Colonoscopy

My doctor said he could do it with no sedation. I've done it 3 times since with him, no sedation. Well, maybe a Benzo. That's it. It's uncomfortable. The prep the day and night before is gross. I don't see how they do this WITH sedation, it would seem more likely they would force and perhaps tear or puncture.

When they did mine they put me under deep sedation and I woke up hours later and felt nothing.

It is painful but in the past, mean doctors would give it to their patients without anesthesia all the time. It was cruel and unusual punishment.

Yes, no, yes.

Its not painful. I'm the one who did it without sedation. I can take big dicks, too. I guess I'm stoic.

Op, if your immediate family has a low-risk of Colon cancer, go with the kit, seriously.

The scope route can be dangerous.

I had Propofol, woke up feeling completely refreshed and not groggy like anesthesia used to be.

Get yourself Preparation H wipes for the prep. Sleep on an old towel in case your ass leaks when you are done with the prep.

Had it done 3 weeks ago. Prep was the hard part because of the drink. I was under and it was the best sleep. I’m only 42 but there’s colon cancer in my family. My friend died last year, 39. Colon, rectum and liver. No symptoms. The age was lowered to 45 this year. Good luck. Could save your life.

Fasting and a good enema works just fine.

I’ve had it done and was given Propofol also. Same experience as R7.

The prep really isn’t all that bad, but don’t be far from a toilet for too long. You’ll have to miss work the day before so you can be close. Also, I don’t know if it was just where I went, but you’ll need to be driven home after the procedure. They will not let you drive that day.

Oh, and one more thing: if you see the doctor putting on his mining helmet, get out of there fast!

Had mine in December. No big deal. All very well organized, efficient and painless. Didn’t cost me a penny either, thanks to socialized medicine.

I don't understand the kit, r6. What if you have polyps? Don't they remove those during the procedure? Does the kit tell you if have you have polyps?

Do the quick prep: Oral soldium phosphate (OSP) solution. Brand names: Fleet Phospho-soda, EZ-Prep, Fleet Accu-prep

It tastes disgusting but you only have to drink it twice.

My doctor's office never sent the prescription for the prep. I had had one done before so I used the system they used then at the hospital......three bottles of Gatorade with three tablespoons of Miralax.....

Had Propofol both times, and it was great. Twilight sleep, I could see and hear everything, but I didn't feel anything.

First one found problems....surgery.....now I have a stoma and a colostomy bag. GET YOUR PROCEDURE DONE, guys! Don't end up like me. I'm alive....but it's not fun.

The second one was to check a year after my surgery, and I'm okay.....BUT DON'T WAIT! Don't be me!

The prep has you on the go. The procedure itself is painless. Takes about 45 minutes. And yes, you will be sedated--and you should be. Let them do their thing. No reason for you to be awake.

10 responses and the differences are already interesting.

I had my second one done back in January. I had one 5 years before. The biggest change was the prep or the drink as everyone is talking about. When I first had it done the drink was tolerable but nasty tasting. This go around the drink was okay. So, they have improved that. I had Propofol too, woke up feeling completely refreshed and not groggy like R7. Like R11 said, it's well organized. I didn't have to miss a day of work. I started the prep at 7PM and didn't eat or drink (only the prep drink and some water), my procedure was at noon. Out by 4PM and at my office by 4:30PM to take care of some things.

[quote]Also, I don’t know if it was just where I went, but you’ll need to be driven home after the procedure.

That's SOP for my facility but I forgot to alert somebody that I needed to be picked up. I was released anyway because they made sure that I was in a cab.

It gave me the motivation to really begin my exercise regime since I had been all cleaned out and.... refreshed!

how old are you supposed to get it if you have colon cancer history in your family?

Whatever you do, don't wear a gimp mask while you have it done.

OP, I've had six of them, and you can believe me: there's nothing to worry about. The prep the day before means no food except clear broth and then you drink a lot of vile stuff, but it's not that terrible, actually.

The procedure itself doesn't hurt at all. They'll probably put you out and you wake up later feeling fine. I once had one wide awake and even that didn't hurt. I watched the whole thing on a monitor. The doctor was Russian; maybe that's how they do it in Russia.

But you must have it. If you put it off, you can get something terrible, leading to surgery. Don't delay.

my friend did the stool test at age 50. he had no history in his family. came back normal.

Good luck OP! I'm sure you will be fine!

in case you die. can I have all your stuff?

The American cancer society says 45 now, not 50. If it’s in the family, have it done earlier. That’s what I was told and that’s why I did it.

[quote]I don't see how they do this WITH sedation, it would seem more likely they would force and perhaps tear or puncture.

How do you prevent that by being awake though? The whole thing has got to be very uncomfortable... i mean saying "ouch" isn't going to really help is it?

