Ahh the joy of old age - My procedure

[Mike Ontko]

I'm overdue myself, and even though the LOML worked as a PA in digestive health/gastroenterology for 10+ years, I've been avoiding the process. Or, at least I haven't jumped to make my first appointment since turning 50...three and a half years ago. Preventive health care is great when the costs are largely covered by insurance or other programs. But even though I've got a decent health insurance plan through my employer, that coverage doesn't seem to go very far. I still end up paying a lot out of pocket for what I would think are routine or normal checks. For example, I went in for a simple eye exam earlier this year that ended up costing over $1000 after they sent me to a retinal specialist to double-check a spot. And I've already spent over $3000 this year on dental work (one crown and one implant). My point, though I realize it's fairly weak, is that our health care industry seems to be driven to prescribe all kinds of "preventative" tests and treatments that appear to protect their bottom line more than it protects our bottoms.

[paul cottingham]

Seriously, I refused the sedative, and it was fine. The anticipation was way worse than the event. Even the procedure that required 2 days of fasting (can't remember what it's called) wasn't so bad.

[Bruce Page]

I'm overdue myself, and even though the LOML worked as a PA in digestive health/gastroenterology for 10+ years, I've been avoiding the process. Or, at least I haven't jumped to make my first appointment since turning 50...three and a half years ago. Preventive health care is great when the costs are largely covered by insurance or other programs. But even though I've got a decent health insurance plan through my employer, that coverage doesn't seem to go very far. I still end up paying a lot out of pocket for what I would think are routine or normal checks. For example, I went in for a simple eye exam earlier this year that ended up costing over $1000 after they sent me to a retinal specialist to double-check a spot. And I've already spent over $3000 this year on dental work (one crown and one implant). My point, though I realize it's fairly weak, is that our health care industry seems to be driven to prescribe all kinds of "preventative" tests and treatments that appear to protect their bottom line more than it protects our bottoms.

Mike, any price you pay will be a bargain if it saves your life. At 53 your risks are lower than they would be at 63 but you are still taking a risk.

[Mike Henderson]

It was a piece of cake. The prep was worse than the procedure. I had propofol which is great. When you wake up, you're awake and no hangover.

Mike

[Bill McNiel]

I, unfortunately, am required to have a Colonoscopy every two years. In September they removed 14" of my Colon. The good news is that there is a "new"
liquid prep that only requires 8 oz of a lemon tasting liquid that does not have that horrible texture/taste of the stuff that requires consumption of a full gallon. It is a little more expensive but well worth the extra (I absolutely hate that gallon stuff).

[James Tibbetts]

I'll be interested in your thoughts about the procedure. My first one is scheduled in February. Good range of input from the folks here as always.
If given the choice I'm leaning toward being completely asleep for the duration.

[Bert Kemp]

Question Im 65 never had one , mostly because I have no one to drive me back and forth. Its said you can't drive after having one. all you guys that had it how were you when you left to go home could you drive or not.

[Bruce Page]

Bert, I was somewhat groggy when we left the recovery room. Given another hour I think I could drive but it still wouldn't be a good idea, IMO. Talk to your doctor and find out what your options are. There are likely volunteers available for this situation.

[Bob Turkovich]

I'm scheduled for the double whammy in 9 days. It'll be my fourth colonoscopy and 5 years since my last one. Family history (ulcerative colitis) , a benign polyp found on the first one and 25 years of IBS symptoms makes doing it every 5 years a necessary evil. (Funny how my IBS symptoms went into remission about a month after retirement ...). Lately I seem to be having more issues with the input end than the output end.

The prep is definitely worse than the test itself although the whole process leaves me drained for the rest of the day. There's also the "audible aftermath" which makes you not want to be out in public for a few hours afterward . ( They do fill you with air to expand the colon and the "air" has to go somewhere...)

