Question: Colonoscopy questions for all that have had it also stress test also also health concerns

[PA Tide Fan]

Colonoscopy is less than 3 weeks away. Getting more and more apprehensive about it. I am hearing horror stories from people that showed no outward symptoms but ended up diagosed with colon or rectal cancer. Now I am showing no symptoms that anything is wrong. I seem healthy but at my last few check-ups my white cell count was a bit high.

I was age 54 before I got a colonoscopy. I got it because my doctor said traces of blood was discovered in a stool test. Since my mother died from colon cancer I was concerned. Fortunately no polyps were found so it must have been from hemorrhoids or possibly an anal fissure. After the procedure was over I really broke the post-exam rules. My brother drove me there because I have no spouse but after it was over I felt really good but hungry, so on the way home me and my brother stopped at McDonalds. We had left from my brother's home so after we returned there I drove myself home without any problems. In Jan. it'll be 10 years so it's time for one again.

 

[oskie]

I drank that stuff and then got to have some quality time with my commode. Like, a lot of quality time with my commode.

... I think you misspelled quantity

 

[Toddrn]

Can't help it. I have a friend that told me her friend that had zero symptoms and went in for what she thought was just a routine thing. She has Stage 3 rectal cancer. She tells me this story after I scheduled mine. So I am getting more and more apprehensive the closer the day gets.

This is a perfect example of what not to say. People think they are doing something good when all they are doing is causing someone to worry. Remember this. When something bad happens people will tell a 100 people. When something good happens they tell 1 person.

 

[Padreruf]

I was age 54 before I got a colonoscopy. I got it because my doctor said traces of blood was discovered in a stool test. Since my mother died from colon cancer I was concerned. Fortunately no polyps were found so it must have been from hemorrhoids or possibly an anal fissure. After the procedure was over I really broke the post-exam rules. My brother drove me there because I have no spouse but after it was over I felt really good but hungry, so on the way home me and my brother stopped at McDonalds. We had left from my brother's home so after we returned there I drove myself home without any problems. In Jan. it'll be 10 years so it's time for one again.

Since your Mother died from colon cancer new guidelines suggest have a colonoscopy every 5 years, minimum...at least from here on out. Really worth the mild discomfort to know what is going on in there.

 

[seebell]

Plan on relaxing for most of the day after your procedure. See below.
Afterwards stay home and don't do anything strenuous. I just had a colonoscopy and they used the Michael Jackson sleep drug (can't think of the name) and my physical and mental recovery was very quick. The worst part is drinking the prep. My doc said I could mix it with apple juice etc to make it a bit more pleasant.
You are worrying way too much.

| Вячеслав Гулага | viacheslavgulaga · Original audio

. viacheslavgulaga · Original audio

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[4Q Basket Case]

I’ve had three. The prep is the worst part of the whole thing. The day before the procedure isn’t comfortable, and that’s the truth.

But it really isn’t all that incredibly bad. The procedure itself is mildly embarrassing, but no problem at all.

Seebell’s right. You’re worrying way too much.

The “friend” who told DKR’s buddy about a bad experience did nobody any favors. She’s a person who actually enjoys worry and gets pleasure from creating worry in others.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people like this. I would suggest cutting people like that a wide berth in the future. Especially given your mother’s cause of death, would you rather have colon cancer and not know it?

 

[Cruloc]

The prep....the prep is rough. I got the pills first then was told the price and changed it to the liquid. That liquid was no joke. The plastic cup I used is still stained.

The day of the procedure though....no big deal at all. Besides turning over on my side, talking to the doctor, saying "hey, my arm is going to sleep because I'm laying funny......" Then I woke up. That anesthesia was great.

I got mine at 45. My doctor mentioned Chadwick Boseman, said they used to do 50, but now recommend 45.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

the stuff I have to drink is a liquid that specifically says do not dilute. It says "cranberry flavor" but I am betting it will not taste anything like cranberry. I am only 48 but my doctor recommended I do this and I promised my mom that I would. The "friend" that is taking me is my coworker that if you have read the man gripe thread is the very same woman I am talking about there. I have another friend that said he would do it if she can't. I have known this dude for almost 30 years, and I think I am going to just have him take me.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

I really appreciate everyone's input on this. It has been extremely helpful at putting me more at ease about this.