How significant are these risks? I'm supposed to get one at some point... I just am not feeling any rush. Risks were not discussed in my appointment. I do know it is under propofol but that's common. I had an upper GI under propofol years ago.

Had one done 10 years ago the prep was awful. This year I had the Cologuard test the only unpleasant part was having to swab the stool.

Ive got one scheduled for tues. For some reason Im terrified,though colon cancer doesnt run in my family. I had the wipe test and it came back negative,but for some reason my doctor insists on a regular one. Ive never had one before. I smoke a lot of weed,and take about the equivalent of 3 xanax a week (I take halves) and I told my doctor,but should I be worried about getting put under?

No, r25. Your doctor not only knows (or should know) your history, they do blood work before the procedure to ensure you’re AOK to go under.

I was worried, too, but only because I had never been under anesthesia before and didn’t know if I was allergic to it or whatever. But they do blood work first.

Anyone have any issues with their health insurance covering any aspect of the procedure?

[quote] they do blood work before the procedure to ensure you’re AOK to go under.

Hmm... I didn't have that. Oh but, maybe I did. I had my annual physical a month before and my doctors are all part of some medical group where they can see all of your medical history and test results.

Didn't have blood work either and did the colonoscopy at a hospital I don't otherwise use.

OP, get the twilight sleep. I woke up a couple of times during the quick procedure for a few seconds, so you're not completely out. There was no pain whatsoever. I woke up right after refreshed and in a good mood.

The only bad thing about the whole process in the prep you drink the night before. It's beyond vile. And you'll stay up most of the night pooping. Get baby wipes, or else your ass will be raw.

I recommend getting the full colonoscopy. If they find any polyps, then they can easily be snipped out right then and there. A colonoscopy is both a preventive measure and a cure. It's worth the peace of mind.

In Thailand - you swallow a camera the size of a pill, then when you poop it out they watch the footage. So much better than a scope jammed up your ass.

[quote]So much better than a scope jammed up your ass.

Um, you do realize you’re on a message board frequented by gay men, right? Just asking.

So do you fast for 12 or 24 hours before?

[quote]I recommend getting the full colonoscopy.

There is such a thing as a partial colonoscopy?

Last time I had one - 2016 - the prep wasn’t bad. Eat low-residue food for two days beforehand.

I also recommend fasting for the 24-36 hours before you prep if you're concerned that the prep will be a nightmare. I had a colonoscopy 3 years ago to see if anything physical was casing my IBS symptoms. Was given propofol. I fell asleep, and it seemed like I woke up only a second later when the procedure was done. It was all very easy and painless. The most awkward part was the nurse telling me that I had to fart for her to make sure I could pass air after the procedure. Do make sure you have a ride home. You might feel a little weak or tired, especially if you haven't eaten or slept well beforehand.

You'll be fine.

I got deep sedation because I’m not a scaredy pants baby. It was fine. The prep is the horrific part, the actually procedure is a nice midday nap if you’re not a big weirdo about it.

r36, that's my greatest fear...I don't fart at all, seriously.

[quote]Eat low-residue food for two days beforehand.

What exactly is “low-residue food?”

I've had it done twice (I'm 61). First time, twilight and could feel discomfort (pressure, but no pain). Second time I was completely out (didn't expect to be). I recommend the latter, but the former wasn't really bad at all. Prep was unpleasant first time, but second time, ten years after bariatric surgery, I'd gotten used to having bouts of diarrhea, so didn't seem as bad. The prep laxative is bland, just a lot to drink (my GE had me drink 2/3 of it the night before, and the rest the morning of). Found some very mild diverticulosis, but nothing to worry (just a rather ugly photo to put on my wall). Upper GI is stranger, as you swallow tube with camera--I have no memory of actually doing it, so the twilight must have worked--ziti does have an amnesiac in it.

I had a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy at the same time. It was a total breeze, other than the unbelievable shit fest the night before and then being mortified of what I might say while I was in la la land during the procedure.

I hope it's not on the doctor's gag reel: "Fuck me with a bigger scope!" "Is that all you've got, Dr. Pencildick?"

Kidding aside, I wish I wouldn't have waited until 55 to have it done. Luckily, they found nothing and I don't need another one for 10 years.

The prep drink was pretty horrible tasting, but is not as high-volume as what they used to prescribe. It took longer than I expected to kick in and I told my partner "it's not working" and he smirked knowingly and said "just wait." Then the asspocalypse began. Good thing we have more than one bathroom. I discovered I was even more full of shit than I ever imagined.

I've had 6 or 7 procedures with anesthesia, and the colonoscopy was the definitely the least annoying.

Are the scopes that they snake you with one use disposable or not? Also, is Propofol fine to take if someone has COPD or any other type of respiratory disorder or disease?

If you can handle a watermelon in your ass, a little colonoscopy won't hurt you.

