YANMD-Should I go for my colonoscopy?
May 23, 2022 2:37 AM Subscribe
I am wrestling with myself over whether I should go for my colonoscopy. TMI to follow.
I am a middle-aged female (below 45) who has been suffering from chronic diarrhea for years. Have seen two different colorectal doctors over the years (at the same large public hospital) who just advised me to go for a colonoscopy to eliminate internal causes. I am not in the U.S.
I kept putting it off for years because it is an unpleasant/uncomfortable procedure and because I didn’t have anyone to bring me home afterwards at the time. I do now, because a family member just quit her job. I will be sedated, conscious but woozy.
A parent has had benign colorectal polyps removed in the past but there is no history of colon cancer in the family. It’s probably not cancer because this has been going on for years and I’m not dead yet, right?
I don’t really have any symptoms beyond the loose stools and going to the loo more often than I like but this is inconvenient when I’m out and about because I never know when a sudden bout of diarrhea will strike and it causes anxiety. Due to Covid, I have been working and studying from home last two years so I had ready access to the toilet but with things opening up this will have to change. I might have to wear a mask during the procedure.
There are no obvious causes. I was vegetarian but started eating meat recently, cutting down drastically on the amount of legumes, vegetables and whole grains that I eat. With the reduction of high fiber foods, I have seen improvements in the frequency of bowel movements but I still have loose stools. Have cut out all dairy products, seen very minor improvements but not enough.
Why don’t I just go for it? I’m concerned about the expenses. Most of them should be covered but there is still random stuff like the cab fares (we have no car) that I have to pay for. I’m frightened that I will find out that I really have something. I’m not sure I want to know because I don’t think I can deal with say, cancer treatment. The colon prep is unpleasant and I will have to be on a strict low residue diet for three days. I tried intermittent fasting before and found out that I am really bad at starving myself in that I have no self-control and will get hungry and listless.
For people who are working, how do you manage the three days of fasting? Do you take leave or schedule it so that most of the three days is over the weekend? I can’t concentrate when I’m hungry. Any tips on dealing with hunger? I am allowed to eat on the day before the procedure but only white bread/broth/tea etc. Can I eat Ritz crackers? Any tricks to feel full? My procedure is scheduled around noon. I have to drink two packs of laxatives in the evening before and one more pack after my last meal (light breakfast at 6 a.m.) on the day itself.
Being female, there is also a possibility that it will clash with my period. I know you can have a colonoscopy while on your period but it will be messy/uncomfortable. I usually have cramps, bloating and my diarrhea gets even worse when my period comes. I don’t relish possibly combining all that with fasting, laxatives and a camera up my ass.
I am also afraid of the procedure itself. I am afraid something will go wrong though I know it’s a routine procedure. Maybe they didn’t sanitize the scope properly or the doctor makes a mistake and there is massive bleeding. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.
What should I do? Advice from people who have had one recently welcome. Am I just a wuss? How do I survive this?
I am a middle-aged female (below 45) who has been suffering from chronic diarrhea for years. Have seen two different colorectal doctors over the years (at the same large public hospital) who just advised me to go for a colonoscopy to eliminate internal causes. I am not in the U.S.
I kept putting it off for years because it is an unpleasant/uncomfortable procedure and because I didn’t have anyone to bring me home afterwards at the time. I do now, because a family member just quit her job. I will be sedated, conscious but woozy.
A parent has had benign colorectal polyps removed in the past but there is no history of colon cancer in the family. It’s probably not cancer because this has been going on for years and I’m not dead yet, right?
I don’t really have any symptoms beyond the loose stools and going to the loo more often than I like but this is inconvenient when I’m out and about because I never know when a sudden bout of diarrhea will strike and it causes anxiety. Due to Covid, I have been working and studying from home last two years so I had ready access to the toilet but with things opening up this will have to change. I might have to wear a mask during the procedure.
There are no obvious causes. I was vegetarian but started eating meat recently, cutting down drastically on the amount of legumes, vegetables and whole grains that I eat. With the reduction of high fiber foods, I have seen improvements in the frequency of bowel movements but I still have loose stools. Have cut out all dairy products, seen very minor improvements but not enough.
Why don’t I just go for it? I’m concerned about the expenses. Most of them should be covered but there is still random stuff like the cab fares (we have no car) that I have to pay for. I’m frightened that I will find out that I really have something. I’m not sure I want to know because I don’t think I can deal with say, cancer treatment. The colon prep is unpleasant and I will have to be on a strict low residue diet for three days. I tried intermittent fasting before and found out that I am really bad at starving myself in that I have no self-control and will get hungry and listless.
For people who are working, how do you manage the three days of fasting? Do you take leave or schedule it so that most of the three days is over the weekend? I can’t concentrate when I’m hungry. Any tips on dealing with hunger? I am allowed to eat on the day before the procedure but only white bread/broth/tea etc. Can I eat Ritz crackers? Any tricks to feel full? My procedure is scheduled around noon. I have to drink two packs of laxatives in the evening before and one more pack after my last meal (light breakfast at 6 a.m.) on the day itself.
Being female, there is also a possibility that it will clash with my period. I know you can have a colonoscopy while on your period but it will be messy/uncomfortable. I usually have cramps, bloating and my diarrhea gets even worse when my period comes. I don’t relish possibly combining all that with fasting, laxatives and a camera up my ass.
