Ahh the joy of old age - My procedure

[Keith Hankins]

Well, when I turned 50 (3 years ago) my doc told me need to go check out the plumbing. I said, workin just fine. The wife said no you have to go. So since that great new healthcare has such a high deductable, and I've met the limit for the year 6k out of pocket, I'm going in tomorrow for the old roto-rooter. Got to tell you that crap you have to drink is the worst thing I've ever had. Oh well guess I got to know, at least I'll get a good nap tomorrow. Cheers!

On the bright side, the doc said I'll have lots of room for turkey!

[Pat Barry]

Its not as bad as you think it will be. Its no picnic mind you. Uncomfortable comes to mind. See if you can watch the event on TV

[Don Morris]

Join the club. That's one of the most unpleasant procedures I've had, but it's necessary. In the old days, they didn't have a flexible scope and a friend of mine passed out from the discomfort. Now, with the flexible scopes, it's not so bad. Katty Couric the news caster, lost her husband to colon cancer that maybe could have been detected if seen during one of these procedures. Now, they can even do it without scoping from what I hear. Good, because I'm due in a year or two for my third one.

[Bruce Page]

The 18 or so hours leading up to the procedure is not any fun but the procedure itself is a cakewalk. I never can remember a thing about it.

[Dave Verstraete]

The 18 or so hours leading up to the procedure is not any fun but the procedure itself is a cakewalk. I never can remember a thing about it.

Agree that it was a "cakewalk". That cakewalk also saved my life about 10 years ago. They found a precancerous polyp and removed it. After that, I had one every 6 months for 2 years. Then they stretched it to a year and later to 3 years. My doc just told me I am good for 5 years. WoooHooo!

GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY

[Ken Fitzgerald]

The preparation for the procedure isn't pleasant but it is not terrible either.

Colon cancer is one of those that cancers that can be prevented. My family has a history of colon cancer.

Starting at around age 55 because of the family history, I had to have colonoscopies. They removed 8 polyps and one was of a precancerous type during my first colonoscopy. I have to have a colonoscopy every 3 years.

I witnessed a family member develop colon cancer and did have to endure a temporary colostomy. If you think a colonoscopy and it's preparation is terrible, I can tell you I observed the psychological effects a temporary colostomy had on my family member. The good news, they were reconnected later but there still some complications with which that family member has to deal.

GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY!

[Jim Matthews]

Phht....

I slept through mine.
The worst part was detox from the sedative.

It was like a hangover, where you can't remember the party.
In the old days, they used a rigid Sigmoidoscope.

We've got it easy.

[Leigh Betsch]

I had it done a couple of years ago. As long as I was under I had them do a up scope and a down scope at the same time to check on a hiatal hernia as well as the colonoscopy. I woke up with a terrible taste in my mouth. I should have told the doc to do the down scope first.

[Ole Anderson]

Not long ago the standard procedure was called a flexible Sigmoidoscopy. Usually done in a doctor's office fully awake. Uncomfortable but not too bad. The problem is that it didn't traverse the colon far enough to really do much good. You don't want that procedure. If you are going to have it done, get a full colonoscopy, typically done with a much longer scope and under a quick sedation at a clinic or hospital. The prep might be a bit more, and yes the prep involves drinking a smaller amount of an evil liquid OSP or about a gallon of another not quite so evil liquid PSP. And if you have reflux or trouble swallowing, I too recommend having a endoscopy at the same time. It caught my serious condition called Barrett's esophagus.

[George Bokros]

When I had mine the prep was easy. Take 3 laxative pills and drink a bottle of Gatorade mixed with a specified amount of Miralax (don't remember how much). I did not have to drink that awful stuff you had to buy at the drug store and drink a gallon of it. Yes you ran to eliminate but it least what I was drinking was pleasant.

[David Weaver]

I had it done a couple of years ago. As long as I was under I had them do a up scope and a down scope at the same time to check on a hiatal hernia as well as the colonoscopy. I woke up with a terrible taste in my mouth. I should have told the doc to do the down scope first.


:):):):):):):):):):):)

They probably chose their order of operations so the scope would already be partially cleaned when they were done!

[Joe Tilson]

I've had three now with no real discomfort. Told Doc a few months ago #3 was my last one. It's on to eternity for me now.

[Rich Engelhardt]

My dad had one done in August.
They gave him a clean bill of health.

He died of colon cancer in December of the same year.

How can a clean bill of health get to a full blown fatal case of colon cancer in that short of a time?
(The answer is - it can't. Somebody screwed up big time.)

[Rich Harkrader]

If you think a colonoscopy is bad, you really, really don't want a cystoscopy. Imagine the same kind of thing, but through a much smaller hole that most definitely was designed to be exit only. The part where they push through the valve between your bladder and urethra is the worst. Oh and they're dumping cold water all over your crotch the entire time too.

