm not dreading it at all, I think I have maybe 5 more years before my next.

When my wife had hers it was the more typical old school method of only a small amount of liquid to get things going, and she drank a lot of water. I think the 4 liter bottle of the mix went way smoother!

The chemical I had to drink got better over the years, not bad at all last time. But still, baby wipes and a paperback book are your friends. The night before I counted 16 bowel movements. And one when I got to the hospital.

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Originally posted by Prefontaine:
I have to do my first one, or it was really due last year. I’ve heard you can just do the shit in a bag and mail thing. Anyone done this over Colonoscopy?

It's not as accurate and you'll have to shit in the bag every year.with the other one, it's every 10 years. Plus you'll get to see pictures of your inner asshole afterward. It's nothing. Don't sweat it. I drove myself home.

Something that I've learned is to schedule the TIME for the procedure at Noon or close to it. This actually allows you to get a decent amount of sleep after you run dry at about 3:30 AM.

I also do without any "twilight" meds so I can get in my car and drive home right after the procedure is done. In addition it means I can tell the Dr to back off if he starts trying to force things. Something like 2% of the procedures can cause damage to the intestine due to a DR trying to force that probe around the corners. Yeah there is some discomfort but I can put up with that because I can be home a half hour after the procedure rather than waiting for 4 hours till the drugs wear off enough to have a Friend/Family drive me home. people think I am nuts for doing without the meds but I think that those who do the drugs are pussies and nuts for doing drugs they don't need.

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Originally posted by Scooter123:
I think that those who do the drugs are pussies and nuts for doing drugs they don't need.

Both colonoscopies I've had they administrated propofol which was not long lasting nor incapacitating. This last one I was out the door fully awake, alert and walking 30 minutes after they wheeled me in to the procedure room. I couldn't care less if you think that's being a pussy. I could just as easily say I think those who prefer to be awake just like to be conscious as they really enjoy the feeling of something being shoved up their ass.

As for driving yourself home, both places I've been to will not even do the procedure if you do not have a driver to drive you regardless of whether you elect sedation or not. Could I have driven after each procedure? Yes, without question. I suspect it's some sort of insurance and/or risk reason for the facility to require a driver.

Scooter - In over 20 years, I've had one guy make it through sans sedation...and he wished he hadn't. A number have tried, but none have made it past the sigmoid except him. You're an anomaly. I understand why you do it because I'm wired the same way, but I also know my limitations. And, I'm not a masochist.

Also, I'd advise getting the first appointment of the day. Later in the day procedures usually require a two-part prep with the second part taken early in the AM. Also, the earlier you get it done, the sooner you can eat.

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Originally posted by mojojojo:
I suspect it's some sort of insurance and/or risk reason for the facility to require a driver.

Many, if not most, people feel perfectly fine after two or three drinks as well. They're probably not. No different than propofol. It's a liability issue.