I am also afraid of the procedure itself. I am afraid something will go wrong though I know it’s a routine procedure. Maybe they didn’t sanitize the scope properly or the doctor makes a mistake and there is massive bleeding. Maybe I’m just being paranoid.
What should I do? Advice from people who have had one recently welcome. Am I just a wuss? How do I survive this?
I'm a 38 year old male (in Finland) who had colonoscopy 2 months ago. I had similar symptoms but only for 6 months. Afterwards I got medication that seems to have solved the problem.
The colonoscopy was not pleasant but not as bad as I had imagined. It mostly felt like having too much gas. I did not have sedation. Having someone drive you there and bring back was really helpful. It also helped that my brother had undergone the same procedure before, so I knew a bit what to expect.
I normally eat on quite tight schedule and had anxiety about hunger for the preparation. We got quite detailed instructions on what was allowed to eat and I made sure to have enough of the allowed foods for the first two day. So the first part was not a problem. The laxatives for the final 24 hours required so much fluids that hunger wasn't an issue.
The doctor wrote a medical leave for the day of the operation. I recommend having a day off for the day of the operation if at all possible. I don't think I could have worked due to the laxatives.
posted by baueri at 3:10 AM on May 23, 2022 [4 favorites]
The colonoscopy was not pleasant but not as bad as I had imagined. It mostly felt like having too much gas. I did not have sedation. Having someone drive you there and bring back was really helpful. It also helped that my brother had undergone the same procedure before, so I knew a bit what to expect.
I normally eat on quite tight schedule and had anxiety about hunger for the preparation. We got quite detailed instructions on what was allowed to eat and I made sure to have enough of the allowed foods for the first two day. So the first part was not a problem. The laxatives for the final 24 hours required so much fluids that hunger wasn't an issue.
The doctor wrote a medical leave for the day of the operation. I recommend having a day off for the day of the operation if at all possible. I don't think I could have worked due to the laxatives.
posted by baueri at 3:10 AM on May 23, 2022 [4 favorites]
You should really do this. All your reasons not to do it sound like they're anxiety, not medical reasons. Anxiety is totally understandable, but don't let it make you neglect your health.
I did it a year or two ago and it was fine. I also live alone and just did it without sedation because I didn't have anyone to take me home and it seemed easier that way, but I think that's more of a thing in the UK than the US, so if you're in the US, that might not be an option (I did have gas & air, and fentanyl).
I had my period at the time, and it was a non-issue. I wore a pad until they called me through for the procedure, and at all times you're lying on disposable sheets which are there to catch mess of all kinds and the people doing it look at human bodies doing human things all day every day and nobody bats an eyelid.
Don't confuse in your head the low-residue diet with the fasting. Unless yours is very different for some reason, you're not fasting for three days - mine was a couple of days of low-residue diet and then one day of fasting. The low-residue diet was kind of a treat for me. I had cornflakes, toast with lemon curd, fresh pasta with chicken and mayonnaise, just kind of slightly junky stuff that I would normally feel obliged to buy wholewheat and add veg. It wasn't a hardship at all and you won't feel hungry during it because you can eat as much as you like. The fasting was also much less difficult than I expected because it's a relatively short period of time and you know that it'll soon be over. You can cope with being hungry and listless for a day when you know it's a one-off and for a good cause - it's a very different feeling mentally from "I'm doing this long-term as part of a new regime and will have to do it regularly if I'm to get the benefits oh god this is rubbish am I really going to have to do this again next week?"
The only part I took time off work for was the prep, which you definitely can't combine with work because you need to be right by the toilet.
In terms of the expense, and the awfulness of cancer treatment, going for one colonoscopy will be both cheaper and less awful than ignoring it and finding you have something worse down the line.
There are lots of other colonoscopy threads here that I've contributed to previously so I won't repeat the stuff I've said in those, but definitely do a search and read them because they're full of good advice for coping with eg. the prep. I took the day off, watched a comedy series on my lap top in the bathroom and made it as nice as I could.
I'm sure I'm an outlier, but I actually had my colonoscopy in the middle of being largely locked down alone for two years and it almost felt like the social highlight of the year. I spent several hours in the company of the kindest, most caring people, all paying very close attention to my comfort and wellbeing. Once I got on the gas and air, we actually started joking and I had a hoot. It turned out nothing was wrong and they told me that right away, and I went home feeling accomplished and proud of myself and having had a fascinating look at my insides.
You deserve to not live with chronic diarrhea. You can do this.
posted by penguin pie at 3:30 AM on May 23, 2022 [18 favorites]
I did it a year or two ago and it was fine. I also live alone and just did it without sedation because I didn't have anyone to take me home and it seemed easier that way, but I think that's more of a thing in the UK than the US, so if you're in the US, that might not be an option (I did have gas & air, and fentanyl).
I had my period at the time, and it was a non-issue. I wore a pad until they called me through for the procedure, and at all times you're lying on disposable sheets which are there to catch mess of all kinds and the people doing it look at human bodies doing human things all day every day and nobody bats an eyelid.
