Colonoscopy

stoneill

Are you getting the camera up the bum treatment soon?

I just got the procedure done and here are my experiences so you don't have to worry.

The preparation to ensure that you are completely empty was a bit of a surprise.
Three sachets of Pixolax, one taken at 19:00 two days before, one at 15:00 the day before and one at 19:00 the night before.
The first sachet was dutifully taken, and as much as the manufactures tried to hide the taste with a hint of added
orange flavour it still tasted like the old Beechams Powders (if you remember them!)
It was all the flat 7up within 2 hours that was the hard bit.
After the first dose there was no real sign of anythng happening for a while, but by ten o'clock that night
I felt a bit of a rumble. I positioned myself on the throne for the action and what happened next could only be described
as a complete surprise! 100% liquid shot out my arse are a vast rate of knots!
It just kept coming and coming - I had to do a courtesy flush half way through!
This episode lasted approx 15 minutes. Forget using absorbent toilet paper - wet wipes is what you need for a clean botty!
(these do not flush well, so maybe a doggy poo bag is advisable)
Since the next sachet was due at 3pm next afternoon, the night was spent worrying that I may continue to evacuate my bowels in the bed.
However, let me reassure you all that this does not happen, so when it is your turn, do not fret or worry and sleep soundly.
Next morning, a light breakfast, toast with a scrape of butter and a mug of tea.
The day was spent not straying more than 50 seconds away from a toilet - just in case.
Luch was a clear soup, but no more food after that.
Sachet two was taken at precisely 15:00 - and worked precisely at 16:17. Again, 100% liqiud.
Sachet three was taken at 19:00 - more flat 7 up - more of the same result.
My last drink of water before the procedure was taken at 23:00 that night - hunger pangs not too bad.

The morning of the procedure and I arrive 1 hour early - other people also had this in mind so I was 3rd in the queue.
A lovely young nurse handed me one of those robes that no matter what you do will always have your arse showing out the back of it.
I wasa told to strip off and only wear the robe, take a seat and wait until I was called.
I was a bit apprehensive, but not worried. I sat there and read the previous days indo and sun. twice.
Then it was my turn, the lovely young nurse made sure my dignity was kept intact by pulling the robe out from between the
cheeks of my arse where I have being trying to clamp it shut, I felt a soft pleasing breeze as I was led to the room where
the procedure was to take place, asked to lie on a bed, blood pressure, pulse and all that was taken - all seemed to be normal.
I was given a nasal canula for oxygen, I noted with surprise that oxygen has a faint smell.
The consultant then arrived, introduced himself and chatted for a minute, he then said that he was going to give me a little sedation.

I was woken to a voice calling me by name, and when I opened my eyes there was my missus all ready to bring me home.

And that is how easy a colonoscopy is!
No pain, no after effects, no discomfort, as easy as lying on a bed

knipex

WOW

Gald to hear. My experience (about 4 years ago) very very very different.

I got 3 packets all to be mixed with 2 lts of water and to be drunk over 24 hours (finishing the night before the visit). I agree it tasted pretty bad but not undrinkable. First 2 ltrs went down fine and I spent the next 24 hours no more than 2 mins from the toilet... Your description is accurate.

Day of the procedure I arrived early, second in the queue but wasnt called till 4pm. Slight sedation that didnt work at all. 30 seconds into the procedure one of the students present asked that perhaps I should be given some more sedation as I was in serious pain (I was in due to bad hemorrhoids which were causing me alot of pain anyway especially after I spent virtually 24 hours on the throne). The student was bluntly told to shut up.

The surgeon also did some banding (without having warned me in advance but apparently it was covered in the consent I signed). One of the most painfull experiences of my life. I was then kept for 2 hours and discharged by the same student who asked about more sedation.

I swore never again.... but since then I have heard similar stoiries about this surgeon and stories like your about other surgeons....

stoneill wrote: »

Are you getting the camera up the bum treatment soon?

I just got the procedure done and here are my experiences so you don't have to worry.

