I had a colonoscopy in 2004 - I was having a lot of digestive problems and after multiple unpleasant tests they finally decided my gallbladder was not contracting and that was what was making me so ill. I had surgery and was ok for a year or so, but now I'm having lots of other problems (which is why I just joined this board) but that's a whole other story! General consensus is I'm dealing with IBS.
Anyway - I just wanted to say - as far as the colonoscopy - don't worry about it too much. Naturally you'll be nervous -but compared to all of the tests I've had throughout the years (basically almost all you can have to your stomach or bowels) that one wasn't too bad in the overall scheme of things. The actual procedure was fine. They gave me the drug to put me into "twilight sleep" and I actually even woke up during the procedure (whoops) they said I was really hard to keep knocked out for some reason that day - but they just gave me a little extra of the drugs and I was back out. I vaguely remember looking at the TV and I could "feel" the doc doing something (just like pressure) but it was only for seconds and not painful or anything at all. Kind of like a dream. And don't let that scare you that I mentioned waking up - and I'm a wuss as far as any tests go and it really wasn't any big deal. And I'm guessing that's probably not something that happens often. It was kind of a funny story to tell later.
The worst part is the prep beforehand. If I remember correctly - they made me do a clear liquids only diet for a day or two before the procedure. Do that. It will probably make it easier. I had things like sprite and some broth and jello ... stuff like that. And they gave a choice as to how I wanted to take the medicine that clears you out before the test. I think one choice is mixing it with some salty liquid, one choice is with something like gatorade, and the third choice was big horse pills. I don't like pills but figured that would be the easiest way to get it all down and I chose pills. You have do down a whole lot in a short amount of time and it's kind of tough, and then all "colon cleaning" starts - and no it's not pleasant - but you'll be OK I swear! I'm built really small and I think the normal dose was a lot for me - cause I was still using the bathroom when I was in the waiting room to go get prepped - but everyone will take care of you when you are being prepped for the procedure. It also helped me because my mom came into town and was there for moral support the night before when I was doing the prepping and she was my "driver" to and from the hospital. It helps to have someone there.
I do have one MAJOR TIP. BEFORE you hit that point where you're not supposed to be ingesting liquids anymore - DRINK AS MUCH WATER as you can tolerate (hopefully it all doesn't just go right through you). I got really dehydrated and it made it hard for them to get an IV started. The nurse advised me if I was ever back in the hospital again for any more tests to drink and drink right until the cutoff time.
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Re: scheduled my colonoscopy for 2/12 any advice?
