# My first colonoscopy! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 7, 2018, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758 "2018-05-07T14:56:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/21 "2018-05-07T20:16:06Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#): > > The last time my older brother had a colonoscopy done, the doctor also had him get an endoscopy (our father had esophageal cancer) at the same time, to save cost. I hope they used a fresh tube. They just use a longer tube… Be sure you as the doc if his/her mother knows what they do for a living - they love that joke. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/22 "2018-05-07T20:22:35Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#): > > Happy 50th to me! If you’re averse to digital rectal prostate exams, you can ask the doc to do one while you’re anesthetized anyway. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/23 "2018-05-07T20:38:02Z")
Speaking of anesthesia, I was warned that you can have a bit of amnesia after the sedation. Apparently, that’s true. When I regained awareness after the colonoscopy, I felt fine. (Sedation my ass, so to speak - they may not “put you out” but it sure seems like they do.) I was a little miffed because I’d ordered a cheese sandwich and Ovaltine from the hospital menu to eat afterward, and the sandwich never came. When the nurse came to check on me, I asked if I would have a chance to speak to the doctor - she said, in an amused tone, “you already talked to him.” Then I apparently went out to lunch with my husband. The next day I realized I had NO MEMORY of it. I asked him to describe it to me, and with extreme difficulty I was able to patch together a few snapshot images of it. But if he hadn’t prompted me the whole afternoon’s events would have been gone forever. When I eventually did talk to the doctor again later, he told me I was “quite lucid” during the conversation I totally forgot. Nice to know I can hold it together when I am thoroughly out of it 🙂 Also, how much ya wanna bet I received and ate the cheese sandwich and instantly forgot they’d fed me? ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/24 "2018-05-07T21:13:18Z")
I’m the reverse of **CairoCarol**. The Versed cocktail does not knock me out or give me amnesia. I remember it all. Blech. Some of it is painful, and it is more than a little embarrassing to moon the doctor and her crew. Oh well. No pre-cancerous polyps this time, so I’m back on the 5 year plan. Woot! ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/25 "2018-05-07T21:15:10Z")
> [@Lightray](#): > > …only the mag citrate was gagworthy. I’m drinking that now, and the lemon flavor is really quite good. It is tart enough that, ironically, it’s making my mouth-hole pucker up. I could use this for poaching fish, but I suppose my family would not be pleased at the end of the evening. ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Mapp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miss_mapp/32/369_2.png) [@Miss\_Mapp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Mapp)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/26 "2018-05-07T22:25:44Z")
> [@JcWoman](#): > > A little tip that I discovered when I did mine: if you eat very lightly the day before you start the prep, it’s possible you won’t have to finish the entirety of the 2 gallons of fluid (I may be exaggerating the volume). When I did mine, the doctor told me about some joker she encountered who decided that since he had to stop eating his normal meals, he would go all out and stuff himself silly the day before his prep. That was a HUGE mistake (he wasn’t able to fully flush his system in time). > > To confirm my theory after hearing that anecdote, I ate very light the day before, and was outputting clear fluid when I was only 1/5 way through the cleanse. (Just to be sure, I kept drinking it until it unfortunately made me puke. Then I just couldn’t. After the procedure, the doctor confirmed that I was clean and did a good enough prep. I read someone advising this in another colonoscopy thread last summer a couple of weeks before I had one scheduled, and started on my Jello and Popsicle diet the day before I started the actual prep. It made that part of the process much easier, and less nauseating. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/27 "2018-05-07T23:42:38Z")
Okay, I think I’m done with the seven years of red meat everyone supposedly has in their colon, and now I’m working on all the gum I swallowed as a child. ---
