Colonoscopy

I had a horrible experience with the prep for my first colonoscopy. The nausea was unbearable. I was sedated and don't remember anything about the actual procedure.

I decided to try colonic irrigation for my latest colonoscopy and to forego the sedation. I scheduled a colonic late in the afternoon on the day before and another the morning of my procedure. I left two hours between to allow the bowel to dry. I had started my clear liquid diet a day earlier and supplemented the colonics with enemas.

The colon hydrotherapist was great and had experience getting clients prepped for such procedures. The staff at the gastroenterologist was quite surprised that I opted for no sedation.

The procedure was reasonably tolerable with only minor discomfort on insertion of the scope. The doctor was very communicative throughout and seemed pleased to be able to discuss issues as the exam progressed. There was no need for later follow up Q&A. I walked out after passing a great deal of gas/wind.

I have posted elsewhere that the nurse asked about my experience with the prep and was quite surprised when I told her after the procedure about the colonics. She commented that I was obviously well prepped and no issues were observed during the exam.

I will never go back to the oral lavage.

I strongly agree, the prep (oral laxatives) is by far the worst part. I don't have drugs for the procedure, but I wouldn't mind them for the prep :-}

I've had 2, #3 this spring. Both times, the prep was drinking that gallon of snot. This time, it's the Miralax prep, 1 liter at night and one in the morning. Still won't be fun.

My first was with drugs, an IM shot of demerol and probably Versed in the IV. Back then I didn't know enough to demand answers. The second was without drugs at all. Not too bad but there was some nasty cramping. The next one will involve some narcotics but no Versed ever again. I want to experience the process.

I was really worried about my colonoscopy prep but it was a breeze. I was allowed to do Miralax and I had that with vitamin water. Then I just had the feeling that I had to go, but no insane urgency. My mom was jealous because her prep was much worse, haha. Honestly the not eating solids was the hardest part.

I had propofol for the colonoscopy, because they did an upper endoscopy too. Needless to say, I didn't have any memory of it.

When I had a flex sig I had Versed and Demerol and I still didn't remember anything. It was just more of a floating off to sleep. When I started to wake up, I thought we hadn't started yet, haha.

The Miralax prep seems to be growing acceptance. My neighbor had this prescribed by his gastro doc, and was combined with Fleet bisacodyl tabs several hours before the 64oz Miralax/Gatorade cocktail. My last colonoscopy prep was done with something called Su-prep from the same makers of go-lytely and half-lytely. With Su-prep, there's only two 16oz glasses that have to be chugged. Stuff is expensive though, about $60, so if you're paying out of pocket, Miralax offers a big savings opportunity.

My doctor told me that i needed a colonospcopy, since i get obstipate all the time. But i'm so afread of that procedure that i haven't do it yet. One little tube, like thermometer or enema, thats ok, but a tube that bigger and large, i just think is too much. I have to prepare myself psichologicaly.

Read a news story today that people are looking for an alternate way of doing a colonoscopy. Seems like a lot of people have a dreaded fear of having one done. To read the story yourself, go to the following: http://gma.yahoo.com/dreaded-colonoscopy-search-substitute-013851954--abc-news-health.html

Hi, I'm new here. I wanted to comment because I just had a colonoscopy on May 7. It was my second one. The first one, which was done back in 2008, I did a Fleet Phospho-Sodium prep and that stuff tasted horrible! The pain and cramping that followed was even worse. I thought my insides were twisting as I sat on the toilet. It was so bad, I cried! The colonoscopy itself went well. They used Demerol and Versed in an IV to sedate me. I had an upper endoscopy done at the same time. I had been having a lot of digestive issues during this time. They diagnosed me with gastroparesis, Irritable Bowel Disease, and diverticulosis as well as removed a polyp from my transverse colon. The colonoscopy that I had the other day was a walk in the park compared to the first one. I drank something called Suprep and it didn't taste nearly as bad as the Fleet Phospho-Sodium stuff. I didn't have the cramping or twisting feeling in my gut either. I Googled information on doing a good prep days prior to having to drink the Suprep and followed a liquid/soft/bland diet the day before I was to start the prep. This, I think, really helped with the prep--made things go more smoothly and less painful, etc. The day of my colonoscopy, I was so nervous! The only thing that went wrong was that the nurse who started my IV blew the vein in the back of my hand and that hurt like hell and made a big knot and bruise on my hand. After she finally got the IV started in my arm, I was taken to the Endoscopy Suite and all the nurses talked about cicadas, of all things, before the doctor came in. The nurse anesthetist gave me the Propofol (same drug that killed Michael Jackson) and I remember when it hit me. It was a wonderful tingly feeling, but within 15 seconds or so I was out cold and I don't remember a thing until the nurses woke me up and told me everything was over and had gone well. The doctor found a polyp during the colonoscopy and removed it, but he said it looked fine. They let me lay there in recovery for about 30 minutes until I felt stable and steady enough to get up and get dressed. I went to the bathroom and passed gas for a few minutes. Then my friend, who was my designated driver, and I went to a little coffee bistro for a light lunch. Then I came home and took a nap. I later Googled the colonoscopy procedure online and learned that the doctor first does a thorough digital rectal exam before inserting the colonoscope and that really turned me on--thinking about him having his finger in my rectum. I almost had an orgasm thinking about it and thinking about that giant tube being inside me. I am supposed to have another colonoscopy in 5 years. I am young for this procedure--41--but I am at a high risk for colon cancer since my sister had it back in 2007. I wish I could have another colonoscopy much sooner than 5 years--like once a year!

