Prepping for my COLONOSCOPY - ask me anything

[orangecrush]

Last edited Wed Nov 2, 2022, 01:07 PM - Edit history (2)

Been 5 years, so it's due.

Took 4 little pills.

An hour later, drank 64 oz of Frost Gatorade with 8 oz bottle of Miralax mixed in.

Things are moving right along.

Seriously, if you are the correct age and haven't got one yet, get one. (Over 45) get one.

The prep is the long part. The procedure itself is a breeze.

I could use a breeze right now.





RESULTS - CANCER FREE, NO POLYPS!

THANKS EVERYONE!

[Diamond_Dog]

1. Good luck tomorrow!

I’ve had two. The worst part is indeed the prep. Take care!

[orangecrush]

4. Thanks, Diamond Dog!

Great handle - is it from the Bowie record?

[Diamond_Dog]

8. Yes

I like Bowie, dogs, and baseball, so it seemed to fit me. Thank you!

My mom’s favorite soda was Orange Crush.

[orangecrush]

81. Cool!

[OAITW r.2.0]

2. Not a big deal...except the drinking part.

Had one last year....good for awhile, I hope.

[orangecrush]

5. Glad things came out o.k.!

Best of health to you!

[Walleye]

3. Good luck. Mine is due next year. My mom died of colon cancer 30 years ago before they had the tests

[orangecrush]

9. Very sorry about your Mom

The test really does save lives.

No one should be put off from this.

It's just basic preventative maintenance.

[whistler162]

82. Today was the day....

three polyps... good for another 3 to 5 years. Mom's mom and a cousin on that side both have had colon cancer.

[Walleye]

83. Excellent, yes my mom's mom too, back in the 30s

[ornotna]

6. The prep is the hard part for sure.

I woke up in the middle of mine. Freaked the Doc and nurse out when I started talking to them. I could see the video screen and told the Doc I wanted a copy, in betamax.

Then they put me back under. No pain though, a breeze with a hiccup in the middle.

[orangecrush]

11. I sincerely hope

I don't wake up during mine!

[LuckyCharms]

15. You'll be ok if you do.

You really don't feel anything, except maybe an uncomfortable bloated feeling because I think they sometimes blow air in to expand the colon. And even that won't bother you too much because you're so zooted from the Versed...

[orangecrush]

22. Then

They have to give me more drugs!

[LuckyCharms]

28. They did that to me on the last one!

I'm pretty mouthy. so I was probably cracking jokes with the doctor, and I heard him say to the nurse "give him some more".

The rest is kind of hazy...

I LOVE COLONOSCOPY THREADS!!!!

[orangecrush]

32. Your in the right place...

Ba-dump!

[LuckyCharms]

36. Seriously though...wishing you the best!

Also, I'm getting an endoscopy as well while I'm under when I go in January.

I hope they don't use the same scope!

Good luck!

[orangecrush]

46. Thanks, Lucky!

[CrabbyAppleton]

72. Sense of Humor

Beta, not VHS! I belly laughed.

[panader0]

7. A friend had one years ago and was given a video tape of the interior of his rectum.

After smoking and drinking at his house one night, he put it in the VCR. We weren't sure what we were seeing,
until he told us. Harshed my buzz....

[orangecrush]

10. ....

[CrabbyAppleton]

73. Hah

I'd have asked him to dub me a copy.

Two years ago I was having images done of a finger I broke. Half way through I asked the tech if it was normal for my testicles to get warm when the x-ray was on. I wish I'd had a hand free to take a picture of his reaction (I was holding the film plate with my good hand at the time).

[LuckyCharms]

12. Good luck!!! I just scheduled my 7th one for January...

I tend to grow a type of polyp that is considered to be pre-cancerous, so I have to get colonoscopies quite often.

I kind of look forward to them! Love the drugs!

I always wake up during mine, but I'm relaxed, and I enjoy watching the screen...

[orangecrush]

17. Same here

They removed the same type of polyp removed last time.

A life-saver.

[LuckyCharms]

20. I wish I could take the pills...

I'm a Type 1 (juvenile) diabetic, so I have to drink a gallon of that shit.