Cologuard is not the same as a colonoscopy, definitely higher false negative rate. It's not responsible for people here to be recommending that, particularly for people who have risk factors

R42 talk to your doctor. I have asthma so my doctor wanted to do it in the hospital instead of the colonoscopy suite at his office as a precaution. I was fine. Propofol is magic. I understand why Michael Jackson abused it.

When I have it down awake, there is a nurse and the doctor too, who are moving me around and pushing on my lower abdomen. I don't know how they do that when you're a limp zombie. I guess stronger nurses.

have it done. I watched on the camera the first time, but then it was just boring so I think of something nice I will do after the procedure.

Eat light two days before you do the prep and then all liquid a day before you start the prep, it helps a lot. My insurance wouldn’t pay for the prep- the pills or the liquid, so my doctor told me to do the heavy duty (doodie) miralax/gaterade prep which doesn’t clean you out perfectly, but good enough. Got knocked out for it. Brought bread that I ate on the cab ride home so I wouldn’t get nauseous from everything. Everything was fine and not terrible.

R42, Check out Dr. Dipak Desai, Las Vegas. I believe he has been discussed on here before. He was part of my insurance network and I made an appointment with him for a colonoscopy but cancelled it. Within a month his office was raided and shut down. I still don't know why I was uneasy enough to cancel the procedure but happy I did.

I'm r42. I'd rather get an awake colonoscopy when the time comes but would that be wise if they found any polyps?

I've had two. I didn't have to fast the entire day before. The prep wasn't that bad and I was finished shitting by 8 p.m. the night before, so sleep was fine. They put me pretty well under...vague awareness that something was being done to me. Could feel it but didn't hurt in the least.

When I woke in recovery, I farted A LOT! I could push down on my abdomen and make it come out. Got to be funny. Doctor told me I could get dressed and I stripped off the gown in front of my female friend who was my ride home. Also funny, as I forgot she was sitting right there.

Got home and ate and ate and ate. Second one I recall I ate three bagels and an entire pound of cheese. Super satisfying naps afterwards.

I was awake for it. The prep is worse than the procedure. I did not encounter any real discomfort with the camera shoved up my ass. The best advice I got was to keep my ass lubed with Vaseline as the laxative worked its magic.

I've had it done twice. Drank the prep the night before, which was unpleasant but not awful. Slept through the first one entirely. The second one I kind of woke up and felt the tube in my butt but there was no pain. The whole procedure is not fun, but it's not an ordeal, either. I'd advise anyone to get it done. If you have no major risk of colon cancer it only has to be done every ten years.

Farting afterward is normal. In fact, it's a good sign. A doctor came to check me after I woke up and heard me farting and said it was music to her ears.

[quote]My insurance wouldn’t pay for the prep- the pills or the liquid

That sucks! I have a problem with any insurance company denying you something that your doctor advises.

Thank you OP for starting this thread. I'm VERY happy that most of the people who are posting here understand the importance of having the procedure and screening done. I had a cousin that died of colon cancer and (according to her doctor) it was very much preventable. She had never had a colonoscopy (because she was afraid of doctors), even though she had excellent health insurance through her employer--Hoffmann La Roche. It was just insanity on her part. But, she's part of that group of people that feared doctors and hospitals.

My concern are for those who don't have health insurance. My procedure was nearly $8K total. How many of us have that type of money available for such a necessary procedure--especially when most people don't even have $400 in the bank?

I found the link below for those who might be reading this thread and who don't have health insurance. Please check it out and if you qualify, get tested, and have the procedure if needed.

Those cologuard kits seem like a scam to rake in money by feeding on people's fear of an actual colonoscopy.

I've had several done (part of a university study), and it's not so bad, and this was 20 years ago. I've heard it's even easier now. Propofil was given, and I was still partially awake watching the video. When they biopsy the polyps, you barely feel a "pressure" feeling. I'm surprised afterwards too that they let me take a bus home. I did rest for several hours though. The farting is really not like regular farting. It's just plain old air that got in there during the procedure. And since you're completely cleaned out, there's no smell. I of course went out and got fucked good too as it's the cleanest you'll ever be.

me too

Had one done a few years ago, the prep is really the worst part. My doctor uses Propofol, so it’s “lights out....lights on” so quickly you won’t know anything happened. Great stuff.

Yes, the Michael Jackson drug is amazing!

For the prep, someone on DL recommended getting A&D ointment (in the baby aisle) for your ass. It helps.

Sedation is the best part of it. Also, it wears off. The procedure is very uncomfortable, so you are going to want it. Thanks for this post op, It is a reminder to me to make my appointment. It is so very important.

While you're going under, the doctor and staff will take great delight in asking you personal questions that you will happily answer in lurid detail.

Most keep a running yearly tally of the most outrageous things Versed™ makes patients say.