Sweetcheeks, instead of the colonosocpy where they put you to sleep...you may just want to have a good enema and rectal exam...this way you can be awake to enjoy it.

There's no reason to sleep for a Colonoscopy. If done carefully, the procedure is minimally uncomfortable,just some cramping.

Doctors like sedation because they can work faster, not being concerned about your comfort.

Same thing happened for myself.luckily it worked out, and was not put under and I got see my innards.thankfully this is only for 5 years at a time

My recent colonoscopy experience...

After I made my appointment to have the procedure done, I made the mistake of researching the topic online. Well, as you would have it, I completely panicked as some of the stories about memory loss from versed really got to me.

Fast forward to the day of the procedure, I reluctantly asked the nurse if they would administer just a minimal amount of sedative as to enable me to watch the procedure on the monitor. To my surprise, the nurse quickly stated that the doctor is actually in favor of light sedation for patients. My only fear at that point was just the pain factor. Not knowing how it was going to feel had me very worried. So much so that the nurse even commented about my high heart rate. I simply told her that I was a bit nervous. She understood.

The nurse went ahead and took personal information while her assistant inserted the IV. Another nurse then came in and rolled my bed down a long corridor to the procedure room. There, I was introduced to the doctor and a VERY young female tech (she must have been 19 years old). The nurse then administered 2 mg of versed and 100 micrograms of fentanyl (pain killer). The best way I could describe the feeling is such as having had a couple of beers -- just a very light buzz.

I was instructed to turn onto my left side and bring my knees up half way to my chest. The tech them lifted the sheet from my bottom and the doctor performed the rectal exam. He then inserted the scope, but I did not feel it going in.

I decided to keep a close eye on the wall clock just to see if I experienced any memory lapses. I figured that as long as I was able to see the clock moving I was in control of the effects of versed. It worked!! Exactly 2 minutes into the procedure, the doctor indicated that my appendix was visible on the screen. I was thrilled to death knowing that he had already reached my cecum - the end of my large intestine. At that point, it occurred to me that I had felt absolutely no pain whatsoever. In fact, I couldn't feel anything at all! No cramps, no discomfort, nothing!!

My view kept alternating between the wall clock and the monitor. Since the sight of colon was not of particular interest to me, I mainly focused on the clock. Well, approximately 12 minutes into the procedure, the doctor announced that it was over. Upon informing him that I felt absolutely nothing, he indicated that "men are easy" and that women mostly have difficulties due to factors such as pregnancies, longer colons, surgeries, etc... He then informed the nurse that I would not need any sedation for my next colonoscopy, which he recommended I have done in 7 - 10 years.

In retrospect, the prep that I had to endure the day prior to the procedure was by far the worst part. The procedure itself was actually somewhat exciting. The feeling of relinquishing all control to a half dozen medical staff members was something that I would be willing to pay for 😃

A colonoscopy with sedation is a breeze. However, the golytely prep before is something else. I had abdominal cramps during the prep that doubled me over in pain!

A colonoscopy with sedation is a breeze. However, the golytely prep before is something else. I had abdominal cramps during the prep that doubled me over in pain!

I will 2nd that! I lived in the bathroom all night! The prep also taste like crappy salt water!

I think im likely to be having a colonoscopy soon :=( im not sure if reading these comments have made me more rrelaxed or more scared x

I just had my second colonoscopy without anaesthesia yesterday and it was quite an experience. The prep was citrate of magnesia , sorbitol and dulcolax tablets. I also took one two quart enema to make sure my colon was clean. The procedure was scheduled for 11 am and I was to be there by 10. I checked in and was immediately sent to registration. I barely finished the registration and was taken to get prepped.

They took my blood pressure and oxygen level. I was given a gown and told to completely undress and put the gown on with the opening in the back. They put a port in my wrist and attached sensors to my chest. I was also given a warm blanket and taken to the procedure room where the doctor was waiting. It had a large flat screen monitor which was right in front of me. Once the doctor inserted the colonoscope my colon filled the screen with amazing detail. When the colonoscope reached several sharp turns the assistant reached over me and placed one hand above my groin and the other hand under my ribs.

She pulled so hard that the best way to describe it was that she was trying to flip my colon over my liver. It was very intense. She said that she could feel the scope and the gurgling of the air and residual liquid inside my colon. I could also hear and feel the gurgling. This was done twice and lasted for quite a while. It seemed like several minutes although it may not have been that long. The doctor found where my Embeda time release capsule was with almost all of the tiny caplets in one place. This really surprised me because the caplets are extremely small.