Don't confuse in your head the low-residue diet with the fasting. Unless yours is very different for some reason, you're not fasting for three days - mine was a couple of days of low-residue diet and then one day of fasting. The low-residue diet was kind of a treat for me. I had cornflakes, toast with lemon curd, fresh pasta with chicken and mayonnaise, just kind of slightly junky stuff that I would normally feel obliged to buy wholewheat and add veg. It wasn't a hardship at all and you won't feel hungry during it because you can eat as much as you like. The fasting was also much less difficult than I expected because it's a relatively short period of time and you know that it'll soon be over. You can cope with being hungry and listless for a day when you know it's a one-off and for a good cause - it's a very different feeling mentally from "I'm doing this long-term as part of a new regime and will have to do it regularly if I'm to get the benefits oh god this is rubbish am I really going to have to do this again next week?"
The only part I took time off work for was the prep, which you definitely can't combine with work because you need to be right by the toilet.
In terms of the expense, and the awfulness of cancer treatment, going for one colonoscopy will be both cheaper and less awful than ignoring it and finding you have something worse down the line.
There are lots of other colonoscopy threads here that I've contributed to previously so I won't repeat the stuff I've said in those, but definitely do a search and read them because they're full of good advice for coping with eg. the prep. I took the day off, watched a comedy series on my lap top in the bathroom and made it as nice as I could.
I'm sure I'm an outlier, but I actually had my colonoscopy in the middle of being largely locked down alone for two years and it almost felt like the social highlight of the year. I spent several hours in the company of the kindest, most caring people, all paying very close attention to my comfort and wellbeing. Once I got on the gas and air, we actually started joking and I had a hoot. It turned out nothing was wrong and they told me that right away, and I went home feeling accomplished and proud of myself and having had a fascinating look at my insides.
You deserve to not live with chronic diarrhea. You can do this.
posted by penguin pie at 3:30 AM on May 23, 2022 [18 favorites]
My family absolutely has a history of colon cancer so I’ll be getting my first colonoscopy when I hit forty in two years, wheee! I’ve had a few years to come to terms with this looming fact. The prep regimen seems to vary by region, practice, and patient. I’m in the US and people in my family here only had to fast one day, but a family member in Asia had to do it differently, sounded more like what you describe. I think the advice to have a talk with your doctor is absolutely spot on. Have them walk you through things, talk about the details and ask lots of questions. You might even be able to take something temporarily for your anxiety leading up to the procedure.
A colonoscopy is not just for detecting cancer! It’s also for diagnosing IBD and diverticulitis and all kinds of other things that can be really life changing to get the right treatment for. I am very lucky in that my GI situation seems pretty chill, but my friend with Crohn’s finally got her situation sorted after a colonoscopy in her 30s and says if she could change something she would go in for one a decade earlier. In your case it sounds like this is exactly why your doctors are telling you to have a colonoscopy, and making sure there isn’t cancer is a happy side benefit.
As for you being unable to deal with cancer treatment, that’s the thing. A colonoscopy allows you to prevent the cancer. Removing precancerous polyps is a very different thing than colon cancer treatment. That said, inevitably all of us will have to endure some pretty intense medical stuff in our lifetimes, unless we get eaten by a bear or something. People can deal with a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. Colonoscopies are probably good practice, honestly.
Anyway, talk to your doctors or maybe even a nurse about all the details and any concerns. Listen to what folks here tell you about their experiences. Ask for help with your anxiety. Think of it as a diagnostic procedure and remove the different blocks you are making for yourself to keep from doing it. For example, maybe your or your family member has a friend with a car who would drive you while your family member keeps an eye on you? Maybe you can arrange transportation through your doctor’s practice or hospital? Maybe you can be a bit more frugal temporarily to save up and ensure you have the money for a cab and incidental expenses? Lots of options, there, and if you look at all of them and make reasons to not try any that’s anxiety keeping you from doing this important thing.
Anyway I’m gonna go bug my older brother about getting his done soon, thanks for the reminder!
posted by Mizu at 3:35 AM on May 23, 2022 [7 favorites]
A colonoscopy is not just for detecting cancer! It’s also for diagnosing IBD and diverticulitis and all kinds of other things that can be really life changing to get the right treatment for. I am very lucky in that my GI situation seems pretty chill, but my friend with Crohn’s finally got her situation sorted after a colonoscopy in her 30s and says if she could change something she would go in for one a decade earlier. In your case it sounds like this is exactly why your doctors are telling you to have a colonoscopy, and making sure there isn’t cancer is a happy side benefit.
As for you being unable to deal with cancer treatment, that’s the thing. A colonoscopy allows you to prevent the cancer. Removing precancerous polyps is a very different thing than colon cancer treatment. That said, inevitably all of us will have to endure some pretty intense medical stuff in our lifetimes, unless we get eaten by a bear or something. People can deal with a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. Colonoscopies are probably good practice, honestly.
Anyway, talk to your doctors or maybe even a nurse about all the details and any concerns. Listen to what folks here tell you about their experiences. Ask for help with your anxiety. Think of it as a diagnostic procedure and remove the different blocks you are making for yourself to keep from doing it. For example, maybe your or your family member has a friend with a car who would drive you while your family member keeps an eye on you? Maybe you can arrange transportation through your doctor’s practice or hospital? Maybe you can be a bit more frugal temporarily to save up and ensure you have the money for a cab and incidental expenses? Lots of options, there, and if you look at all of them and make reasons to not try any that’s anxiety keeping you from doing this important thing.
