My Colonoscopy is scheduled and I am less than thrilled
@BelleStarr (61047)
United States
September 30, 2016 9:21pm CST
Evidently, I haven't had a colonoscopy in 11 years. My doctor thinks I need to have one, bless her heart. I went for my physical in May and since then we have been trying to get it scheduled. Part of the problem was my preferred gastroenterologist didn't take my insurance.
In July he started taking it. About a month ago the doctor called to schedule the appointment. I thought I needed approval from my insurance before I could go ahead with it. I was wrong. And even better, they tell me they pay 100%. That is good.
It has to be done at the hospital since the gastroenterologist has their own outpatient surgery but that doesn't take my insurance. Don't you love it!! I hate having to go to the actual hospital, it is so much more inconvenient.
Anyway, November 15th is the day. Which means that I am going to be hungry and crabby on the 14th!! I hate the prep for this test and I hate having anesthesia but that is unavoidable. Now I need to get them to schedule one for my hubs!!
23 people like this
26 responses
@JudyEv (325798)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Oct 16
Vince and his siblings all carry a gene for a type of cancer that needs regular colonoscopies for early detection. He doesn't like them much either but the alternative is worse. In Australia, older people can be sent a kit which can be used to send back a (tiny) sample which is then tested. This is entirely free and is repeated every 2 years. You don't have to participate but again the alternative isn't worth contemplating.
7 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
1 Oct 16
is it hereditary? do your sons have that gene, too?
3 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
1 Oct 16
@cacay1 i was curious about the gene, like how it was detected
@cacay1 (83223)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
1 Oct 16
@hereandthere , I think that is hereditary.It can also be acquired through foods.
2 people like this
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
1 Oct 16
I had one a few months ago. I found a better way to drink that vile swill. Get it as cold as you can. Use a straw up against the inside of your cheek bypassing the tongue as much as possible. Drink it as fast as you can swallow until you feel sick. Then stop and try again in a few minutes. Good luck. 
5 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
I am going to get the 5 ounces of liquid and pills so it shouldn't be too bad. I hold my nose and down it lol ugh!!! I have done the one with lots of liquid before and that is really bad. Last time I did this easier method, it really depends on your doctor. There are several different ways to get the job done.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
1 Oct 16
oh of all the proceddures I have been through that one is the worst I hate it I have not had one now in several years but I had hernia surgery and my colon was blocked so 'they had to unblock it first so the procedure was almost as bad but it sure did unblock and the oung x ray trechs had a humongous job cleaning me u p but the young fellows were'very professional about it.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
I have had two previous colonoscopies so I expect that all will be well, no polyps have ever shown up.
1 person likes this
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
1 Oct 16
@BelleStarr I had a polyp the first time around but not the second.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458140)
• Switzerland
1 Oct 16
Also here in Switzerland we have those kits that @JudyEv mentioned. All the retired people (age of 65 and up) can make the test and send it to the laboratory. It is easy, quickly done and enough for a preliminary test. If there is even a very small doubt about a problem, then they will schedule an appointment for a colonscopy.
4 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
Those tests are fine but they only show blood, my doctor talked to me about them if my insurance wasn't going to pay but in reality, they don't show all the issues so are better than nothing but not a substitute.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458140)
• Switzerland
1 Oct 16
@BelleStarr This is true, it's just to check if there is no hidden blood, that is always an alarm sign.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21854)
• Canada
1 Oct 16
I know how you feel I'm scheduled for next spring. The actual event is simple and fast (and I get to watch the TV that shows what he sees in my inners... the prep is deadly. Chin up, it goes by fast...
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
Here they knock you totally out, I have had two previously so I know what to expect but you're right, the prep is deadly, however, the alternative is much worse so it is sort of like a mammogram, we just buck up and do it.
1 person likes this
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
1 Oct 16
@BelleStarr They said they sedate you but they really knock you out. I saw the anesthetist hold a bottle up and the next thing I knew they were telling me to wake up.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21854)
• Canada
2 Oct 16
@BelleStarr I agree, but I was awed by being awake and watching the video that my doctor was watching. My first one was in the local hospital and i was knocked out. Since then its my gastro guy doing it in another hospital and I get to watch. Plus I don't have to come out of being knocked out. My recovery is minimal - that is a bonus.
1 person likes this
@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
1 Oct 16
Nasty, but at least if you are healthy you don't generally need one every year.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
No I am healthy and every 5-10 years is appropriate, I have just been avoiding it lol
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
1 Oct 16
@BelleStarr It still sounds quite distasteful.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
The procedure is done under general anesthesia so you feel and remember nothing but the prep is the worst!! One might say it was sheety!! lol
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
@Asylum It is but colon cancer is a lot worse, it killed my mother in law and it is not pretty.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
1 Oct 16
hopefully things have changed for the better all these years and you'll have an easier time.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
It should be fine, the prep is the pits but the procedure is easy.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (48442)
• Canada
1 Oct 16
The prep is the worst from my memories of the one and only scope that I've had to endure.
We only get ours done in the hospitals up here, and one the day of mine we arrived very early.
