PSA: Colonoscopies!

[Dznypal]

the last one I had done did not go very well--I get anixety attacks just the thought of it--I just crawl in a shell and stay there--to the point I dont talk my DH has to talk for me

well after they put me out I was figidity so the dr gave me fentanyl which the first dose didnt do anything so he gave me more and more when it finally worked all the fentanyl hit my system at once and basically I OD on it

I stopped breathing not once but twice and was given narcan which thank god worked
I had told DH that as soon as soon as my eyes are open were out of there
I woke up pretty fast with the narcan so I wanted to leave--DH said no we have to stay here for a little while yet he said he would tell me in the car--I said tell me now or Im leaving
and thats when he told me the whole story
the RN thought it would be better to wait since they all knew I would flip out who wouldnt though being told you stopped breathing not only once but twice on a drug overdose

A few days later I called cause I wanted a copy of the drs notes so I could see for myself what all happened funny there was nothing listed about my breathing just that my stats went down
it was no big deal to call I just asked the nurse and she mailed them out
the strange part was about a week later the dr called and apolized for taking so long to get back to me I didnt ask the RN to have him call me
and he was explaining the whole thing now he has an accent and hard to understand and the more he was explaining the faster he was talking I had to give the phone to my DH since I couldnt understand anything he was saying
still wonder why he felt like he had to call
Im supposed to go back this year and I cant get myself to go just the thought of it puts me in a tailspin
I also work in a hospital and a few months after I had my orderal there was a call out for first responders to the GI lab same thing that happened to me happened to another patient--the dr I had also works out of the same hospital but also out of another hospital so I didnt have it done where I work but Im pretty sure it wasnt the same dr cause it happened on a fri and hes not at the hospital where Iwork on fri
but anyways same thing--gave to much fentanyl patient stopped breathing--sad thing is though he didnt make it

 

[Princesca]

the last one I had done did not go very well--I get anixety attacks just the thought of it--I just crawl in a shell and stay there--to the point I dont talk my DH has to talk for me

Good lord. I don't think you should go back there, for sure. I might also have a chat with a medical malpractice attorney.

I was given propofol.

 

[DLgal]

the last one I had done did not go very well--I get anixety attacks just the thought of it--I just crawl in a shell and stay there--to the point I dont talk my DH has to talk for me

well after they put me out I was figidity so the dr gave me fentanyl which the first dose didnt do anything so he gave me more and more when it finally worked all the fentanyl hit my system at once and basically I OD on it

I stopped breathing not once but twice and was given narcan which thank god worked
I had told DH that as soon as soon as my eyes are open were out of there
I woke up pretty fast with the narcan so I wanted to leave--DH said no we have to stay here for a little while yet he said he would tell me in the car--I said tell me now or Im leaving
and thats when he told me the whole story
the RN thought it would be better to wait since they all knew I would flip out who wouldnt though being told you stopped breathing not only once but twice on a drug overdose

A few days later I called cause I wanted a copy of the drs notes so I could see for myself what all happened funny there was nothing listed about my breathing just that my stats went down
it was no big deal to call I just asked the nurse and she mailed them out
the strange part was about a week later the dr called and apolized for taking so long to get back to me I didnt ask the RN to have him call me
and he was explaining the whole thing now he has an accent and hard to understand and the more he was explaining the faster he was talking I had to give the phone to my DH since I couldnt understand anything he was saying
still wonder why he felt like he had to call
Im supposed to go back this year and I cant get myself to go just the thought of it puts me in a tailspin
I also work in a hospital and a few months after I had my orderal there was a call out for first responders to the GI lab same thing that happened to me happened to another patient--the dr I had also works out of the same hospital but also out of another hospital so I didnt have it done where I work but Im pretty sure it wasnt the same dr cause it happened on a fri and hes not at the hospital where Iwork on fri
but anyways same thing--gave to much fentanyl patient stopped breathing--sad thing is though he didnt make it

And you didn't sue that doctor because...

 

[Dan Murphy]

And you didn't sue that doctor because...

Maybe not litigious?

 

[Dznypal]

Actually with the way the dr notes I got didn’t say stopped breathing instead stats were down. So there really wasnt much concrete proof that we were told i stopped breathing. Funny how that happened. We were told one thing and yet the paperwork said something else. For sure if I would decide to go back I’ll get another dr maybe even get an anstethiast someone who will watch out for me when I can’t.

 

[Princesca]

There should be an anesthesiologist in the room the whole time if you're being given anesthesia. Mine stayed in the room the whole procedure and constantly monitored my vital signs. I'm sorry you went through that!

 

[Dznypal]

All that was in the room was the dr rn and me. I really don’t think I could go through that again even with a new dr and an anesthesiologist

 

[40ariel]

I am also on the every 5 year plan. I lost a family member to colon cancer at a young age. There had not been any family history until they got sick. By the time there was a diagnosis the cancer had spread and it was too late.

Thank you OP for your PSA. I had not even heard of colon cancer until my family member was diagnosed.