Anyway I’m gonna go bug my older brother about getting his done soon, thanks for the reminder!
posted by Mizu at 3:35 AM on May 23, 2022 [7 favorites]
I put off having the colonoscopy for years (although I’ve had a barium enema x-ray and a sigmoidoscopy), which is dangerous, as my mom died from colon cancer. I finally made up my mind to have it a few years back, I was the same age at which my mom was first diagnosed. The prep is of course the worst part, but it’s doable. My wife recommends choosing grape flavor for the 2 bottles of solution you must drink rather than the standard lemon-lime flavor.
The workers at the procedure are very professional and helpful. I was drugged but woke a little during the procedure. I was watching a video screen, fascinated by what I was watching, finally realizing I was watching my procedure. I could hear some chunka-chunka type noise behind me; I thought they were changing out bits. And then they were done! Had pancakes afterwards; they found one benign polyp.
posted by coldhotel at 6:25 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
The workers at the procedure are very professional and helpful. I was drugged but woke a little during the procedure. I was watching a video screen, fascinated by what I was watching, finally realizing I was watching my procedure. I could hear some chunka-chunka type noise behind me; I thought they were changing out bits. And then they were done! Had pancakes afterwards; they found one benign polyp.
posted by coldhotel at 6:25 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Yes, of course you should get the colonoscopy.
I’m frightened that I will find out that I really have something
I have the distinct impression that basically everything you wrote is just a wrapper around this feeling.
Dealing with cancer treatment is a lot easier than dealing with long-untreated cancer. More importantly, there are "no known causes" for your chronic, anxiety-inducing diarrhea, which is a pretty good reason to take a look and see if a cause can be found.
(I have mine scheduled for midsummer; I'm not looking forward to it either.)
posted by ook at 7:18 AM on May 23, 2022 [6 favorites]
I’m frightened that I will find out that I really have something
I have the distinct impression that basically everything you wrote is just a wrapper around this feeling.
Dealing with cancer treatment is a lot easier than dealing with long-untreated cancer. More importantly, there are "no known causes" for your chronic, anxiety-inducing diarrhea, which is a pretty good reason to take a look and see if a cause can be found.
(I have mine scheduled for midsummer; I'm not looking forward to it either.)
posted by ook at 7:18 AM on May 23, 2022 [6 favorites]
Medical people won’t mind your period. Wear a tampon if you can, and if you can’t wear a tampon for whatever reason, then just bring a pack of baby wipes to wipe off when you undress and a plastic grocery bag in case there’s nowhere to dispose of the used wipes, so you can put them in the bag and carry it out in your purse to discard later.
You can disrobe the rest of the way into the gown, but keep your underwear with a pad on til the last minute when they’re ready for you, and say “I have my period”. They can just put a disposable chux pad under you (what civilians call a puppy pad). It’s a large thin disposable mat the size of a small towel, absorbent, waterproof, and they will just crumple it into a ball and toss it in the trash after.
A little blood is no big deal to people in the medical field. Remember, more than half of them are (or were) also menstruators themselves, and the ones that don’t menstruate have truly seen it all.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:22 AM on May 23, 2022
You can disrobe the rest of the way into the gown, but keep your underwear with a pad on til the last minute when they’re ready for you, and say “I have my period”. They can just put a disposable chux pad under you (what civilians call a puppy pad). It’s a large thin disposable mat the size of a small towel, absorbent, waterproof, and they will just crumple it into a ball and toss it in the trash after.
A little blood is no big deal to people in the medical field. Remember, more than half of them are (or were) also menstruators themselves, and the ones that don’t menstruate have truly seen it all.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:22 AM on May 23, 2022
Had one last autumn (family with a history of colon cancer and some other issues). The procedure, at least here in Canada, is relatively quick - about 15 minutes. The worst part of it is the prep and the wait for the procedure. The medical staff will have seen it all so I wouldn't worry too much. If you're particularly anxious you can tell them that and they can provide you some meds to help with that. I have a friend who's a sexual abuse survivor and due to their colitis must get a deep colonoscopy regularly. They are very specific about their needs during the procedure and the staff is very accommodating. Talk to your doctor & the nurses and express your concerns but do yourself a favour, if you have issues it is in your best interest to deal with them or at least get the procedure done so you can rule out things. It sucks as things go but the long term peace of mind and the potential to be healthier is worth it.
posted by Ashwagandha at 7:48 AM on May 23, 2022
posted by Ashwagandha at 7:48 AM on May 23, 2022
I remember this question recently - seems to have a lot of good info.
posted by tiny frying pan at 7:55 AM on May 23, 2022
posted by tiny frying pan at 7:55 AM on May 23, 2022
Disclaimer: I am a GI doc but this is not medical advice and you should listen to your own doctor in this and other matters related to your health.
Just some general info:
1. Chronic diarrhea is a very valid reason to recommend a colonoscopy. Screening for colorectal cancer is not the only reason we scope people! A colonoscopy with biopsy can help diagnose or exclude several important and treatable diseases causing diarrhea some of which can only be diagnosed with biopsies taken during colonoscopy and basically no other way, and some of which respond to treatment FAST.
2. Low residue diet does not mean you cannot eat for three days. Ask your doctor or endoscopy suite personnel for advice on what you can eat during that time.
3. The scope is undergoing high-grade disinfection according to strict protocols and, at least in my country, this process is not only largely automated but also thoroughly documented including the name and license of the person responsible for cleaning and sterilization. It is something we care about.