Under the magnification of the scope and the large screen they were very noticeable. The assistant laughed and said not to suck up my morphine. They removed one small polyp with the snare and I could see a small amount of blood well up from the area. Of course I could not feel it at all. During the entire procedure the doctor explained what he was doing and showed me where he was in my colon including my appendix and cecum. I quipped that this was one of the few times where you could show your ass, moon someone and they give finger without getting shot. The doctor replied that I also had to pay for it. He told me that I saved the insurance company about $600 because I didn't take the anaesthesia. He said the "milkman gets the money" which must be an inside joke. All in all a very intense and interesting experience.

. . . . He said the "milkman gets the money" which must be an inside joke. All in all a very intense and interesting experience.

That a reference to propofol which looks like skimmed milk.

Big Mike, that prep. sounds a lot better than drinking a gallon of P.E.G. solution.

Big Mike, that prep. sounds a lot better than drinking a gallon of P.E.G. solution.

Many docs have switched to a split prep - two smaller doses hours apart. Other than having to get up in the middle of the night, it's not bad.

I still had to drink a whole lot of liquid, mostly tea and bullion. I drank at least a gallon total but it was comparatively easy.

Many docs have switched to a split prep - two smaller doses hours apart. Other than having to get up in the middle of the night, it's not bad.

I had the split prep for my last colonoscopy and I Ssume I will have it for the one I am due this summer -- same doc. I agree, it was much easier to take and since I have a hard time getting a good night's sleep before a colonoscopy anyway -- mine has usually been the first one in the morning -- so getting up at night for the second dose has not been a problem.

I've tried the split prep twice and I don't get clean. Maybe it's due to my bowel resection and no interior Valves of Houston. My Gastro. told me on my next appt. to take 2 qts. of tap water the morning of the appt., before I come in. I have no problem with that.

I have bowel issues and always have poor prep. I now have to do a three day prep which is. Day 3 prior after 6PM give yourself a fleet enema and at bedtime take 4 tablespoons Milk of Magnesia. Day 2 prior after awakening drink 10 ounce bottle of Citrate of Magnesia and eat low fiber diet during the day drinking a lot of fluids. After 6PM fleet enema and 4 tablespoons Milk of Magnesia bedtimes. Day prior at 10AM 4 dulcolax tablets, liquid diet. At noon mis 238grams miralax with 64 ounces of Gaderade and drink over 4 hour period. After 9PM take 2 quart warm water enemas till clear, no more then 3.

Probably due to diabetes, I don't get good results from the standard 1 day prep. Now I use a 2 day prep where both days are clear fluids with the split prep starting on the evening before the procedure.

Just a warning if you have any kidney disease - watch out for the high salt preps such as Magnesium Citrate or Milk of Magnesium. They can damage your kidneys.

Just came back from my 4th colonoscopy a little while ago. Right after this post, I plan to write a blog about this morning's experience that you're welcome to check out. I'll just touch on the prep aspect here:

Now they even offer 2 other prep options involving a prescription, but of the other prep methods i've used in the past, i opted for the ducolax & mag citrate.

i think the key to a good prep is to eat soft foods 2 days before. Like scrambled eggs, soft tofu, mashed potatoes, jello, and that's about it. I'll never forget my original philosophy prior to my 1st one. Thinking i'd have to fast for 2 days, i overdid it & pigged out right before that. As I awaited the procedure this morning, i thought about all the things I did wrong & confusion I had when i went for my 1st one.

So I learned to bring down my eating, quitting vitamins & fibrous veggies days before, & then gradually reducing food consumption until going with some soft food 2 days before. And the prep is so much more painless too.

Since my 1st time, they haven't complained about me not having been cleaned out since.

I also had the split prep and thought it was a breeze.There were the usual snafus at the hospital.I was mistaken for a different patient,trouble with the iv and only was twilighted when i specifically asked for the knockout.End result was fine with a ten year reprieve.Who knows maybe by then things will change for the better

I have never had one. I think I would rather the prep be enemas until clear, instead of the harsh laxitives the night before.

I have never had one. I think I would rather the prep be enemas until clear, instead of the harsh laxitives the night before.

Do that and the doc will tell you that you did a lousy prep and most likely send you home.

You have to do a top to bottom cleanse with laxatives and have the type of prep diet that prescribe.

I have never had one. I think I would rather the prep be enemas until clear, instead of the harsh laxitives the night before.

Even an inadequate top to bottom prep will buy you a second visit with the scope. Been there....

For my colonoscopy experiences/ tips, recent post #250:

http://www.zity.biz/index.php?mx=forum;ox=display;topic=1902;firstnew

For my blog with thorough details leading up to today:

http://www.zity.biz/index.php?mx=blog;ox=showpage;pg=3791