[Mike Henderson]

Question Im 65 never had one , mostly because I have no one to drive me back and forth. Its said you can't drive after having one. all you guys that had it how were you when you left to go home could you drive or not.

If you did drive and had an accident you most likely could be charged with driving under the influence. DUI does not mean just alcohol and weed. It applies to any substance that impairs your driving.

But the places where they do those procedures are accustom to dealing with people who don't have someone to drive them. Check with the facility and they can help you with transportation. You'll probably have to pay for the transportation.

Mike

[Ken Platt]

I just had my first, at age 53. Yeah, I put it off for awhile, but didn't have any risk factors, either.

Hated the prep. I don't tend to drink much normally, so trying to put down a half gallon at a time, twice, was hard, and boy the taste was every bit as nasty as everyone says. The best tips were to keep it really cold, and use a straw so you could get it to mostly miss your tongue. It also helped a lot to chase each gulp with a bit of jello, which was about the only food I was permitted the day before. Orange Jello was the best, since they wanted me to avoid red or purple.

The other good tip I found online was to use a zinc oxide cream after each, um, squirt. Keeps the nether end from getting irritated.

I realize there's a temptation to say that the medical industry just wants us to do this stuff to make money, but (as a physician myself) it's just not true.The folks who spend their time and effort reviewing data (and it's a lot of work) don't get any rewards for doing so and are motivated by a desire to make folks healthier as best we can. If you don't want to follow recommendations, that's an individual decision about the risk you are taking on (like smoking, or not putting smoke detectors in your house, etc etc) but please don't malign the dedicated individuals who give of their time and knowledge to try to give the rest of us some guidelines about medical testing so we can help guide our patients to good health.

Just sayin'

Ken

Oh, and the procedure itself was a big fat nothing. I'd rather have the procedure itself twice if I didn't have to drink that stuff again, ever. But in 10 years I'll need to. Dagnabit.

[Matt Marsh]

Nothing to it! Best sleep I've had in years! I would much rather have that plumbing checked out than the other. They did remove a couple non-malignant polyps. Because of my family history of prostate cancer, and the detection of a "node", I am on the six month plan with my urologist. Two years ago they did I biopsy on it. Now there is a procedure I don't care to repeat! That one involves potent antibiotics, an ultrasound machine, you on your side in the fetal position, a lot of Novocain, and this gun/probe thingy that sounds like some sort of a pump-action heavy duty staple gun every time it is cocked. Those are not the fine details, I'll spare you those! ;-)

[Mel Fulks]

Our doctor in this area for that area is also a harness racer. If he is not in the lead its kinda like being at work.
I should have said ,even when he is leading it's STILL like being at work.

[Brian Elfert]

Question Im 65 never had one , mostly because I have no one to drive me back and forth. Its said you can't drive after having one. all you guys that had it how were you when you left to go home could you drive or not.

Check with your medical provider for a transport service that can pick you up and take you home. You're old enough to qualify for various senior services including transport to/from medical appointments. There is always the option of a taxi if you live in an area that has taxi service.

[Rich Lester]

Had my third in five years mainly due to family history. First two, I agree with most that are saying the prep was terrible with the liquid unbearable. This latest was just a couple months ago and the prep, other than having to empty, was much better. My gastro doc had me modify my diet to cut back on fiber 1 week ahead, two days ahead a low residue diet, no vegies, fruit, raisins,or red meat (I might have missed a few but you get the idea). I could eat fish, chicken, bread, rice (again you get the picture). The day before, prep day, clear liquids only. No red or purple sports drinks and only clear fruit juices. Take a mega dose of Dulcolax then start drinking 64 oz of any clear liquid (I used orange Gatoraid) mixed with an 8 oz bottle of Miralax. Drink the mixture over a prescribed time schedule based on when your procedure will be. This last time the doc said that I was that clean and he found nothing that I can go 5 years now before having to do it all again. According to my doc's office they have just recently started using this prep procedure and everyone likes it much better.