The preparation to ensure that you are completely empty was a bit of a surprise.
Three sachets of Pixolax, one taken at 19:00 two days before, one at 15:00 the day before and one at 19:00 the night before.
The first sachet was dutifully taken, and as much as the manufactures tried to hide the taste with a hint of added
orange flavour it still tasted like the old Beechams Powders (if you remember them!)
It was all the flat 7up within 2 hours that was the hard bit.
After the first dose there was no real sign of anythng happening for a while, but by ten o'clock that night
I felt a bit of a rumble. I positioned myself on the throne for the action and what happened next could only be described
as a complete surprise! 100% liquid shot out my arse are a vast rate of knots!
It just kept coming and coming - I had to do a courtesy flush half way through!
This episode lasted approx 15 minutes. Forget using absorbent toilet paper - wet wipes is what you need for a clean botty!
(these do not flush well, so maybe a doggy poo bag is advisable)
Since the next sachet was due at 3pm next afternoon, the night was spent worrying that I may continue to evacuate my bowels in the bed.
However, let me reassure you all that this does not happen, so when it is your turn, do not fret or worry and sleep soundly.
Next morning, a light breakfast, toast with a scrape of butter and a mug of tea.
The day was spent not straying more than 50 seconds away from a toilet - just in case.
Luch was a clear soup, but no more food after that.
Sachet two was taken at precisely 15:00 - and worked precisely at 16:17. Again, 100% liqiud.
Sachet three was taken at 19:00 - more flat 7 up - more of the same result.
My last drink of water before the procedure was taken at 23:00 that night - hunger pangs not too bad.

The morning of the procedure and I arrive 1 hour early - other people also had this in mind so I was 3rd in the queue.
A lovely young nurse handed me one of those robes that no matter what you do will always have your arse showing out the back of it.
I wasa told to strip off and only wear the robe, take a seat and wait until I was called.
I was a bit apprehensive, but not worried. I sat there and read the previous days indo and sun. twice.
Then it was my turn, the lovely young nurse made sure my dignity was kept intact by pulling the robe out from between the
cheeks of my arse where I have being trying to clamp it shut, I felt a soft pleasing breeze as I was led to the room where
the procedure was to take place, asked to lie on a bed, blood pressure, pulse and all that was taken - all seemed to be normal.
I was given a nasal canula for oxygen, I noted with surprise that oxygen has a faint smell.
The consultant then arrived, introduced himself and chatted for a minute, he then said that he was going to give me a little sedation.

I was woken to a voice calling me by name, and when I opened my eyes there was my missus all ready to bring me home.

And that is how easy a colonoscopy is!
No pain, no after effects, no discomfort, as easy as lying on a bed

helimachoptor

Had it a while ago, the laxative was fine tbh just took it and brought my laptop to the bog with me.

However.. waking up during the exam is a odd sensation.
Felt internal pressure but a bit more sedative and it was lights out again.

Thankfully all clear!

Qualitymark

They seem to be moving away from colonoscopy and into colonography (PET scan, done when you're awake, no anaesthetic).

Three days on a gradually reducing diet, last day liquids only; take dye, Picolax, squits, watery squits.

Day of the procedure turn up, get told to robe up, brought into radiation room and climb up on a couch (told "don't bother to take boots off"!!! not great hygiene there!) and they put a needle in your arm with a yoke that gives you stuff to make your intestines relax. They put another yoke in your bottom to blow air in - quite uncomfortable, probably because they didn't leave the intestine-relaxing yoke long enough to work. (As air was blowing in, nurse left the room, which scared the tripes out of me. Imagined I was going to blow up like a balloon, intestines perforate...)

They tell you to lie on your back, nurse goes out and recorded voice tells you to breathe in and hold it a few times while the scanner moves up and down. Then nurse comes back in, tells you to roll onto your stomach, goes out and same procedure - recorded voice, breaths in, etc.

The stuff to relax intestines can make your eyes blurry, so it's a good idea to get a taxi or lift home.