4. Feel free to send a PM if you need a pep talk or if something wasn't clear.
posted by M. at 8:32 AM on May 23, 2022 [8 favorites]
Just some general info:
1. Chronic diarrhea is a very valid reason to recommend a colonoscopy. Screening for colorectal cancer is not the only reason we scope people! A colonoscopy with biopsy can help diagnose or exclude several important and treatable diseases causing diarrhea some of which can only be diagnosed with biopsies taken during colonoscopy and basically no other way, and some of which respond to treatment FAST.
2. Low residue diet does not mean you cannot eat for three days. Ask your doctor or endoscopy suite personnel for advice on what you can eat during that time.
3. The scope is undergoing high-grade disinfection according to strict protocols and, at least in my country, this process is not only largely automated but also thoroughly documented including the name and license of the person responsible for cleaning and sterilization. It is something we care about.
4. Feel free to send a PM if you need a pep talk or if something wasn't clear.
posted by M. at 8:32 AM on May 23, 2022 [8 favorites]
Female, 30s, regular colonoscopy-haver due to crohns. Get thee to your colonoscopy.
Prep: I also fall apart when hungry. I'm unclear if your low-residue diet is true fasting or just white bread and tea for 3 days, in which case, white bread is delicious and while you might not feel as satiated, you will not be hangry for those three days. In terms of the true prep day, I always prefer to do it on a weekend and schedule my colonoscopy for early Monday. That way I spend Sunday sitting in bed/on the toilet binge-watching a TV show, sleep somewhat poorly that night, then go get the damn thing over with. The "drink" is the most foul thing in the world to drink. I wash virtually every sip down with soda or juice. I find drinking a savory beverage (such as clear chicken broth) at meal times helps cut down on the "I feel like I should be eating" impulse.
The procedure itself: medical procedures can be scary, but colonoscopies in the US are one of the most routine. GI doctors are always a bit kooky, but in a lovely way that means they don't care about messy things like talking about poop or periods. In my limited experience, I've noticed that most of their patients are white males in their 50s, so they often view a female patient as a particularly interesting subject. I don't know how to say this, so I'll just say it: I have no memories of any of my colonoscopies because I was always completely knocked out by the anesthesia. I don't remember pain, discomfort, awkwardness, none of it. I fell asleep in a hospital gown and woke up in a slightly different room with a very sweet set of nurses telling me how great I did. Every. Single. Time. Have you watched Ali Wong's jokes about asking for a second colonoscopy after they gave her proprufen for the first? Yeah, that's kind of how I feel. While the prep is really miserable, the procedure itself is really not that bad.
Afterwards: I don't know if this count as motivating or anything, but just so you know, the meal you eat after you are done with your colonoscopy is the best meal of your life. That's why I prefer morning colonoscopies because afterwards I make my person take me to a diner where I eat ALL the eggs, waffles, and bacon and it tastes sooooooo good.
I also had chronic diarrhea before getting my crohns diagnosis, and let me just say that it is truly limiting to your life in ways you will not realize until it's better. I hope you are able to take all the encouragement in this thread and attend to your body. Your sphincters will thank you.
posted by you'rerightyou'rerightiknowyou'reright at 8:41 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Prep: I also fall apart when hungry. I'm unclear if your low-residue diet is true fasting or just white bread and tea for 3 days, in which case, white bread is delicious and while you might not feel as satiated, you will not be hangry for those three days. In terms of the true prep day, I always prefer to do it on a weekend and schedule my colonoscopy for early Monday. That way I spend Sunday sitting in bed/on the toilet binge-watching a TV show, sleep somewhat poorly that night, then go get the damn thing over with. The "drink" is the most foul thing in the world to drink. I wash virtually every sip down with soda or juice. I find drinking a savory beverage (such as clear chicken broth) at meal times helps cut down on the "I feel like I should be eating" impulse.
The procedure itself: medical procedures can be scary, but colonoscopies in the US are one of the most routine. GI doctors are always a bit kooky, but in a lovely way that means they don't care about messy things like talking about poop or periods. In my limited experience, I've noticed that most of their patients are white males in their 50s, so they often view a female patient as a particularly interesting subject. I don't know how to say this, so I'll just say it: I have no memories of any of my colonoscopies because I was always completely knocked out by the anesthesia. I don't remember pain, discomfort, awkwardness, none of it. I fell asleep in a hospital gown and woke up in a slightly different room with a very sweet set of nurses telling me how great I did. Every. Single. Time. Have you watched Ali Wong's jokes about asking for a second colonoscopy after they gave her proprufen for the first? Yeah, that's kind of how I feel. While the prep is really miserable, the procedure itself is really not that bad.
Afterwards: I don't know if this count as motivating or anything, but just so you know, the meal you eat after you are done with your colonoscopy is the best meal of your life. That's why I prefer morning colonoscopies because afterwards I make my person take me to a diner where I eat ALL the eggs, waffles, and bacon and it tastes sooooooo good.
I also had chronic diarrhea before getting my crohns diagnosis, and let me just say that it is truly limiting to your life in ways you will not realize until it's better. I hope you are able to take all the encouragement in this thread and attend to your body. Your sphincters will thank you.
posted by you'rerightyou'rerightiknowyou'reright at 8:41 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
I've had 6 colonoscopies and I'm in my early 40s. It's really not that bad.