If the prep bothers you, look into getting a colonic the day before the procedure. You still have to eat lightly prior to that (I stick to soups and smoothies), but the colonic will really clean you out and IMO is easier and more thorough than the gross drinks.

After three cancellations, which meant it was over a year since the original referral, I just gave up.

If it was that easy and routine, why do they only do it one or two days a week and why did they keep cancelling?

r32 I am a total alpha male top, so I don't know anything about having anything in my ass..okuuuuurrrr?

Poppers?

[quote]okuuuuurrrr

Yeah, you sound alpha. We should’ve known.

First time (6 years ago) they gave me some kind of sedative but I was still dimly awake and I remember watching it on a video monitor. No pain at all.

This time (2 months ago) they gave me 2 sedatives (Demerol and Versed) and I passed out completely. I have no memory of the procedure, but I remember waking up in the recovery room with pain right at my anus. It was still somewhat tender from all the prep though. I had to ask them if they in fact went all the way up my colon becaus I felt nothing and they assured me they had.

Cool story

The prep was not bad, IMO. I was running clear pretty quickly. I ate Jell-O (the yellow flavor) and strained Campbell's chicken noodle soup. I got the propofol (and understood why Michael Jackson liked it). Yes, the doctor will remove polyps then and there. I remember being really hungry afterwards.

You can add Crystal Light powder to the prep solution to make it taste better. But not red. You can't eat or drink anything red.

I have had 2 due to the fact that my mother died at 49 from Colon Cancer. If there's a family history you should be about eight years younger than your relative was at diagnosis your first time.I had to go at 40. My Dr allows you to have breakfast the day before, then 2 Dulcolax at about 3pm, then you mix a small jar of Myralax in any light colored drink like Crystal Lite. I haven't thought the prep was bad at all. You go a LOT but it's not painful. With sedation I remember waking up and seeing the screen and asking if that was my colon. No pain in the least. I go again for my third in a couple of weeks. I would much rather go through a colonoscopy than a dental procedure when you hear drilling and scraping in your head.

Nothin to it.

R51 a pound of cheese? I guess you didn't have to shit for the following year.

Oh, well....

FYI:

Trump administration now says entire Affordable Care Act should be struck down

r1 The standard procedure where I am is to do it under sedation. And of course they don't puncture anything - they do it with a camera! Seeing the intestinal walls with a camera is kind of the whole point of a colonoscopy.

r66 irony is lost on the stupid

For the guys that felt discomfort, are you a top? I mean I can take big dicks and used to get fisted so I’m thinking I may not need any sedation. Could that be true? Seriously.

What I remember sort of is how fast I went under. They answered some questions as I was lying there, said they were starting the IV and boom.

I've had two-piece of cake really.

BIG ALERT! Sometimes they knock you out with propofol and it is more expensive than other sedation methods. CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE that they cover this, and ask your doctor to clear his method of sedation with your insurer! Of course the average patient would NEVER know to ask this, but often insurance companies cover the procedure, but will ONLY cover certain sedation methods, and propofol might not be one of them!

The IRONY! Gay men promoting sedation to tolerate an *optic fiber* in their colon! In Europe they dont sedate you. Why? Because it doesn't hurt!! If it did they would administer anesthesia beforehand. I'm having it done in April with NO SEDATION. I'm sure it will be non-traumatic. Americans are so weird about their butts.

R67, Demerol isn’t a sedative, it’s a delightful painkiller. You lucky bitch.

I had my first last week. The disgusting thing about the prep is the drink itself. You down a cup of every 10/15 minutes for a few hours, by which point you're utterly disgusted. At first you think, "Well, this is...tangy,and somewhat metal-y, but not so bad." Then after about 5 cups you're revolted, and have to keep forcing yourself to swallow without gagging. In short, it's vile.

I chose no anesthetic because it's a narcotic, and I've been clean and sober a long time. Of course, if I were having full on surgery I'd be okay with getting put under, as there's really no other option. But this procedure gives you the option, so I was like, "I'll try it!"

There were a few bad moments, but I just toughed it out. The scary-feeling thing is, the twinges of pain (which some might just call discomfort, I guess) is deep in your guts ... an area you usually feel very tense and apprehensive about when something's going on within there.

The docture did write "use pediatric colonoscope for next procedure" in the discharge plan. I guess I'm TIGHT! (Or I was screaming, and have blocked that part out.)

Demerol is a narcotic. I can testify that it had a sedative effect on me.

OP here. I wanted to close the loop on this thread. Well I had it done. I went for the very, very minimal sedation route, so I was awake for the entire thing. There was a brief cramping feeling, but that didn't last long at all. The doctor was talking to me and everything. I even watched them snip a polyp. The results of the polyp test will determine if I need to go again in either 5 or 10 years.