1/2 gallon the night before, 1/2 gallon 3 hours before leaving for the hospital.

I drink it nice and cold, through a straw, from a red Solo cup.

I sit on the toilet and read and listen to music and laugh and laugh and laugh

[orangecrush]

54. Pretty much what I'm doing

Surfing the net, and have an a.m. radio tuned into WCBS 880 a.m. in New York City.

Something about a constant stream of news and information I find calming.

[3auld6phart]

53. Now that is funny

Can’t read the printed page anymore.I would take my Kindle in
the can with me. But those Laxis. work damn fast After
My scans I’ve a 80 mile drive. Tighten the sphincter or next time
Adult pampers for sure. Made it though

[orangecrush]

55. I considered the adult diapers

But didn't get around to it.

I'd rather get up and go.

[keithbvadu2]

13. Instructions say don't leave the house.

Instructions say don't leave the house.

Hell, don't leave the hallway.

Don't keep that door closed when I'm not in there yet.

[LuckyCharms]

26. Don't leave the toilet!

[SalamanderSleeps]

14. Just an FYI.

"In gold-standard trial, invitation to colonoscopy reduced cancer incidence but not death"

I'm due for mine soon, but this article suggests that mail-in fecal kits are just as effective as a standard colonoscopy.


https://www.statnews.com/2022/10/09/in-gold-standard-trial-colonoscopy-fails-to-reduce-rate-of-cancer-deaths/

[orangecrush]

18. Thanks

Too late, I already took the looseners!

[LuckyCharms]

38. Eat some donuts! The GI docs love when people do that!

[orangecrush]

76. It feels

Like a donut right now.

Waiting to go in.

[CrabbyAppleton]

74. Looseners?

Castor Oil Flakes?

[orangecrush]

75. Yep

Firesign Theatre!

[JohnSJ]

47. That study does not accurately reflect the reality

Only 42% in that one study actually had a colonoscopy

https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/yale-cancer-center-expert-says-study-suggesting-colonoscopy-benefits-are-overestimated-is-misleading/amp/

For those who prefer to follow this one study, good luck

A few years ago there were “studies” that PSAs don’t save lives. Data now indicates that conclusion appears wrong

What the latest PSA studies indicate is that those who aren’t screened for prostate cancer, is that if prostate cancer occurs, by the time it is diagnosed, it has metastasized

[SheltieLover]

77. Check with insurance!

I'd read an article over a year ago saying if one has this stool sample screening then doctors determine the person needs a colonoscopy, some insurance is denying payment for the colonoscopy because the person already had a screening.

Makes no sense, I know.

Screenings can save lots of heartache, lives, & money for insurers but, apparently, some ins cos don't see it that way.

[sl8]

96. Note that that's per invitations, not per those that *did* have colonoscopies.

Last edited Wed Nov 9, 2022, 09:30 AM - Edit history (1)

The story's different when they compared those that actually had the colonoscopy:

[...]

A secondary analysis also offers another silver lining, Gupta said. When the investigators compared just the 42% of participants in the invited group who actually showed up for a colonoscopy to the control group, they saw about a 30% reduction in colon cancer risk and a 50% reduction in colon cancer death. “That adds to a bunch of observational study data that suggests exposing people to colonoscopy can reduce risk of developing and dying of colon cancer,” Gupta said.

[...]

[debm55]

16. Good luck, Orangecrush

[orangecrush]

19. Thank you!

Additional health benefits of running back and forth from the bedroom!


:


Believe me, if I can sit here and joke about it, it's notcthat bad.

[debm55]

40. Orangecrush, are you getting the other one that goes down the throat. It checks the upper GI tract.

They are doing both at the same time here in the Pittsburgh area. They found that it was difficult to get patients to come back to get the other test. And while you're out, they can do the both.

[brewens]

21. I lucked out by procrastinating on my prep. I hadn't read what the clinic had sent me and

just called the pharmacy in the nick of time. They had in just the last few days changed the prep. I didn't have to drink the nasty shit I always heard about. Just over the counter laxatives and the Miralax with Gatorade. Being up all night peeing out my butthole wasn't fun, but no big deal. Don't put it off. I lost a friend at 60 who didn't get his done to colon cancer.