 

[Princesca]

I feel like the more people I talk to, the more I find someone who lost a relative to colon cancer even before the age of 50. It's unimaginable to me. It wasn't pleasant, but it was sure worth it. In my case, they found one polyp, removed it right then, and the biopsy came back as a normal hyperplasia. I haven't gotten the call back from the doctor, but Dr. Google says it's considered a 'normal' result and I won't have to go back for 10 years, so fingers crossed the doctor agrees. The peace of mind is well worth what I went through, and getting to see my son grow up.

 

[TB'sWidow]

Ask for the Su Tablets instead. Much easier and covered by most insurance. Though I’ll be honest, it might be worth the out of pocket for me I would not have made it through the Gallon of Doom.

I did Colarguard because I was low risk then last year I was Dx’d with cancer including a tumor that extended down to part of my colon so I had to do the actual procedure. They didn’t find any cancer there but they had to check, the tablets literally was the only way I was able to do the prep. I have no memory of the actual procedure so honestly it was pretty painless.

I too was low risk hence the cologuard both of my doctors think highly of it for low risk and early screening. The tablets were not covered by my insurance so I had to do the terrible prep . I’m thinking of putting money away for the next time to do the tablets.

 

[DLgal]

Maybe not litigious?

It's not about being litigious. It's about accountability for that doctor and having a record of this event because if it happened to one patient, it will happen again if it's not addressed. A lawsuit doesn't always have to be about money.

 

[GAN]

It's not about being litigious. It's about accountability for that doctor and having a record of this event because if it happened to one patient, it will happen again if it's not addressed. A lawsuit doesn't always have to be about money.

Yeah…I agree. I don’t know about anyone else, but most people I know that have this procedure are attended by an anesthesiologist. Obviously, unless you don’t require sedation …and doctors can administer light sedation. Just seems like they crossed a line when they increased the dose to keep you calm. The OP should definitely get a legal opinion, if not for themselves, for the next person that goes to this office.

 

[Skippy918]

I too was low risk hence the cologuard both of my doctors think highly of it for low risk and early screening. The tablets were not covered by my insurance so I had to do the terrible prep . I’m thinking of putting money away for the next time to do the tablets.

My insurance didn’t cover the tablets either, but they were $40 out of pocket. Totally worth it.

 

[Meriweather]

My insurance didn’t cover the tablets either, but they were $40 out of pocket. Totally worth it.

My insurance did cover them, but it was still $140, so I passed and did the OTC one

 

[bookgirl]

I did the small bottles before surgery (they had to cut the cancerous ovarian tumor away from the non cancerous bowel). I only got through 1 and a 1/4 before it tried to return. I was told any light colored Gatorade was acceptable. Just no red or purple.

I too was low risk hence the cologuard both of my doctors think highly of it for low risk and early screening. The tablets were not covered by my insurance so I had to do the terrible prep . I’m thinking of putting money away for the next time to do the tablets.

Honestly since my cancer was Ovarian I’m hoping I can switch back to colarguard after this is over. But since my cancer type was Adenocarcinoma it can reoccur in the colorectal system so I may be stuck with the procedure for a while. Small price to pay not to die from a cancer that remains hidden until late stage.

 

[MrsPete]

As I sit here trying to ingest my second 32 ounces of colonoscopy prep (yum yum) I thought I'd remind everyone to go get your screening colonoscopy. The recommended age has been lowered to 45, and it should be covered 100% under most insurance. Apparently they're finding incidences of colon cancer in younger folks to be on the rise. The prep isn't fun, but it's only once a decade, if all goes well ...

I have an appointment next month. For any first-timers: I totally understand being nervous, and -- yes -- it's embarassing, but it's honestly not nearly as bad as you fear it'll be.

But GO.
My grandfather died of colon cancer -- knew something was wrong, saw blood in his stool, didn't go to the doctor until one day he fell and could not get up. Enter many bad things, years of treatment and suffering, and eventually death. At 50 they took three polyps out of me, so I know I could be on the same path -- but I am not in denial. I'm a 5-year girl now, and if they said I had to go more often -- well, I wouldn't be happy -- but I would go without complaint.

I do not envy that and hope that I get the all clear today. Honestly it hasn't been THAT bad except I can't handle all this Gatorade. Blechhhhhhhhh. I wish it could be pill only for the prep. I don't usually drink anything but coffee or water so this is bad. Though honestly the nausea from trying to drink all this has at least taken away any food cravings I had.

First time I did it, I asked for the pills -- I'd heard it was easier. My doctor refused, saying it's super-hard on your kidneys, and he doesn't think it's worth "the cost". Once I heard that, I agreed. I value my kidneys!

I researched how to make the prep easier to get down, and I really think I have the multi-pronged answer -- it wasn't pleasant, of course, but it also wasn't nearly as bad as other people say.