I'm glad it's over. And please have one if you're over 50.

Finally, I heard the doctor say I have a normal sphincter tone. Should I add that to my Grindr profile?

PS, thanks to all of you who posted such great information.

Glad to hear, OP. And your Grindr comment had me in stitches.

Thx! We were on tenterhooks.

[quote]We were on tenterhooks.

Oh my! When I had mine done, I don’t remember them hanging me upside down from my butt! Oh, that’s right, I went for the full anesthesia, so maybe they did.

r84 I believe "Normal Sphincter Tone" is a Pansy Division tribute band

Great news OP! Thanks for letting us know. And yes PLEASE get one, guys......

OP did you get any 8x10 pics for yourself?

I had tis friend with quite a sense of humor. Quite. She went in for a colonoscopy and out came this doctor around 35 from Italy that looked like a movie star. She took one look at him and said, " He can't do this to me; he's too goo looking. I want another doctor,"

Thanks for reporting back, OP. That must've been interesting to see your polyp snipped.

[quote]OP did you get any 8x10 pics for yourself?

We’re talking about his butt.

Wallet-size copies.

[quote]Finally, I heard the doctor say I have a normal sphincter tone. Should I add that to my Grindr profile?

F-sharp or B-flat?

Thanks for the update, OP. I hope you had a tremndous meal afterwards. Congrats on your sphincter tone. Not only can you add that to your Grindr profile, but it will be worth noting in your obituary.

R17, depends on how strong the history is. If you have something like lynch syndrome in your family, then you have a genetic high risk for colon cancer and you may need one yearly or every couple of years. The prep does suck and is the most unpleasant part but the cleaner you are, the better your results are. You can also have flat polyps that are less visible. Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, don’t put off getting the colonoscopy done.

About a month ago, I did the ColoGuard test. It came back negative.

Anyone else do ColoGuard?

No. I’m not shitting on a stick and sending it through the mail. If my doctor finds it necessary, he can send me for real tests.

You're not literate, R98

Ok, r99.

R98 your doctor is the only one who can request this kind of test - so she/he would be involved anyway.

And instead of using a recognized laboratory that the doctor routinely sends specimens and patients to, he’s going to trust “Old Shit in the Mail” to be accurate?

Not my doctor, thank you.

R91 too goo looking to be looking for goo.

R97 I did the Cologuard a few months ago, I hated having to dig into the sh*t for a separate sample to send back with the kit. Much easier than a regular colonoscopy test. It's only for those who have a low risk for colon cancer. No family history of CC are the people who can take this test.

R104 thanks for a rational answer with factual information

I shit in a box and send it to random people all the time!

If you want to help yourself with Prep, you should eat lightly and start taking small gentle laxatives about three days in advance of prep. If you eat heavy meals and don't drink enough water you'll make prep much worse. Yu do know the objective is to clean out your colon so the doctor can see whether any abnormalities exist. The color and texture of the colon, itself, and whether or not the walls are thickening or there is an evidence of polyps. Very important. Last time I went they found four polyps and two were pre-cancerous. You want to improve colon health stay away from fatty foods, processed meats and bacon, BBQ and charred meats. Eat a lot of vegetables, and fruit, high fiber diet. Stay away from white anything:bread, rice, WTF ever. Cut way back on alcohol consumption. Yes.

[quote]and bacon

WHAT??????

I'M COMING, ELIZABETH!

OK. You can eat bacon if you find some that is untreated. Make sure you aren't consuming Nitrites or Nitrates. They are proven carcinogenic preservatives used in most bacon. But now you can actually find bacon that is free of those. Costco, and Kroger, Publix, e tc. all sell good bacon. OTOH, you could probably treat yourself to bacon once or twice a month. But once you have the pre-cancerous polyp scare, and you take a Cologuard test and your stool has blood in it, you might change your mind. In general, I've become a great label reader. I check sodium, sugar fiber, preservatives and cholesterol variously when ever I shop. I've been doing it for three years and now it's just a habit. Not an inconvenience.

[quote]treat yourself to bacon once or twice a month.

Just kill me know...

I'm their BEST customer!!!!

The ‘uncured’ bacon illusion: It’s actually cured, and it’s not better for you.

[quote]You know the stuff. It populates the shelves at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, and there are generally a few choices at supermarkets. It says “uncured” in big letters, and you buy it because you think it’s better for you, being free of nitrates and nitrites.

[quote]But guess what? It isn’t better for you. It does have nitrates and nitrites. Sometimes, higher levels than conventionally cured meats.

[quote]This is not a secret. Google it, and you’ll find that all kinds of people have written about it. Somehow, though, it hasn’t entered the public consciousness, and I’m going to do my level best to change that.