It all takes around 15 minutes.

statss

I woke up half way through mine too, I could feel the camera moving inside me, it didn't hurt though, I shouted to the consultant, "more sedation please!" , he replied with "I've given you the maximim amount I can under law!"...but I drifted off again sonn after. Very strange but totally painless.

aujopimur

I half woke up as well, I could'nt feel anything, but I was able to see a lot of what was happening on the monitor, very interesting.
The tea and toast with Bandon butter was the best I ever tasted.

omb0wyn5ehpij9

I had one done about a year ago. Also had a camera down my throat before it too. I woke up heaving violently with the camera down my throat, I was very uncomfortable and sore. I think I was awake for most of it. Drifted back off and woke up again during the colonoscopy....I definitely needed more sedation as I was in agony this time, I could feel every movement of the camera. However, it was over fairly quickly. As somebody said above, I could see the screen so could see everything, it was weird but also interesting!

Ostrom

Sounds like mine alright, drank three liters of foul vanilla flavored prep fluid, followed by some tablets.

'...like a hose no one's holding'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBMsPNI6EZE

I remember little bits of the procedure from fading in and out - and I definitely remembering catching a live glimpse of my insides at one point. Nothing too unpleasant overall, and I got a nice cup of tea and some biccies!

Fenian Army

Glad yours went well OP, my grandfathers colonoscopy nearly killed him, they tore his bowel, the emergency surgery nearly kill him, he ended up sh!tting into a bag for months then was a bit touch and go when he had the operation then to repair his bowel so he wouldn't need the bag and would have his dignity back.

Needless to say, I'd be wary of getting it done after seeing him go through that

OneIdea

Nobody's saying where the procedure took place?

Tallaght Hospital anyone ?

Piste

knipex wrote: »

WOW


The surgeon also did some banding (without having warned me in advance but apparently it was covered in the consent I signed). One of the most painfull experiences of my life. I was then kept for 2 hours and discharged by the same student who asked about more sedation.

It was probably another doctor and not a student that discharged you, I don't think they let students discharge patients.

MrFrisp

OneIdea wrote: »

Nobody's saying where the procedure took place?

Tallaght Hospital anyone ?

Got Mine done at the Bons in Cork..

Same result as the OP...No bother at all....Woke up after it,,and home about 30 mins later.

As for another poster here..I also had the Colonography done. That was uncomfortable alright...The air getting blown in hurt a bit. And yes,they defo don't leave in the relaxants long enough before they begin.




.

johnwest288

Did you lads get it done Public or private. I was at the public doc about 5 months ago (bit of blood in the stools and a history of colon cancer in family) He put me on the waiting list for Connolly Public but aint heard nothing !
Thinking i might just pay and have it done privatly might be dodge leaving it wait

omb0wyn5ehpij9

I had it done privately through the VHI and had an appointment within about 3 weeks

Fenian Army

My grandads was done private

MrFrisp

Mine was done public...(Medical card).






.

I_am_red

Had one done in Cavan General about 6 months ago, was one of the most painful experiences of my life. Got a jab to relax my bowels alright but no sedative of any sort was offered or given. It felt like i was being stabbed and had 6 polyps removed which made the experience even more uncomfortable. Had a stomach ache for a couple of days after it too.

Was told afterwards that the consultant who did it gives it to nobody. Apparently they can get through more patients as you're not holding up a bed sleeping the sedative off.

Isolt

BDJW wrote: »

I had one done about a year ago. Also had a camera down my throat before it too. I woke up heaving violently with the camera down my throat, I was very uncomfortable and sore. I think I was awake for most of it. Drifted back off and woke up again during the colonoscopy....I definitely needed more sedation as I was in agony this time, I could feel every movement of the camera.

Fenian Army wrote: »

Glad yours went well OP, my grandfathers colonoscopy nearly killed him, they tore his bowel, the emergency surgery nearly kill him

YIKES!!!

I am having a Colonoscopy and an upper GI Endoscopy done this Tuesday in James' Hospital and am very scared after reading the above. The amount of people who say they woke up during it is crazy!!

Do they ever use a full anaesthetic for this? I ask because my gastroenterologist told me I'd need some biopsies taken during these tests and asked me if I'd had any operations before?

Has anybody any positive experiences of James' Hospital for this type of test?

I am scared!!

Rabies

Isolt wrote: »

YIKES!!!

I am having a Colonoscopy and an upper GI Endoscopy done this Tuesday in James' Hospital and am very scared after reading the above. The amount of people who say they woke up during it is crazy!!