[Rich Enders]

Rich Engelhardt,

Colon cancer can also occur on the exterior of the colon. A good friend had years of clean colonoscopies, but died this past year of complications from a tumor that was probably caused internally but grew externally. This is not to say that someone didn't screw up in your fathers case, but is one way a colonoscopy could miss a problem.

The decedents of the purveyors of blood letting and leaches convinced my (relatively healthy) dad to have a pacemaker implanted at age 96. He died the next day from a blood clot.

[Mike Ontko]

I'm overdue myself, and even though the LOML worked as a PA in digestive health/gastroenterology for 10+ years, I've been avoiding the process. Or, at least I haven't jumped to make my first appointment since turning 50...three and a half years ago. Preventive health care is great when the costs are largely covered by insurance or other programs. But even though I've got a decent health insurance plan through my employer, that coverage doesn't seem to go very far. I still end up paying a lot out of pocket for what I would think are routine or normal checks. For example, I went in for a simple eye exam earlier this year that ended up costing over $1000 after they sent me to a retinal specialist to double-check a spot. And I've already spent over $3000 this year on dental work (one crown and one implant). My point, though I realize it's fairly weak, is that our health care industry seems to be driven to prescribe all kinds of "preventative" tests and treatments that appear to protect their bottom line more than it protects our bottoms.

[paul cottingham]

Seriously, I refused the sedative, and it was fine. The anticipation was way worse than the event. Even the procedure that required 2 days of fasting (can't remember what it's called) wasn't so bad.

[Bruce Page]

I'm overdue myself, and even though the LOML worked as a PA in digestive health/gastroenterology for 10+ years, I've been avoiding the process. Or, at least I haven't jumped to make my first appointment since turning 50...three and a half years ago. Preventive health care is great when the costs are largely covered by insurance or other programs. But even though I've got a decent health insurance plan through my employer, that coverage doesn't seem to go very far. I still end up paying a lot out of pocket for what I would think are routine or normal checks. For example, I went in for a simple eye exam earlier this year that ended up costing over $1000 after they sent me to a retinal specialist to double-check a spot. And I've already spent over $3000 this year on dental work (one crown and one implant). My point, though I realize it's fairly weak, is that our health care industry seems to be driven to prescribe all kinds of "preventative" tests and treatments that appear to protect their bottom line more than it protects our bottoms.

Mike, any price you pay will be a bargain if it saves your life. At 53 your risks are lower than they would be at 63 but you are still taking a risk.

[Mike Henderson]

It was a piece of cake. The prep was worse than the procedure. I had propofol which is great. When you wake up, you're awake and no hangover.

Mike

[Bill McNiel]

I, unfortunately, am required to have a Colonoscopy every two years. In September they removed 14" of my Colon. The good news is that there is a "new"
liquid prep that only requires 8 oz of a lemon tasting liquid that does not have that horrible texture/taste of the stuff that requires consumption of a full gallon. It is a little more expensive but well worth the extra (I absolutely hate that gallon stuff).

[James Tibbetts]

I'll be interested in your thoughts about the procedure. My first one is scheduled in February. Good range of input from the folks here as always.
If given the choice I'm leaning toward being completely asleep for the duration.

[Bert Kemp]

Question Im 65 never had one , mostly because I have no one to drive me back and forth. Its said you can't drive after having one. all you guys that had it how were you when you left to go home could you drive or not.

[Bruce Page]

Bert, I was somewhat groggy when we left the recovery room. Given another hour I think I could drive but it still wouldn't be a good idea, IMO. Talk to your doctor and find out what your options are. There are likely volunteers available for this situation.

[Bob Turkovich]

I'm scheduled for the double whammy in 9 days. It'll be my fourth colonoscopy and 5 years since my last one. Family history (ulcerative colitis) , a benign polyp found on the first one and 25 years of IBS symptoms makes doing it every 5 years a necessary evil. (Funny how my IBS symptoms went into remission about a month after retirement ...). Lately I seem to be having more issues with the input end than the output end.

The prep is definitely worse than the test itself although the whole process leaves me drained for the rest of the day. There's also the "audible aftermath" which makes you not want to be out in public for a few hours afterward :o. ( They do fill you with air to expand the colon and the "air" has to go somewhere...)

[Mike Henderson]

Question Im 65 never had one , mostly because I have no one to drive me back and forth. Its said you can't drive after having one. all you guys that had it how were you when you left to go home could you drive or not.
If you did drive and had an accident you most likely could be charged with driving under the influence. DUI does not mean just alcohol and weed. It applies to any substance that impairs your driving.

But the places where they do those procedures are accustom to dealing with people who don't have someone to drive them. Check with the facility and they can help you with transportation. You'll probably have to pay for the transportation.

Mike

[Ken Platt]

I just had my first, at age 53. Yeah, I put it off for awhile, but didn't have any risk factors, either.

Hated the prep. I don't tend to drink much normally, so trying to put down a half gallon at a time, twice, was hard, and boy the taste was every bit as nasty as everyone says. The best tips were to keep it really cold, and use a straw so you could get it to mostly miss your tongue. It also helped a lot to chase each gulp with a bit of jello, which was about the only food I was permitted the day before. Orange Jello was the best, since they wanted me to avoid red or purple.