[quote]The issue is that “uncured” bacon is actually cured. It’s cured using exactly the same stuff — nitrite — used in ordinary bacon. It’s just that, in the “uncured” meats, the nitrite is derived from celery or beets or some other vegetable or fruit naturally high in nitrate, which is easily converted to nitrite. In ordinary bacon and cured meats, the nitrite is in the form of man-made sodium nitrite. But the nitrite molecule is the same, no matter its source.

My doctor gave me a gold star on prep. And even commented during the procedure about what a good job I’d done. I just followed the instructions on the liquid. I did gulp it down and take a sip of diet sprite after each gulp. Even though I was hungry AF after the procedure, I didn’t eat that much.

[quote]r106 I shit in a box and send it to random people all the time!

I know . . . who [italic]hasn't?[/italic]

But now with the whole #MeToo thing, we have to adjust EVERY LITTLE THING!

It’s actually a very cleansing process psychologically and makes you feel so much lighter.. it’s worth it for a lot of reasons. As a genetic cancer risk, I am happy to do it for the peace of mind. Sometimes have to push my doctor to do it.

I only eat bacon twice a year - sometimes three- and I always drink orange juice with it because I figure the nutrients help cancel out the negative affects of bacon. I always thought that's why corned beef is paired up with cabbage.

Billy Connley has the best bit about getting a colonoscopy.

Datalounge, you made me laugh so hard with this thread....y'all are so funny.

[quote]No. I’m not shitting on a stick and sending it through the mail.

That's the same thing you do for the Ancestory.com genetic test to see what nationality you are. Why doesn't Ancestory.com just test for colon cancer at the same time?

R14, was your procedure reversed or do you still have a colostomy?

[quote] OP, I've had six of them, and you can believe me: there's nothing to worry about. The prep the day before means no food except clear broth and then you drink a lot of vile stuff, but it's not that terrible, actually.

Why so many, r19? I thought it was one every 10 years.

[quote] For the guys that felt discomfort, are you a top? I mean I can take big dicks and used to get fisted so I’m thinking I may not need any sedation. Could that be true? Seriously.

Discomfort comes from the air that has to be pushed into your GI tract to inflate so doctor can get a good look. That's why you have to fart so much afterwards.

Low-residue food is yogurt, jello, pudding, soup, oatmeal, vs roughage, like broccoli, cabbage, etc.

I'm telling you. Prep is no problem if you start prepping a few days ahead. Nothing drastic. Just eat lighter, and start using the Miralax. I took a rounded teaspoon of Miralax once a day for three days, and I ate low fiber, light foods. But if you load up, eat heavy meals, etc then yeah you'll have a really disgusting experience.

Prep: Miralax and Gatorade

Procedure: Propofol

Got pictures!

While it's true the kit is ok for low-risk people, R12 is correct in that during a colonoscopy they address what they find right there and then (like polyps). It will reveal things like hemorrhoids and physical issues. Also, if you have a clean bill of health, you're good for 10 years whereas the kit must be done every year.

I think the peace of mind is worth the prep, which isn't bad, it's just having to sit on the toilet. No nausea or anything like that.

I had propofol as well. It worked out very well. I agree you wake up refreshed with this choice. The prep isn’t so bad particularly if you adjust your diet the week prior to the procedure. Even without Bad it’s not too bad.

I believe the comments indicating getting some preparation H pads and using a towel are good ones.

I loved my propofol!!! They gave me an IV, I got drowsy, then next thing I knew, they were waking me up telling me I was all finished! Blink of an eye. And I had no after effects. They told me to eat light and drink a LOT of fluids over the next 48 hours to get rid of the drugs and chemicals.

With my last colonoscopy I had Propafol and the newest prep (the name of which I forget). There are a shitload of You Tube videos where people describe how they made the prep taste better and the best way to take it. I recommend checking out those videos--they were very helpful. I think I learned from there to take lemon slices to suck on after each sip of the unpleasant tasting stuff. The main diff between this prep and the previous one was there was much less liquid to drink (still a lot but less). The only problem I have ever had is benign polyps--which they remove at the time. Then they tell you to come back in 5 years instead of 10. That's why the colonoscopy is more worth it than Cologuard--if there is a polyp, it is gone at the time of the test; you don't have to go back or spend time freaking out about it. If your insurance pays for it, get the colonoscopy. There are much worse things to go through (like major surgery or a wasting disease or strokes or something).

I have to go back in two or three years. First time they found polyps they were benign. Last time there were four and two were "pre-cancerous."

I wheeled into the room where the procedure was being performed. The doctor greeted me, introduced the nurse who pushed a syringe attached to an IV and....

I woke up several hours later in the recovery room.

There were no side effects to the anesthesia. It was not a bad way to do the procedure.

That shitting in a box scam is just that. Catering to whiny, man/child, insecure, grown adults is big business. Suck it up and go get a colonoscopy.