Although.. why are you fasting for 3 days? But then you can eat the day before the procedure? Something isn't adding up here. Different countries will do colonoscopy prep differently (actually, different doctors will--I've never had a consistent prep) but in general: total fast the day before. And honestly it's not that bad! Schedule it on a workday, so your mind will be occupied. You start drinking the prep in the last afternoon/early evening and you will not feel like eating, so at most it's like 12 hours of awake fasting. My last colonoscopy, I didn't even do the broth/popsicle stuff, I just drank water all day.
posted by rhymedirective at 8:59 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Although.. why are you fasting for 3 days? But then you can eat the day before the procedure? Something isn't adding up here. Different countries will do colonoscopy prep differently (actually, different doctors will--I've never had a consistent prep) but in general: total fast the day before. And honestly it's not that bad! Schedule it on a workday, so your mind will be occupied. You start drinking the prep in the last afternoon/early evening and you will not feel like eating, so at most it's like 12 hours of awake fasting. My last colonoscopy, I didn't even do the broth/popsicle stuff, I just drank water all day.
posted by rhymedirective at 8:59 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
I can only give you my own experiences, but maybe they will help. I am around 60 yo male. I have had at least 5 colonoscopies. 3 were sedated. Woke up with a tube in my ass, they pulled it out and sent me home. It was really not a problem at all. One, I had with no prep and no sedation. While there was some discomfort, it really was not a big deal. The hardest part was lying there with the doctor's hand in/near my ass manipulating the probe and talking the whole time. Awkward. One time I asked for no sedation because the time I had the 'emergency' one, was not a big deal and I did not want to deal with the residual effects of sedation. I had an ongoing conversation complete with bad dad jokes about assholes.
I watched most of the procedure on the small monitor the doctor was looking at. I also watched when I had my heart stents put in, so that is sort of who I am. YMMV. I found it fascinating and riveting to watch my insides. Odd as that may be.
The prep was the worst for me. The taste of the stuff they made me drink was vile. I had to force it down. Yes it caused a cleanse. But, if that is happening anyway, this will not be much worse.
I get being worried about the ancillary expenses, but if there is a legit reason your doctors are recommending the procedure, I would participate, damn the cost. If you are seeking an answer for your problem, this is a good possibility that the procedure will help inform a course of action to alleviate your issue whatever it may be.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:59 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
I watched most of the procedure on the small monitor the doctor was looking at. I also watched when I had my heart stents put in, so that is sort of who I am. YMMV. I found it fascinating and riveting to watch my insides. Odd as that may be.
The prep was the worst for me. The taste of the stuff they made me drink was vile. I had to force it down. Yes it caused a cleanse. But, if that is happening anyway, this will not be much worse.
I get being worried about the ancillary expenses, but if there is a legit reason your doctors are recommending the procedure, I would participate, damn the cost. If you are seeking an answer for your problem, this is a good possibility that the procedure will help inform a course of action to alleviate your issue whatever it may be.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:59 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
We have a family history of bowel cancer and I get colonoscopies / endoscopies every few years. I am pretty used to them by now but I still get exactly the same worry you have expressed - what if they find something this time? I tell myself that this is the point of having a camera up the bum - so that the only likely treatment for cancer will be a polypectomy rather than a bigger operation or chemotherapy. The removal of a polyp can be done during the colonoscopy and effectively treats early stage cancer, or prevents it.
You know this, because you have a family member who had it done, and I know this too, but it doesn't stop it being a scary thought and it's entirely normal to be scared of the unknown. Honestly, I didn't fast or eat a low residue diet for a whole three days beforehand and my bowel has been apparently sufficiently well-prepared enough. Lots of fluid helps between the draughts of Moviprep or whatever solution they give you.
It's a faintly uncomfortable process, but best to just get it over with. You have my very best wishes.
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 10:19 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
You know this, because you have a family member who had it done, and I know this too, but it doesn't stop it being a scary thought and it's entirely normal to be scared of the unknown. Honestly, I didn't fast or eat a low residue diet for a whole three days beforehand and my bowel has been apparently sufficiently well-prepared enough. Lots of fluid helps between the draughts of Moviprep or whatever solution they give you.
It's a faintly uncomfortable process, but best to just get it over with. You have my very best wishes.
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 10:19 AM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
I've had two colonoscopies, my second just a couple of weeks ago. My husband gets them a lot, because he has Crohns disease. Really, they are annoying, because of the prep, but pretty much a non-event.
I'm confused about what you said about fasting for three days, but then allowed to eat the day before as well.
But yes, given all preps vary - mine was that I could eat a light breakfast the day before then drink clear liquids the rest of the day. Laxative pills at 2pm then miralax powder mixed with gatorade from 4-6 pm. I wasn't hungry at all because of all the fluid, and I am normally a very hungry person.
It's also not a given that you will be woozy post-procedure. Obviously I don't know what drugs they will use for you, but both times with propofol I have woken right up and been completely fine immediately. My most recent one was at a center that didn't require someone to pick me up (covid reasons) as long as I told them I was meeting someone. I walked over to a cafe and had coffee and cake with her. It was great.
You should get the procedure. Ignoring it won't make any issue go away, just make it harder to treat down the line.
posted by gaspode at 10:50 AM on May 23, 2022
I'm confused about what you said about fasting for three days, but then allowed to eat the day before as well.