[orangecrush]

25. Same here

I got the "alternative" prep.

Not nearly as violent as the regular one (so far.)

Sorry to hear about your friend.

[brewens]

34. It was sad losing him, but he practically signed up for it. The dude never ate a fresh vegetable in

his entire adult life. He was like a little kid that never learned to like anything.

[orangecrush]

37. I could stand

To eat more fruit and veggies myself.

Good reminder.

[debm55]

43. I never heard of the new prep. I have been putting it off because of the prep. I will look into

Last edited Tue Nov 1, 2022, 10:55 PM - Edit history (1)

it. I last had one three years ago.

[orangecrush]

45. They are using the new prep

Because of a recall on the liquid they were using before, I believe.

[magicarpet]

23. Have you considered Roto-Rooter ?

Some people say it is much quicker and cheaper.

(Just kidding of course. Trying to make you laugh.)




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[orangecrush]

29. Now you tell me!

[Twoflower]

24. Just what room are you typing this in?

[orangecrush]

30. Back and forth from bedroom to bathroom

[Lochloosa]

27. Yep, love me some propofol...

[orangecrush]

31. Amnesia juice

I've heard it called...

[3auld6phart]

33. Agreed

The prepping a bit of a bugger. My first one was with orange juice that was a bitch.
Later ones much easier, But still a bit of a nuisance. But C-$copy is eccommened..
Yep Cancer was found twice.. Thanks for your post..

[orangecrush]

41. You are most welcome.

I'm here all night!

[whathehell]

35. Definitely get one at the right age...I got one at age 50 and

narrowly averted a case of colon cancer, which is the 2nd leading cause of all cancer death in America.

I

[orangecrush]

42. Glad to hear

And glad you're still with us!

[whathehell]

71. Yes, lol..Thanks, orangecrush.

I am lucky and because of that, I wanted to share my experience in the hope that others would NOT put off
the procedure...It's really not that bad, and can be a lifesaver.
One last word: Don't think you don't "need" it because you have no symptoms -- I had no symptoms, and was surprised as a hell to learn I'd dodged a bullet.
Thanks.

[LudwigPastorius]

39. Now your colon knows how Atlanta felt when General Sherman went through it.

I've had two colonoscopies so far. They gave me propofol both times. (AKA Milk of Amnesia, the Michael Jackson Special...)

I felt great after I woke up from my first one. Like I had just had a week-long vacation.

The second one wasn't as pleasant. I felt groggy and hungover after. I guess that was due to differing doses. ? I think that administering anesthesia is less of a science and more of an art.

Anyhoo, good luck tomorrow.

[orangecrush]

44. Thanks much!

I'm glad it's not general anesthesia.

I had no ill effects effects last time.

[Turbineguy]

48. The Master speaks.....

[orangecrush]

51. OMG

I''m laughing so hard I have to go again!

THANKS!

[yonder]

49. Had my 1st last year.....17 years late. Piece of cake. Even the prep wasn't as bad as I thought.

The idea of someone messing with the tailpipe kept me from doing it earlier, but as it turns out, hakuna matata.

Good luck tomorrow and take a marker and write ‘Go Phillies' on your ass. They’ll like that which by the way, they're killing the Astros 7-0 after 5 homers.

[orangecrush]

50. Thanks

And good luck to the Phillies!

[marble falls]

52. Geez. My last one five years ago was a lot more than that. Every five years for 25 years ...

... and still lost half my colon.

[orangecrush]

56. Man so sorry to hear that

Hope you are doing o.k. now

[marble falls]

85. Doing good. There was a little problem when they took my urine bladder because of cancer ...

... when they went to harvest some of my colon to connect my kidneys to my ostomy, they had to put the surgery on ice about two hours in, for an hour and a half to contact the colon surgeon to learn exactly what she did. Turned a four-hour surgery into a six-hour surgery.

Three and a half years ago, and I am finally back to feeling great!

Life is good, thank G#D and the VA, and the surgeons - and especially my primary care physician - she saved my life, twice.

I might add that all my physicians and surgeons were Muslim women and men, and they were just plain the best.