**Author:** ![ryobserver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b2d939/32.png) [@ryobserver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ryobserver)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/28 "2018-05-07T23:53:48Z")
It’s probably too late to mention this (unless you have someone who can run out and shop for you), but it’s a really good idea to stock up on the flushable sort of baby wipe before doing colonoscopy prep. The less abrasion down there, the better. I’ve had two colonoscopies and am due for a third this year; colon cancer killed my father at 54, so I started screening early. I’ve never had the classic nasty fluid, just pills and Gatorade mixed with the generic version of Miralax (polyethylene glycol). I was told most places are moving away from the high-volume nasty fluid because so many patients were unable to finish it. Last time I included a can of beer in my clear fluid regimen :), making sure it was clear beer (Guiness is right out) and so far in advance of the procedure there was no possibility of alcohol being in my system when the anesthetics were given. I had the Versed mix the first time around and it didn’t put me out; I wasn’t uncomfortable but I do remember the procedure, vaguely, the way you remember a dream. The second time I had propofol, and damn, Michael Jackson’s doctor was possibly the biggest idiot ever to get a medical license. That stuff is in no way a sleeping drug. I went out like a light and woke up 20 minutes later feeling perfectly alert and much refreshed by the nap. Both times I was presented with color photos of my interior to take home with me, and both times I had a clean result, thank the Lord. No tumors, no polyps, no evidence of vascular malformations or diverticular disease. Here’s hoping the OP has a similarly uneventful procedure and uninteresting colon :). ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2018, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/29 "2018-05-07T23:56:19Z")
> [@Lightray](#): > > He said that the bigger problem is people eating/drinking colored stuff – particularly red. > > Don’t go with red Gatoraid or red Jello. I made that mistake. I bought the Miralax stuff and mixed in some grape-flavored Crystal Light powder. I _then_ remembered any powder I add must be light-colored. :smack: So I threw it away, and then had to rush out to Kroger and buy another bottle of Miralax for $20. ☹ I then added lemonade-flavored Crystal Light powder to it. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/30 "2018-05-08T01:19:05Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > If you’re averse to digital rectal prostate exams, you can ask the doc to do one while you’re anesthetized anyway. They wouldn’t do that for me. Gah. I mean really, your already in the neighborhood. I’ve had three colonospys. Much easier now. The prep isn’t as bad. I do schedule them for as early in the morning as possible and pre pick out where I want to go to breakfast after. It’s I think a gallon of GatorAid mix, some pills and stay close to the bathroom. I work a half day and take the afternoon off, sleep, and get the procedure. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/31 "2018-05-08T01:30:44Z")
Had my anal probe about 10 years ago with a gallon of prep that tasted almost, but not quite, completely unlike raspberry (which is what the packet said). They did me with a general anesthesia and like all other times, I went out quietly and woke up easily. Need to get one this year, although I have no family history, so hoping that things have moved on and whatever I get will be at least palatable. Tom, here’s something to watch between trips to the bathroom. [Billy Connolly - Colonoscopy on Vimeo](https://vimeo.com/24340828) ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/32 "2018-05-08T01:34:46Z")
Got mine next week. Had a polyp last time so I’m on the every 5 years schedule. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/33 "2018-05-08T06:03:32Z")
Had one, due for another this summer. Here’s my question: why are we still doing the clear-liquids-only (or as I like to call it, the flavored water diet)? This was the worst part for me. Jello and broth didn’t cut it, and I spent half the day with a headache. Two years ago, I read that a low-fiber diet actually gives **better** results: > [@](#): > > A new study, however, reported that people who consumed a limited amount of low-fiber foods were not only happier, but also didn’t suffer any negative effects during their exam. > > The researchers found that these patients’ bowels were actually better prepared for the procedure than those who followed traditional clear-liquid diets… > > Results showed more of the patients on the low-fiber diet were “adequately prepared” for a colonoscopy and less tired on the morning of the procedure. > > How would eating more food actually clear the bowel? > > According to Samarasena, eating just stimulates more bowel movements the day before the procedure thus starting the colon-emptying process. > > Also, the low-fiber food easily liquefies in the digestive system, therefore still capable of clearing out of the colon. The[article](http://www.mdmag.com/medical-news/colonoscopies-fasting-may-not-be-necessary) says making the prep less difficult might mean fewer people would delay or skip colonoscopies. Then there’s a [meta-analysis](http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/201010581202100304) of 8 studies: all 8 showed a low-residue diet was either equally as efficacious or superior to the clear-liquids diet. So why are we still restricted to clear liquids? ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/34 "2018-05-08T06:31:22Z")