The other good tip I found online was to use a zinc oxide cream after each, um, squirt. Keeps the nether end from getting irritated.

I realize there's a temptation to say that the medical industry just wants us to do this stuff to make money, but (as a physician myself) it's just not true.The folks who spend their time and effort reviewing data (and it's a lot of work) don't get any rewards for doing so and are motivated by a desire to make folks healthier as best we can. If you don't want to follow recommendations, that's an individual decision about the risk you are taking on (like smoking, or not putting smoke detectors in your house, etc etc) but please don't malign the dedicated individuals who give of their time and knowledge to try to give the rest of us some guidelines about medical testing so we can help guide our patients to good health.

Just sayin'

Ken

Oh, and the procedure itself was a big fat nothing. I'd rather have the procedure itself twice if I didn't have to drink that stuff again, ever. But in 10 years I'll need to. Dagnabit.

[Matt Marsh]

Nothing to it! Best sleep I've had in years! I would much rather have that plumbing checked out than the other. They did remove a couple non-malignant polyps. Because of my family history of prostate cancer, and the detection of a "node", I am on the six month plan with my urologist. Two years ago they did I biopsy on it. Now there is a procedure I don't care to repeat! That one involves potent antibiotics, an ultrasound machine, you on your side in the fetal position, a lot of Novocain, and this gun/probe thingy that sounds like some sort of a pump-action heavy duty staple gun every time it is cocked. Those are not the fine details, I'll spare you those! ;-)

[Mel Fulks]

Our doctor in this area for that area is also a harness racer. If he is not in the lead its kinda like being at work.
I should have said ,even when he is leading it's STILL like being at work.

[Brian Elfert]

Question Im 65 never had one , mostly because I have no one to drive me back and forth. Its said you can't drive after having one. all you guys that had it how were you when you left to go home could you drive or not.

Check with your medical provider for a transport service that can pick you up and take you home. You're old enough to qualify for various senior services including transport to/from medical appointments. There is always the option of a taxi if you live in an area that has taxi service.

[Rich Lester]

Had my third in five years mainly due to family history. First two, I agree with most that are saying the prep was terrible with the liquid unbearable. This latest was just a couple months ago and the prep, other than having to empty, was much better. My gastro doc had me modify my diet to cut back on fiber 1 week ahead, two days ahead a low residue diet, no vegies, fruit, raisins,or red meat (I might have missed a few but you get the idea). I could eat fish, chicken, bread, rice (again you get the picture). The day before, prep day, clear liquids only. No red or purple sports drinks and only clear fruit juices. Take a mega dose of Dulcolax then start drinking 64 oz of any clear liquid (I used orange Gatoraid) mixed with an 8 oz bottle of Miralax. Drink the mixture over a prescribed time schedule based on when your procedure will be. This last time the doc said that I was that clean and he found nothing that I can go 5 years now before having to do it all again. According to my doc's office they have just recently started using this prep procedure and everyone likes it much better.

[Larry Frank]

I am 65 and have had several....if you are awake enough you can watch it on color TV.

[Kent A Bathurst]

The 18 or so hours leading up to the procedure is not any fun but the procedure itself is a cakewalk. I never can remember a thing about it.

Exactly. The prep is the tough part. Fortunately, there is a bathroom 10 steps from my workbench.

OTOH - my first go-around, at age 50, revealed a half-dozen polyps he took care of. Test all came back good. 3 procedures later [2 weeks ago], everything still perfect, so I am now on the 5-year plan, rather than the 3-year plan.

You gotta find out what is going on. Critical info. The procedure is nothing, the prep is annoying.


The best part - the proverbial silver lining: After my first test, Doc asks if I have siblings. Yes - 1 older brother and 1 younger sister. He says polyps run in families - make sure they have the procedure - they are susceptible.

I laughed the entire time I was composing my email on all of this - which I did not send to my siblings.....I sent it to their spouses. :D :D

I got sarcastic "thanks a lot" emails from both siblings.

[Harold Burrell]

It is funny to me how this thread...and another one in this section called "Moving Unexpectedly"...seem to be staying close to each other in the listing. :eek:

[Harold Burrell]

You gotta find out what is going on. Critical info. The procedure is nothing, the prep is annoying.



Yep. That's it, right there.

[Jason Roehl]

This is a obligatory sidebar to this thread:

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/dave-barry/article1928847.html

If you're currently prepping for the procedure, you probably shouldn't read this anywhere other than on the commode.

[Steven Green]

I've had two of them. Polyps were found one the first go round, none on the second. A couple of nights before the procedure we had dinner with my dentist buddy and his lovely wife. He asked in what I thought was a very loud voice if I was ready to ride the chrome pony. Thanks Randy.
P.S. When your wife has her turn do not under any circumstances use that term in reference to the pending visit to the outpatient clinic..