Please, please, use my method:
- Mix your prep powder (my doc gives the poorly named Go-Litely) with White Grape Juice instead of water. You're allowed to mix with any drink "through which you can read the newspaper". White Grape Juice qualifies, and it adds some flavor.
- Mix your prep in advance. It won't be chalky if it sits overnight.
- Chill everything -- chill a heavy wet glass in your freezer, chill the prep in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Cold prep is easier to get down.
- Drink through a big fat straw. Seriously, I slurped mine down without effort, then I drank the last swallow straight from the glass -- oh, the difference that straw made.
- You're allowed clear gummy bears. Last time my daughter bought me a giant bag of July 4 gummy bears and "picked out" all the clear bears for me -- what a sweetie. That bite of sweet was quite helpful.

When it was time to drink, I set myself to a rhythm: 5 huge slurps through the straw, 1 gummy bear, 5 seconds to breathe, then right back to 5 slurps. I'm telling you, I had the mess (plus the necessary water bottles) down in 10 minutes.

Not about the prep, but it will help: Splurge on a pack of the softest toilet paper and buy a tube of A&D ointment (or similar) and use it from the very first wipe -- before you're raw. Reserve a toilet for yourself that evening /tell your family they've gotta go elsewhere.

... Studies have not shown a clear benefit to the more invasive colonoscopy over fecal occult blood testing. There is a low risk of complications associated with colonoscopy up to four weeks after the procedure that does not exist for fecal occult blood testing ...

Note: This is true for people at low-risk. The full-fledged colonoscopy is recommended for people who have a family history or for people (like me) who've had pre-cancerous polyps removed.

I’m on the 5 year plan, that breakfast is the best!

Yes, in our family we kinda make a game of planning that after-meal. We talk about it in the days of restricted diet leading up to the test -- and especially while drinking the prep.

I will also say another silver lining is the sedation was the most restful sleep I've had in recent memory. It was really realllllly nice.

That's true.

Having mine next week. Pro Tip: you can request a smaller liquid prep pack. Most doctor offices continue to recommend the 32 ounces but you can instead get something like 8 or 12 ounces. Just need to ask for it.

What? It is the same thing but more concentrated? I don't know about this, but -- as I said -- I have an appointment next month, and I will investigate this.

... My mother died of colon cancer. She didn't see a doctor about it until she already had severe symptoms. We had her for six years after the diagnosis, in which she had three recurrences and bowl resection surgery. The last surgery, they gave her a bag, which was her worst nightmare. She learned to live with it, and so did I because could never bring herself to empty it or clean out the hole before putting a new bag on-I did this for her, and more. Trust me, get the routine colonoscopy and bug your loved ones to do the same. Being a caregiver is a labor of love, but also a labor of grief. It's a lousy way to die.

This IS my grandfather's story. Knowing something was wrong, saying nothing, colonoscopy bag, surgeries. Sadly, I think story isn't uncommon, but I also think it's a story that belongs to a previous generation. We are better armed against this disease now, and I think we are less willing to ignore symptoms.

 

[MartyParty]

MrsPete is correct. GO!

Short version of my story, I’ve been going since my late 20’s for a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. Had polyps removed every time but one. I’m over 50 now and have my next procedure this Friday.

50 years old is just an average. Listen to what your body is telling you and act. You won’t regret acting but you might regret it if you don’t act.

 

[MrsPete]

MrsPete is correct. GO!

Short version of my story, I’ve been going since my late 20’s for a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. Had polyps removed every time but one. I’m over 50 now and have my next procedure this Friday.

50 years old is just an average. Listen to what your body is telling you and act. You won’t regret acting but you might regret it if you don’t act.

Good for you knowing what your body needed!

But I had zero symptoms -- my body said nothing to me. I knew I had a family history.

 

[DLgal]

@MrsPete

The low volume prep is called Suprep

It's two 6oz bottles of prep liquid that you drink straight, followed by 2 more 16oz cups of water afterwards, but you get an hour to get that water down, so it's pretty easy.

This is what I was given when I had a diagnostic colonoscopy 5 years ago.

The liquid does NOT taste good. It's supposed to be "lemon lime" flavor, but it has quite a sickening, salty sweet flavor. I chilled mine and chugged it, and ended each bottle with a strong gag that almost brought it back up, but I followed the advice of the nurse and chased it with a few sips of ginger ale IMMEDIATELY to get the taste out of my mouth. The fizz from the soda sort of confuses your nervous system and stops the gag reflex. Neat trick.

Anyway, I found this prep made me "go" quite quickly and fully, without any discomfort, nor was I in the bathroom for hours. Literally 2 quick trips and that was it. One more trip the next morning after the second bottle, and that was all just clear liqiud at that point. It was not what I expected based on what I'd heard.

I'd request this prep again.

 

[shh]

seriously, choking down that prep concoction is 10x worse than the actual procedure. The fasting and "emptying" were also no big deal to me - it's not like when you have cramps/food poisening. No pain or discomfort really. Just a lotta bathroom trips.

The procedure is also NOTHING for most people. Piece of cake - and that sedation - man you wake up feeling refreshed lol.

I forked out $60 for a prep my doc said was better tolerated that my insurance wouldn't cover - still bad, but definitely a smaller amount to get down. Wasn't the suprep one previous poster mentioned though.