100 Colonoscopies

I will actually be bringing this up with my doctor in a few weeks. My dad had colon cancer and we didn't know until we almoat lost him a few months ago. It could have been caught earlier but given his age (he's 82) and already fragile healrh, he declined taking the proper tests. Thankfully, it was finally caught and they removed a portion of his colon. He is now free and clear with no chemo necessary.

I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in here to motivate people who are scared or nervous about this procedure.

At age 32 I have had 2 colonoscopies. Both turned out fine. Both were sparked by a constant pain that I had in my abdomen for about a year....they never found anything and the pain eventually went away on its own.

First things first...the prep sucks...not gonna lie...suck it up, plug your nose and slam down the drink. Your colon will thank you once it's all cleaned out and eventually..only the drink comes out..clean as a whistle! It is not the greatest thing but hey, at least you are getting a great cleanse!

When you arrive at the hospital, hungry and empty, they will pop an IV into your hand or arm.

My doctor uses the Michael Jackson drug, Propofol. This is the best conscious sedation drug. You will most likely not remember a thing...both times, the nurse said..."ok Jason, here comes the happy juice" ....and that was it. Instant sleep.

The procedure is quite quick...they are only up there for a short time. I was told only a few minutes. Also, contrary to what everyone will tell you.....if you are also having an endoscopy done at the same time...they do not use the same tube on both ends. LOL
The time may be lengthened only if they find polyps or decide to take biopsies..etc..

After you are knocked out, the next thing will be waking up in the recovery room. This is an odd feeling. The waking occurs naturally..they don't give you another drug or smelling salts to take you out of sleep. I found it to be quite nice as you are awake but the anesthesia is still wearing off. You will most likely feel like you are waking from a full nights sleep....maybe a little groggy and most likely will not remember too much of this afterwards.

Next, you have to pass gas to release the air that was introduced into your bum. They make you. You cannot get up until this is done. I had a bloated feeling both times so this was no problem. Trust me....you will not care at this point...you will let out the gas with no problem also.

After that the nurse will call in your ride. Whether it's you wife, husband, friend, or relative...the nurse or doctor will explain their findings and give you your paperwork. Even if you think you can walk and function normally...you probably cannot. I don't think walking home or driving yourself is a possibility.

They brought me in a wheelchair to the car both times and when I got home I had some very nice days of sleep...at least 8 hours each time. When you get up you will be starving. Your colon is begging to do its job once again.

You shouldn't be scared or nervous as it is easy and you're sedated so you won't feel a thing. Just a quick nap.
Overall, this is a very easy procedure....I think the benefits are great...a full cleanse and a healthy report of how your insides are doing. Most importantly it could save your life.

Good luck to everyone!

Awesome! I was a GI nurse and colon health educator for years. You are making a huge difference. PLEASE get your colonoscopies done if you haven't. A day or two of inconvenience can give you many years of peace of mind.

I had my first colonoscopy today. Hope I count in your crusade.

Nope - but I am getting my colon put back together on November 8th due to diverticulitus - Colonoscopies catch more than cancer.

Had my first colonoscopy done in August...., because of rectum bleeding during bowel movements. They removed one polyp sent it off to be tested and it came back negative, the bleeding was coming from hemrroids. They told me to come back in 10 years, but since they found and removed a polyp this time, i don't want to wait 10 years to have another colonoscopy.

I'm glad to see so many people wanting to get their colonoscopy . I was one of the people who put it off not wanting to drink the solution and not eat and deal with the cleaning out of the bowels. But from an twisted turn of events I did in February 2012.

January I had a tooth infection that was pulled and treated with Clindamycin. I didn't know that the antibiotic has a notorious increased incidence The full name is "Clostridium difficile", and it's abbreviated C. diff. It infects the digestive tract, where it causes pain and diarrhea. When I went to the Gastro specialist she said you should have a colonoscopy soon.

My Uncle had some of his colon removed and so at age 54 decided to deal with the prep for the procedure. Not going to lie my lemon flavored solution was terrible. If I didn't get the C.diff I wouldn't of ever gotten one.

They found a 10mm adenomatous polyp, just so you know that is big. Not cancerous but now I'm on a 3 yr check up. First thing I did was pre mark my Goggle and Yahoo calenders for 3 yr.

A few days of inconvenience and some mild discomfort is nothing compared to what could be growing inside of you.

My heart goes out to your father-in-law. I hope he finds comfort.

I'm gonna book mine today, I've a sister with UC and I have some problems myself. Put me on your list xx

I worked for a GI doc for a few years and his main source of patients were just screening colonoscopies. If you are age 50, it's time for a screening. Once you do it, if its normal you are good for 5 years! If it's not, good thing you had it done now didn't you. Unless I have problems that warrant one sooner, I'll be getting one when I turn 50. Most people are afraid of having this, but the procedure is so simple, and you don't feel anything. The worst part of a colonoscopy is the prep. And the prep isn't nearly as bad as the pain of cancer.

Have had one every 6 months to a year since I was 19 due to Crohn's disease. I am glad that you posted this, they are a great screening tool that people are often too afraid to do. Both of my parents (who are 60) have put off having one because the thought makes them uncomfortable, even though I have told them that it isn't that bad. Hope that some people get motivated to get screened!

I had one 2 years ago, at age 33. They found 3 polyps and got rid of them. I was having all sorts of intestinal and prostate issues that summer, the colonoscopy was just one of the tests performed on me to try to determine what was wrong. Still never found out, but a change in diet and lots more excercise seem to have done the trick.

Bottom line, if something doesn't feel right, and it won't go away, SEE A DOCTOR! I'll be going again next summer, I'm on a 3 year cycle per my gastroenterologist.

I've never had one done - I'm 37, no family history. Should I be having one??:embarassed:

My husband has had some bleeding and he is soooooo scared to have any procedure. I am going to try my hardest to get him to have one. I will lay a guilt trip on him about leaving me with two kids and he probably will. It may take tears. Wish me luck!