But yes, given all preps vary - mine was that I could eat a light breakfast the day before then drink clear liquids the rest of the day. Laxative pills at 2pm then miralax powder mixed with gatorade from 4-6 pm. I wasn't hungry at all because of all the fluid, and I am normally a very hungry person.
It's also not a given that you will be woozy post-procedure. Obviously I don't know what drugs they will use for you, but both times with propofol I have woken right up and been completely fine immediately. My most recent one was at a center that didn't require someone to pick me up (covid reasons) as long as I told them I was meeting someone. I walked over to a cafe and had coffee and cake with her. It was great.
You should get the procedure. Ignoring it won't make any issue go away, just make it harder to treat down the line.
posted by gaspode at 10:50 AM on May 23, 2022
I kept putting it off for years because it is an unpleasant/uncomfortable procedure
There is nothing particularly uncomfortable about the procedure itself as long as you are sedated. The "uncomfortable" part is the prep, but the prep is not painful, just a hassle that lasts a few hours. Colonoscopies have an undeserved bad rap.
posted by beagle at 12:24 PM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
There is nothing particularly uncomfortable about the procedure itself as long as you are sedated. The "uncomfortable" part is the prep, but the prep is not painful, just a hassle that lasts a few hours. Colonoscopies have an undeserved bad rap.
posted by beagle at 12:24 PM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Joining the chorus of "it wasn't as bad as I expected." Even the prep, which I was absolutely dreading, wasn't that bad.
posted by underthehat at 3:43 PM on May 23, 2022
posted by underthehat at 3:43 PM on May 23, 2022
People tend to fall into two camps when it comes to colonoscopies:
1. The very vocal, “OMG it was the most horrible thing ever”.
2. “Meh, the prep wasn’t bad at all”. Because they’re used to digestive hell and lots of time on the toilet.
Camp 2 is not vocal. But there are plenty of us out there. I suspect you’ll be in Camp 2, like me. So many people had complained to me like it was the most horrid thing ever that I was insanely stressed out beforehand. And honestly, it was fine. Nothing I hadn’t dealt with already. The before stress was significantly worst than the prep or procedure.
Right now, this is clearly stressing you out. Just get it over with already. It’ll be one less thing to worry about.
Also: low residue does not mean starvation diet or fasting. And if you are afraid you won’t clear everything out, you could also take Miralax for a couple of days beforehand.
posted by Neekee at 4:06 PM on May 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
1. The very vocal, “OMG it was the most horrible thing ever”.
2. “Meh, the prep wasn’t bad at all”. Because they’re used to digestive hell and lots of time on the toilet.
Camp 2 is not vocal. But there are plenty of us out there. I suspect you’ll be in Camp 2, like me. So many people had complained to me like it was the most horrid thing ever that I was insanely stressed out beforehand. And honestly, it was fine. Nothing I hadn’t dealt with already. The before stress was significantly worst than the prep or procedure.
Right now, this is clearly stressing you out. Just get it over with already. It’ll be one less thing to worry about.
Also: low residue does not mean starvation diet or fasting. And if you are afraid you won’t clear everything out, you could also take Miralax for a couple of days beforehand.
posted by Neekee at 4:06 PM on May 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
Listen, I know someone who was diagnosed with colon cancer late. colonoscopy >>> ostomy bag.
posted by praemunire at 5:12 PM on May 23, 2022
posted by praemunire at 5:12 PM on May 23, 2022
I had what is to be my first colonoscopy about 6 months ago (they found several benign polyps; I am now to get them I think every 3 years). Like you, I'd put it off (for about a year and a half) because I was anxious, but I finally decided that I had to do it, if for no better reason than to get the damn doctor's office to quit hounding me. I prepared by reading all of the on-the-ground advice I could find about how to handle the low residue food days (I am prone to hangry even when fully fed) and then the purge day (the day before the procedure). The most important advice I got was how to handle the astonishingly nasty prep liquid stuff, which you have to consume in laughably large amounts: drink it on ice, and use a straw. The colder it is, the less you can taste it, and with a straw it seems like you can bypass your tastebuds and just get it down your throat. The procedure itself was no big deal -- those folks have seen everything; you can't shock them. I was sedated, which made for a delicious nap. Afterwards, my sister drove me home, I took another nap. I'm not going to tell you that I'm looking forward to the next one, but it was nowhere near the horrible, scary ordeal that I had made it in my mind. Setting aside the whole prep thing, I'd honestly rather have another colonoscopy than a mammogram. At least the colonoscopy involved several pleasant naps.
posted by pleasant_confusion at 9:41 PM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by pleasant_confusion at 9:41 PM on May 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Hey, listen, my first colonoscopy in 2017 resulted in finding out I had cancer. Was not ideal, but I can tell you that I'm pretty glad it was discovered then and not later, because if it had progressed much, it would have been a lot harder to deal with. I had surgery, and now I'm okay--I just graduated to being able to go five years in between procedures.