I do the Cologuard test into of having a colonoscopy, as recommended by my doctor. I have no risk for colon cancer, no family history, and I'm vegan, and few vegans ever have such cancers. It worked fine - I do it every three years, and it always comes back negative.

Colonoscopies are one of the more dangerous and unnecessary operations around -- and way too costly. For most people, there's no point unless you're at risk.

[quote]I wheeled into the room where the procedure was being performed. I woke up several hours later in the recovery room.

We saw you wheel into the room. But it wasn’t the anesthesia that put you out.

^ I agree, R130. People have to be careful of these "at home" treatments. They're all more commercial than anything else at this point. R131, I'm happy that it is working for you. I hope it continues to do so but I still recommend a doctor and a colonoscopy.

When I did the doctor prescribed Cologuard, they found blood in my stool. So I had to get the Colonoscopy and that's when they found the polyps.

Absolutely make sure that all providers are are approved and in network for your insurance. A couple of years ago, I had a colonoscopy done in a large hospital setting. They switched anesthesiologists on me at the last moment. The sudden replacement did not disclose that they did not take any insurance (at all). After the procedure, the anesthesiologist attempted to bill me a very large amount for a 20-30 minute procedure requiring relatively light sedation. This action is now illegal in my state, but was not when my colonoscopy was performed. First question should always be are you in network for XYZ Insurance. If not, stop everything and demand replacement with someone in network; even if they are ready to wheel you into the OR. I was able to get things "worked out," but it was a real mess.

^ Glad that worked out for you, R135. I have to admit that I'm so naive about health insurance even at my age. I've never had to really deal with it or concern myself with it until recently. Prior to my last colonoscopy, my doctor's office called me about something and informed me that my insurance might not cover it and that I would be responsible for the costs. The end result was that my insurance DID cover it but never in my life had I ever received such a call or have to now become aware (or seek approval) about what my health insurance will/will not cover. That's rather scary.

[quote]woke up several hours later in the recovery room.

Were you really tired or something? Several hours? It’s a 20 minute procedure.

Can I get propofyl for anal sex?

You probably wouldn’t enjoy it much then.

[quote]Can I get propofyl for anal sex?

I have some left over.

I LOVE propofol. I totally get why MJ got it. I have terrible insomnia and always amazed how quickly that stuff puts me out. The only thing that makes me fall asleep.

I had one and surgery to remove a polyp. Misery and unrelenting pain from start to finish. The prep was horrible I just remember being up all night attempting to shit everything out of my body and being terribly hungry. Being under sedation for that short time was my only reprieve. I literally broke out in shakes every time I had to do bowel movement because I dreaded the pain. For a good two months I had to pop a Oxy or Perc just to go through it.

That’s weird R142 . Usually they just snip the polyp while doing the colonoscopy. Never experienced any pain from colonoscopies.

r142: Sorry that happened to you. I have had 4 colonoscopies (due to age), and never had any pain during or after the procedure. The last two times I have had polyps, but they were removed during the colo. The prep is no fun for sure, but maybe you needed a different prep and a lot more liquid so your BMs weren't painful. I never had any pain after at all (and most people don't). I would feel great and cheerful from the Propofol after effects but sleepy, so would get driven home and take a little nap. Sounds like you were inadequately anesthetized as well because it shouldn't have been painful. I think you need a better GI doctor.

I forgot to mention in addition to the polyp I also had anal fissures. Yes I was a total mess in my ass and not in a good way.

I had one done yesterday and slept through it. The prep is an endurance test, though.

The prep is the worst part. Went to the bathroom all night. The procedure is fine. They knock me out and I felt nothing. Woke up and was fine. Don't worry about it you'll be fine.

[quote]Yes I was a total mess in my ass and not in a good way.

Is there a good way for that?

Be sure to use cotton wipes. Don't use toilet paper. Your ass is going to be raw. The prep will make you to the bathroom all night.

Why does Propofol leave everyone so happy and refreshed?

Ask and pay extra for MOVI PREP, it's the best.

Propofol is GOD, you will love it!

It's unaminous, propofil for all!!!!

If they have to remove polyp(s) do you have to take antibiotics afterward? I ask because they are cutting into an area that is full of stool or will be again in a day or so? I also ask because I'm deadly allergic to most antibiotics.

Speaking only for myself R153, I didn't have to take anything. Life returned to normal that very afternoon. What actually happened (and I posted this earlier) is that I was motivated to begin my exercise and diet program since I had now been refreshened...

[quote]r153 I ask because they are cutting into an area that is full of stool or will be again in a day or so?

I believe they cauterize any cuts shut, so there's no way anything's going into your system, that way.

No antibiotics required.

Why would you do this without sedation? It's a camera up your colon - there's no reason to be awake for it.

r157 - I wanted to raw dog it - I've got a really high pain threshold.