 

[Cruloc]

the stuff I have to drink is a liquid that specifically says do not dilute. It says "cranberry flavor" but I am betting it will not taste anything like cranberry. I am only 48 but my doctor recommended I do this and I promised my mom that I would. The "friend" that is taking me is my coworker that if you have read the man gripe thread is the very same woman I am talking about there. I have another friend that said he would do it if she can't. I have known this dude for almost 30 years, and I think I am going to just have him take me.

Yep, just follow what it says on what you've got to drink and when. Its a timing thing. Make sure you have unhindered access to the bathroom.

Once you get there and get rolled in and they get that anesthesia going......you won't care about anything for while.

They cut a polyp out of me, sent it off for testing, called later and said come back in 10 years. You don't feel anything with that after either.

You got this, and yes, have the old male friend take you.

 

[seebell]

" do not dilute" That's a new one on me. Maybe the prep will be wonderful. Follow the directions.
What's the name of your prep?

 

[TideEngineer08]

I have not read through the whole thread, but wishing you well, Dzyn. It's worth it to find out. Godspeed.

 

[BamaSC]

I'll echo what most are saying here. I've had 3 of these things and the Mrs. just had one Tuesday. The worst part by far is the day before the procedure. Fasting for an entire day sucks, and the prep medicine (and its aftermath) isn't much fun. I've always used the liquid prep and the newer ones aren't so bad. Wifey had the pills and they made her very nauseous, so I'll avoid those. The procedure itself is nothing really. You won't even realize what's happening. The recovery is pretty easy. Just don't eat anything greasy or spicy for at least 24 hours.

I'm on the "every 3 years" plan now. I'm not happy about it, but if it prevents bad things from happening, I'm just going to have to roll with it.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

" do not dilute" That's a new one on me. Maybe the prep will be wonderful. Follow the directions.
What's the name of your prep?

Clenpiq Solution

 

[seebell]

Clenpiq Solution

Is Clenpiq easy to drink? This is the easiest prep I have ever done. The others make you drink the prep with a gallon of water which I would immediately vomit up and they tasted horrible!!! With clenpiq one x 2 bottles and a glass of liquid every hour for 5 hours a piece of cake Yes it is sweet but so are the others.

CLENPIQ

 

[Tidewater]

I really appreciate everyone's input on this. It has been extremely helpful at putting me more at ease about this.

Well, come on back when you get done and tell us your good news. I really do appreciate knowing someone has checked out my innards for cancer. My mom died of cancer.
I myself am on the five year plan so in a year and a half, it will be time to schedule my next one. I'm not looking forward to it, but I am not dreading it either. It's just something you have to do.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Can't help it. I have a friend that told me her friend that had zero symptoms and went in for what she thought was just a routine thing. She has Stage 3 rectal cancer. She tells me this story after I scheduled mine. So I am getting more and more apprehensive the closer the day gets.

You have an awesome friend.

 

[Padreruf]

Propofol -- also known as Michael Jackson juice -- has an amnesia effect so you will not remember anything. You will also sleep better than you have in ages! I asked them to put me back out for a few more hours.

You have to do these because in our in utero development the colon is like a separate body with its own skin. No MRI's, etc., can penetrate to give a good picture of what's going on inside.

I am due one soon -- every year. I sent a message to my Dr. telling him about all the other chemo and meds I have had along with my diagnosis of MM. His nurse let me know he''s thinking about it...there are some dangers associated with this procedure and MM, bleeding and possible infection being the 2 major ones. I did ask my hematologist if the chemo I have and am taking will clean up some of the polyps...he laughed and said he did not know, but that was a good question and a first for him.

You will be fine...and later realize how great it is to have one of these and know colon cancer is no longer a threat.

 

[Toddrn]

the stuff I have to drink is a liquid that specifically says do not dilute. It says "cranberry flavor" but I am betting it will not taste anything like cranberry. I am only 48 but my doctor recommended I do this and I promised my mom that I would. The "friend" that is taking me is my coworker that if you have read the man gripe thread is the very same woman I am talking about there. I have another friend that said he would do it if she can't. I have known this dude for almost 30 years, and I think I am going to just have him take me.

Put it in the fridge. The colder the better. I think I would have your buddy take you. Even though you wake up quick you might say something you can't take back if she takes you. We always called the sedation milk of amnesia because it is white like MOM. It's called Propofol/Diprivan.

 

[DzynKingRTR]

Put it in the fridge. The colder the better. I think I would have your buddy take you. Even though you wake up quick you might say something you can't take back if she takes you. We always called the sedation milk of amnesia because it is white like MOM. It's called Propofol/Diprivan.

It says do not refridgerate.