There are definitely some things you can do in terms of prep that will make it easier, and as others have pointed out, you might have some misconceptions about stuff like the diet, etc. If you would like to memail me, I would be happy to discuss it with you. I put my first one off for years because of similar problems--no one to help, cost, fear, etc.--and I have to grudgingly admit that it benefited me a lot in the long run.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 10:44 PM on May 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
There are definitely some things you can do in terms of prep that will make it easier, and as others have pointed out, you might have some misconceptions about stuff like the diet, etc. If you would like to memail me, I would be happy to discuss it with you. I put my first one off for years because of similar problems--no one to help, cost, fear, etc.--and I have to grudgingly admit that it benefited me a lot in the long run.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 10:44 PM on May 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
Just one further data point: Prior to my colonoscopy, I had read similar threads to this with everybody saying how awful the prep drink was, and was surprised to find it was much less awful than I expected. Everyone has different stuff so YMMV, but it was kind of like a strong version of a lemon sports drink. Yes to drinking it cold and with a straw, but to me it was only unpleasant by the end because I'd had to drink so much of it and was fed up of the taste. So even that's not necessarily awful.
posted by penguin pie at 4:16 AM on May 24, 2022
posted by penguin pie at 4:16 AM on May 24, 2022
Related to penguin pie's comment and others who mention the vile liquid: there are different prep methods, and if you're in the US, a lot of places will just sort of automatically prescribe PEG (polyelthylene glycol 3550). It is absolutely horrible stuff, to me, thick and viscous, but some people have no trouble with it--it comes in an enormous jug, you have to drink like 3-4 liters of it, and it's like trying to pound cooking oil that tastes like terrible stale Gatorade or something.
I vomited terribly on it (the taste was never the issue to me, it was the thickness), and was afraid I wouldn't get a good procedure or have my surgery, so to be honest, if you're anxious about how this goes, it might be better if you can ask if they'll prescribe a different type of prep. There are some that contain PEG but with something else to reduce the volume, but they also have their issues. One person I know uses Miralax, gets up early and chugs the bottle, and gets her procedure done first thing in the morning, so there are options, but every clinic has their particular favorite method and they sometimes don't move outside their comfort zone.
Sodium phosphate-based ones like Suprep, Clenpiq, Visicol, are imo much easier to cope with--they taste awful, sure, but they are much smaller doses usually taken a certain time apart from each other (which for me necessitated getting up at like 4:30 am for my second dose). Apparently, they can cause problems for some people with certain conditions, so it might not work considering your chronic GI issues, but it's definitely worth talking to your doctor about--it might make the prep part feel less like climbing a mountain.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 10:49 AM on May 24, 2022 [2 favorites]
I vomited terribly on it (the taste was never the issue to me, it was the thickness), and was afraid I wouldn't get a good procedure or have my surgery, so to be honest, if you're anxious about how this goes, it might be better if you can ask if they'll prescribe a different type of prep. There are some that contain PEG but with something else to reduce the volume, but they also have their issues. One person I know uses Miralax, gets up early and chugs the bottle, and gets her procedure done first thing in the morning, so there are options, but every clinic has their particular favorite method and they sometimes don't move outside their comfort zone.
Sodium phosphate-based ones like Suprep, Clenpiq, Visicol, are imo much easier to cope with--they taste awful, sure, but they are much smaller doses usually taken a certain time apart from each other (which for me necessitated getting up at like 4:30 am for my second dose). Apparently, they can cause problems for some people with certain conditions, so it might not work considering your chronic GI issues, but it's definitely worth talking to your doctor about--it might make the prep part feel less like climbing a mountain.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 10:49 AM on May 24, 2022 [2 favorites]
One last thing: since you have nasty diarrhea often, don’t be surprised if you think the prep didn’t work. That’s what I thought. I’ve always joked that my diarrhea has left me “colonoscopy ready” and I was kinda right. The prep wasn’t nearly as bad as diarrhea Id already had so I thought it didn’t take or something. Nope, it worked perfectly fine. I’m just used to much worse.
posted by Neekee at 1:52 PM on May 24, 2022
posted by Neekee at 1:52 PM on May 24, 2022
I have long term IBS issues and the colonoscopy prep would really do a lasting number on me. When I turned 50 and my dr brought it up, we discussed this and she agreed I could do a DNA test instead. This involves collecting a stool sample and mailing it to the lab in a special secure mailer that comes with the collection kit. Collection is awkward but 100% more comfy than the colonoscopy prep/procedure and is done at home at your convenience. Yes, if the test results come back positive, then you still have to have a colonoscopy, but chances are good you won’t need one. Ask your dr and see if your insurance will cover a dna test. Good luck! I hope your issues are resolved soon.
posted by mollymillions at 8:33 PM on May 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by mollymillions at 8:33 PM on May 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
« Older Parenting a difficult young adult, at the end of... | tips for driving from Virginia to NH? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
If I were you I'd make an appointment with a doctor to discuss your concerns, seeing as from what you have described here, it's more of a "just checking that box" deal, rather than an urgently needed test.
I'd also talk to your doctor about anxiety.
Digestive issues are common with stress and anxiety (ask me how I know).
I totally understand what you mean by not wanting to know whether you have cancer or some other dreadful problem.
But here is something I can tell you for sure, and from experience. Anxiety feeds on avoidance. The more you try to hide from and protect yourself from the things you fear, the bigger that fear grows.
Facing your fear will make it shrink down to something you can make plans to deal with.
Stop telling yourself how you will not be able to handle having cancer.
You are brave and resourceful and you can cope even if things get tough. I know that because you have asked this question in such an honest way.
Do you have a friend who you can talk to about these things?
Trying to face these kind of fears all alone is tough.
posted by Zumbador at 2:56 AM on May 23, 2022 [6 favorites]