Subscribed since I’ve been putting this off. Hopefully you’ll convince me it’s not as bad as I fear. ---
**Author:** ![JoseB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/joseb/32/1530_2.png) [@JoseB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoseB)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/35 "2018-05-08T09:49:18Z")
What a coinkidink… I had a colonoscopy last friday (May 4th). For preparation, I spent the whole day before the procedure without eating anything, drinking only water. They recommend to take some clear bouillon so you don’t starve or something, but I felt fine and didn’t eat anything. Also, for a week before the procedure I was told not to eat anything with small seeds (tomatoes, strawberries, bread with sesame seeds, stuff like that). From 36 hours before the procedure, non-clear or dark beverages are forbidden. The day before the procedure, at 4PM, I took 2 pills. At 7, I took a first dose of the laxative, which had a rather spectacular effect 😛 I dissolved a bag of powder in a glass of water, and then had to drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the next 2 hours. Then, the next day, 4 hours before the procedure, I took the second dose. Same procedure. Then, from 2 hours before the procedure onwards, nothing; not even water. The procedure was done under sedation, but I do not think it had much of an effect on me 😛 During it, they took a sample and I am now waiting for results. To **Enola Gay** --do not put it off. It is an unpleasant experience, but there is nothing to fear. It won’t hurt that much, it won’t take long, and if you just relax and think of England, it will be over before you even know it 🙂 Also, sedation. It can greatly help taking the edge off the whole thing. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/36 "2018-05-08T11:10:58Z")
I did one a few years ago. I missed a little ginger ale in with the liquid, and it still tasted foul. So i got a straw, and shoved the straw most of the way past my tongue. Success! I barely tasted it. I’d previously had an endoscopy with versed, and felt like shit for the next twenty four hours. Longer, really, because i had trouble sleeping that night. So I did the colonoscopy without sedation. I didn’t think it was that bad, and I found it fascinating to see the inside of my gut. And when I was done, I was completely fine and drive to a friend’s house to play board games. Hope it goes smoothly! ---
**Author:** ![BlueOhio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/439d5e/32.png) [@BlueOhio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueOhio)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/37 "2018-05-08T14:50:56Z")
I had my first last Spring, and they found a big polyp with cancer. Very glad I had it done when I did. The good news was that the cancer didn’t spread, but I did have some significant complications with the colon resection surgery (I spend the Summer with an ostomy bag; I refer to it as the ‘Fartless Summer’). ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/38 "2018-05-08T15:14:33Z")
Dave Barry’s take on colonoscopies is no less hilarious for being true: Install seat belts on your toilet… you will be reminded of space shuttle launches. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/39 "2018-05-08T18:21:03Z")
> [@JoseB](#): > > To **Enola Gay** --do not put it off. It is an unpleasant experience, but there is nothing to fear. It won’t hurt that much, it won’t take long, and if you just relax and think of England, it will be over before you even know it 🙂 > > Also, sedation. It can greatly help taking the edge off the whole thing. Yes I know you are right, but I would like sedation for the 24 hours prior to the procedure itself. That’s the part that daunts me. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2018, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758/40 "2018-05-08T19:30:40Z")
There is some discomfort afterwards as well, since they pump you up full of air. I’ve had this done a number of times for whatever reason and every time, the gastro gives me this warning that in a small number of cases there can be serious perforations which would require immediate transfer to a hospital. I always ask him how many times a year this happens (usually once or twice IIRC) and what was the most recent time - last time, he told me it was the prior week :eek:. But so far so good. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-first-colonoscopy/813758.md?page=3)