The thing about the colon cancer was that when I was 65, because I had so many clear colonoscopies, and because I'm an antique, he didn't think I needed to have another. My Primary Care physician made me take another.

Two year later I told her I thought there was something wrong with my kidney and I had started to pass some blood. The thought was in that I wasn't a tobacco smoker - it was normal. She fought for an MRI and while my kidney was fine, they did find a tumor in my bladder. I may have very likely had a 2nd hand smoker's cancer.

The urologist, an Air Force Brig Gen, fought to keep my bladder for about three year, but in the end the BCG treatments and five or six tumor-ectomies did not work, and they felt my cancer would not respond to Chemo or Radiation and radical surgery was the answer, and they took the bladder.

[orangecrush]

88. So glad

To hear you're doing well now, marble falls!

Always good to know there are skilled people who actually care about you!

[marble falls]

89. My "cadilac" HMO was not as responsive as VA is. Knowing I can depend on my medical care ...

... was absolutely essential to my recovery. I'd a never made it without that confidence.

[Gore1FL]

57. I just sent my doctor an inquiry.

I may be in the same boat soon.

[orangecrush]

61. Indeed!

[Bristlecone]

58. Great PSA

Good luck w it.

[orangecrush]

63. Thanks!

Hour 4 and still going strong!

[cate94]

59. It's a shitty test

[orangecrush]

64. ...

[cate94]

78. Lol

[hay rick]

60. I do some of my best thinking when I'm prepping for a colonoscopy. nt

[orangecrush]

65. I've been thinking

For 4 1/2 hours now.

[neverforget]

62. I'm doing mine now too but my colonoscopy was supposed to be today but my prep

didn't work as well as it should have. Luckily they have an opening tomorrow so I get to continue my prep for 2 days! I'm starving.

Good Luck!!

[orangecrush]

66. Thank you

And itt's amazing how good the food tastes when this is over, isn't it?

Good luck!

[Bayard]

67. There's pills?

So, you don't have to drink that nasty crap now? I could only get about half of it down, but still worked.

Had one a few years ago. Both my parents had colon cancer, so its kind of required. Mine was clean as a whistle.

Be well, Orangecrush!

[orangecrush]

68. Well, I had to take 4 Duralax pils

Then drink an 8 oz bottle of Miralax dissolved in Gatorade.

Not nearly as bad as the other stuff.

Thank-you!

[Solly Mack]

69. Hope all goes well!

[orangecrush]

70. Thank you!

I think I'm done now, going to sleep.

Thanks, everyone!

[Fla Dem]

79. Hope all went well. As you said, prep is the worse part.

I love that 30 minute nap.

[orangecrush]

80. Results...

Cancer free, no polyps, back in 19 years!


Thanks!

[marble falls]

86. Woo hoo! Ain't life grand!!!

[orangecrush]

87. Yes!

[bluestarone]

84. Good news that all went well for you!!

My turn in April. I go every two years. Got ulcerative colitis.The prep is the worst part for sure! Anyway glad all went well for you!

[orangecrush]

93. Thank you!

[cksmithy]

90. I had my second colonoscopy about

2 years ago, the doctor said that is the last one, I don't ever have to have another one. I am 72 years old, with internal hemorrhoids from childbirth, celiac, constipation, and diarrhea. I just won't ever do it again. It was horrible, the after pain, without any type of pain relief medication. They don't know what they are doing to our bodies. The nurse tells me we use used a whole tube during the procedure like it was my fault. No doctor ever diagnosed me with celiac disease, until after the procedure. If you don't have celiac or hemorrhoids, maybe you'll be ok, with no long term side effects. I had the second colonoscopy because my neighbor was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I wanted to be safe and not sorry, she is doing ok.

[orangecrush]

94. Sorry you had a tough time

Wishing you happiness and good health.

[cksmithy]

97. Thank you.

[ailsagirl]

91. The prep is by far the worst part

Is what I have determined

[orangecrush]

92. Totally

It's a relief when you get the procedure done.

[ailsagirl]

95. It sure is!!

[nitpicked]

98. One CAN do this without a partner

If one can emit a hard BM, One can survive a colonosophy without sedation.

[orangecrush]

99. I like my sedation

Thanks, though!