R155

Yes my doctor cauterized my open sores I would go into her office assume the position and she would place some type of chemical that would do that job.

[quote]r157 Why would you do this without sedation? It's a camera up your colon - there's no reason to be awake for it.

Nurse:

If a patient values their sobriety and that means they don't want narcotics back in their system unless necessary, they may as well see if they can make it without them ... if they're up for that.

It's not like it's open heart surgery.

R150:

[quote]Nurse:

[quote]If a patient values their sobriety and that means they don't want narcotics back in their system

Most sedation for colonoscopies are done with propofol only. Propofol is not a narcotic. If an old MD is doing the procedure AND giving the sedation himself (without an anesthetist), he will probably administer fentanyl. This is rarely done, and probably only by MDs in their 70s or older.

More fudge, daddy!

R161, in my day they’d just hit you over the head with a rubber mallet.

[quote] Most sedation for colonoscopies are done with propofol only.

Oh, dear.

The worst thing that happened to me is when they told me I wasn't completely cleaned out so the view wasn't as clear as they'd like so I had to re-do six months later. UGH!

R164, why the “oh, dear”?

R166,

The “oh dear” is because the subject of the sentence is singular and I used a plural verb. I changed the wording of my sentence and didn’t proofread it before hitting post.

R164 is probably an idiot who happens to remember 6th grade grammar, and thinks he’s the only one who does. He doesn’t realize that most of us are too busy to proofread our posts. That is what I get for trying to be helpful

I was always under full sedation. I had it done twice. The prep is a pain in the ass, literally. Don't leave your house, and be near a toilet, the day of the prep. It's not painful, just many trips to the bathroom.

... Wanted to add that the procedure isn't painful, under full sedation. I felt no pain afterward, either. ^^ It's not that bad.

Before Propofol they used to use Demerol - it was a nightmare, and I could feel the entire procedure. Then I was groggy for two days after. Propofol is great, but it changed the $ of colonoscopy because the drug has to be adminstered by an anesthesiologist.

Thanks, R167. I can’t tell you how many times I read that sentence and saw nothing wrong.

Even looked up the spelling of Propofol and the plural of colonoscopy and still didn’t get it.

Can I just say.....I love it that we can talk in graphic detail about our colonoscopies, and a movie about MAry Magdalene, and the pros and cons of fisting, and get serius about the Mueller Report, and discuss our favorite donuts here.

^ Welcome to DataLounge. You're gonna love it here!

I had it done without sedation and in many countries that is just the way it's done. I had zero problems. A minor cramp, but that lasted two or three second and then it went away. Maybe I have a higher tolerance for such things, but it really is nothing. I just think Americans are just really weirded out by stuff involving the butt and imagine it to be worse than it is. It's not. Trust me.

Good for you, R174, you are right, it's the anesthesia that gets people to the gastroenterologist. I've had ulcerative colitis for 27 years and live with intense GI pain daily. I don't want anymore - bring on the drugs for the procedure.

Thanks for the info about antibiotics R154, R155 and R156. That was a major concern for me.

If you're okay with being fisted, then a colonoscopy is a walk in the park.

Whatever you do, just don't ask "is it in yet?".

Best sleep I ever had!

R130

MARY!

They give you a generous amount of lube. They showed me the scope and, yeah it's long, but girth wise - it's nothing. I did a really good job of cleaning out, so you could see everything. They found one polyp and they removed with some kind of wire loop device.

I thought I'd found my deliverance with that alternative to the liquid prep, but the damn little box won't keep his effing mouth shut. I finally banished him to the porch until ups arrived for pickup.

R181, it's not about lube, they pump the colon up with AIR to open it up for a colonoscopy. You'll be farting it out for a day.

I was farting during the procedure. As they were removing the device, I just let it rip and they encourage it.

Yes, R183, that was the most uncomfortable part. I got gas cramps intermittently all day. I know you'll be ravenous when you leave after your colonoscopy, but eat easily digestible stuff. Do not go out and have a burger and fries. Scrambled eggs, high fiber toast, roasted chicken or baked fish, and maybe a baked potato, stuff like that. Avoid gassy veggies.

Go out and get fisted the night before , makes it easier for the nurses.

[quote]I had Propofol, woke up feeling completely refreshed and not groggy like anesthesia used to be.

r7 = ghost of Neverland

Me too R187. There are two things I'm glad I have no access to. The "laughing gas" in the Dentist's office, and Propofol.

Yeah - opioids are useful for pain but nothing I would get hooked on. Propofol, however, would turn me into MJ. Usually takes me an hour or two to fall asleep. Once I realized it’s possible to knock out in less than 2 minutes, I was in love. Propofol is the solution to my insomnia that I dreamed of. Thank God I can’t afford my own personal physician.