I was booked to be the second procedure done, but just my luck the first appointment of the day was a no-show so they prepped me early and wheeled me into the OR ahead of schedule.
That worked for me because like you I wasn't looking forward to the anesthesia, but after having it, I would ask for it again.
It was the stuff the Michael Jackson overdosed on, is it ever sweet and smooth, and quick. And no nasty nausea afterwards, you wake quick and nice as if you just had a little nap.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
This is my third colonoscopy so I am familiar with the procedure and I agree, it is sweet and smooth, it is the prep that I dread as everyone does. I am hoping I get the first procedure of the morning but there is no way to know yet, they will call me about two weeks in advance to tell me.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
Yes they told me that there is a lot less to drink in the new prep which is a good thing.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154166)
• Canada
1 Oct 16
@BelleStarr The first 3 colonoscopies I had were awful as preparation was concerned.
My husband had 1 and he said it was nothing. So the 4th one I had, I found out that he was right. Everything went so smooth (preparation).
Good luck.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
yes I think everyone does but the alternative is pretty grim and one every ten years is doable!!
1 person likes this
@sallypup (57888)
• Centralia, Washington
1 Oct 16
@BelleStarr I like your attitude!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Oct 16
Thank you, I am pretty confident that everything will be okay other than it being an ugly procedure. But prayers are always good and I appreciate them.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
1 Oct 16
It is good to have that check-up to make sure there's no problem in the digestive system.
2 people like this
@simone10 (54189)
• Louisville, Kentucky
9 Oct 16
I had my first one done 8 years ago and I don't envy you at all. It wasn't fun and like you, I hated the prep and being hungry. Hopefully it is scheduled for the morning so that you won't have to go longer without food. Mine was scheduled at 2pm and I was starving when it was over.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
9 Oct 16
OMG, that is the worst. I am hoping for 9am and I suspect it will be a morning since they usually have office hours in the afternoon.
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
2 Oct 16
bless yer heart, i'm nearly 4 years 'hind gettin' one myself. that preppin' fer such's anythin' but fun, i jest purty much move 'nto the loo fer 24 hours. interestin' that'cher insurance'll not pay fer the procedure 't the doc's office, but'll pay 100% 'f 't if'n done 't the hospital. dunno 'bout the cost there, but here the doc's office 'tis 'bout $2,000 whilst the hospital charges $18,000 - plus ya then get a separate bill from the doc 'n anesthesia. amazin' what those hospitals can get by with, eh?
i'll be thinkin' 'f ya! hope yer hubs don't mind'ja gettin' him that appointment, mine'd have a fit :)
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
5 Oct 16
Their private clinic does not take my insurance, I assume it doesn't pay enough since it is an advantage program.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
5 Oct 16
@BelleStarr ugh, i'm so tired 'f insurance companies/hospitals/docs/lab facilities, etc not gettin' 'long :(
@moffittjc (118442)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Oct 16
It's such a shame that there isn't a better way to perform a colonoscopy other than the current method. All this technology we have these days and they can't figure out a better way to check? I'm hoping they come with a better way soon...it won't be too many more years now until my doctor will be pushing me to get one.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
3 Oct 16
I know, an exterior scan of some sort would be nice but for now, this is the best preventions out there.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118442)
• Gainesville, Florida
9 Oct 16
@BelleStarr NASA has telescopes that can detect an alien microbe buried six miles under the surface of a planet 18 billion light years from earth, yet they don't have anything that can peer into my colon a few inches away without having to violate me? Geez!
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
5 Oct 16
I hate operations and procedures too- and was not thrilled, as you say to have my hip operated on even though I knew I needed it. The other one will be due next Spring and I am praying hard for one of the saints to spare me and arrange a miracle! ha! Just like you- I don't like any of it either... Do you have a reason for it? Sometimes I think they just love to book things because they're next on the list---lol!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
5 Oct 16
I don't respond well to anesthesia so it is always a bad experience. I am hoping this time will be different.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
6 Oct 16
@BelleStarr Perhaps you can ask them what type they are using and if it is typical and let the doctors know- maybe there's a different one you can use!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
5 Oct 16
I am confident that everything will be okay but why take a chance?
1 person likes this
@saulgoodman (2643)
• Dundee, Scotland
5 Oct 16
I don't think I would be thrilled at the prospect either.
Your post has given me food for thought.
I won't go to the dentist because I sm scared to.
A dentist is nothing compared to what you and others who have replied here have been through with this invasive procedure.
I need to grow a pair now.
This really does put my fear of the dentist into perspective.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
6 Oct 16
lol Honestly, the prep is awful but the procedure is nothing, I hate the dentist more, it is the sound of the drill or the polisher!! At least for a colonoscopy, you are asleep!!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
6 Oct 16
@saulgoodman it is light anesthesia not like an operation
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@saulgoodman (2643)
• Dundee, Scotland
6 Oct 16
@BelleStarr
I thought it was with the patient awake.
Still wouldn't be thrilled about it asleep..
Actually I think I would be more scared asleep. I had a dream once where I was put under for an operation and didn't wake up.
1 person likes this
