Colonscopy...won't say "never again" but..probably never again

Specialties Gastroenterology

Published

Had colonoscopy 3 days ago..My scope was performed because of a family hx of colon ca and a positive hemoccult card - just one. In retrospect I should've requested to repeat the cards x 3 first. My scope was normal - nothing found. I used mag-citrate to prep and skipped the moviprep- for one, I wasn't about to drink all that fluid when there was a way just as effective w/o taking all that in, nor was I going to pay $60 co-pay for the stuff.

I am still feeling the effects of the meds (Versed and Demerol), as well as bloating, nausea, slight cramping abdominal discomfort that borders on pain. I am not a "wus" by any means but for me, at least, this is not one day of prep and that's the worst of it. The prep day wasn't enjoyable obviously, neither was the day of the test, but I must give credit to anyone who undergoes one and is able to go back to work the next day. I feel like I have been hit with a ton of bricks and almost as though I have the beginning of the flu (which I don't).

I am not trying to discourage anyone from having one..just don't assume it will be as easy as the doctor makes it sound getting back on your feet.

If a nurse is embarassed about being scoped, just imagine how patients feel being probed and prodded all day- might get more people thinking about privacy issues. I had one, and there was a polyp that was removed, and there's an extensive family history of all kinds of cancers. I can say for sure I'd rather have a colonscopy, than a root canal, or a urinary catheter inserted, hands down. Plus, a thorough bowel cleanse never hurt anybody. My worst part was not being able to eat until late afternoon after the test.

I understand how important a colonoscopy is but Ive read some horror stories on the internet about it,even on here where patients got just versed and were in pain for the whole procedure that scare me.

I understand how important a colonoscopy is but Ive read some horror stories on the internet about it,even on here where patients got just versed and were in pain for the whole procedure that scare me.

There are horror stories on the internet about every procedure known to man. You choose your physician carefully, ask plenty of questions beforehand, request propofol instead of conscious sedation, etc. Adverse events are really rare.

As far as being "exposed" goes. At our facility, the patient is on their left side. A blanket covers them COMPLETELY. The only one who sees anything is the physician when he inserts the scope. After that, all eyes are on the screen or attention is on getting specimens labeled and into the specimen containers. There is zero reason for the patient's behind to be left exposed, and where I work, it never is.

Proper administration of propofol results in no waking and no nausea.

Using CO2 instead of air practically eliminates post procedure bloating, discomfort, and embarrassing flatulence.

I've had MANY patients tell me the procedure was so much easier than they had anticipated. Done correctly and with appropriate medications and attention to patient comfort and dignity, it really is an easy procedure.

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