Do they ever use a full anaesthetic for this? I ask because my gastroenterologist told me I'd need some biopsies taken during these tests and asked me if I'd had any operations before?

Has anybody any positive experiences of James' Hospital for this type of test?

I am scared!!

I've had a the camera go down twice. Once in Ireland in Nenagh Hospital, terrible rough experience and forceful nurses. Other time was in Auckland Hospital, great experience and no probs. Enough to drugs or hardly feel a thing
Had a colonoscopy done in Auckland too, it can be done without drugs if you want. I asked for everything they could give me Wasn't too bad, got a sharp jab once and it nearly knocked me off the table. Doctor said sorry, he was going around a bed :eek:
Also had a Pill Cam done. No probs with that at all. Just wear the little comouter for a day and shave your chest/stomach area and away you go.

Isolt

Thanks for replying Rabies. I found it really awful.
I was fast asleep (or at least out of it enough to feel like I was asleep!) for the GI endoscopy so that was easy but I woke up twice during the colonoscopy and it was so freakin' painful. I asked twice for him to give me a break because it felt like my inside were going to burst. They must have given me more sedative after this because I woke up in recovery a while later but was absolutely out of it. Slurring my words and falling over etc.

On top of that when I first woke up I just really wanted to get sick and I was dizzy, like the feeling you get on a boat but they were closing up the ward and I had to get up even though I felt like crap. The nurses were fantastic and one of them held onto me and brought me into a waiting room til the nausea wore off but after waking up during the procedure and feeling so ill when I woke up I could have done without the cleaning guys taking my bed away when I was still so sleepy. Not their fault I suppose, maybe I was taking too long to recover.

My throat is very sore today. Difflam all the way

Not something I want to repeat anytime soon!

Ladjacket

had one last year, woke up mid way through it, puked all over the nurse, went back to 'sleep' again.

Cue a very sheepish LJ apologising to her once the other nurse told him what had happened!

gaelicred

Had one done a few years ago here un the states it was fine better safe than sorry

Dr Strange

From my experience the colonoscopy is fine (had two) but I hate the gastroscopy (2 as well) they are vile.

username123

I had both camera down and camera up done.

The stuff to 'clean you out' was the worst for me, I was being investigated for irritable bowel and the cleaning out stuff triggered a nasty bout so I went far more often than necessary and was pretty much cramping and dehydrating myself despite gallons of liquids to rehydrate. I also developed the ring of fire, and they told me to use the sudocreme in the loo's for that purpose, but the sudocreme in the loo's was just an open tub that anyones fingers could have been in - massively unhygenic (especially considering where people were putting it!). The loo's in question were a public set of loo's for the ward, outside in a corridor, so there was a chance the cubicles could be full or no loo roll etc... It was awful, stressful, painful.

No recollection of camera down, woke up afterwards with sore throat, that was it.

Camera up, I woke a number of times, I thought I was going to have explosive diarrhea upon one episode of waking because the air blowing in was giving a sensation of pressure. I remember a number of people pushing on me and holding me down which frightened me and caused me to start straining and fighting. I also watched the tv screen with the camera view and apparently asked a few relevant questions.

The next day I was out for a smoke (I smoked at the time) and a student approached me and told me she had been at my procedure and was shocked about me waking up and asked me could I remember anything. When I described my memories she was really shocked because they were accurate recollections. She said they give you an amnesiac and you shouldnt remember anything if you wake up - judging by this thread waking up and remembering is common.

My consultant had told me not to leave the hospital without seeing him and to insist on seeing him but when it was time to discharge they told me he was on holidays and discharged me! So I never did manage to see him and as they found nothing he wrote also discharging me from his care despite not actually diagnosing or fixing anything for me.

I had it done it Vincents - public.

I had a barium x-ray series done the next day before I left and that upset my stomach a lot too and I poo'd white powder for a couple of days after.

Dr Strange

In my cases I took the sedation for the colonoscopies but not the gastroscopies. It didn't make any difference to me though as I was watching the whole procedure on the monitor and talking to the consultant at the same time. The only sensations I ever had from the sedation was a slight feeling of not giving a damn but that was all. No black outs, loss of memory or going to sleep.

That's why I'm a bit afraid of going for another gastroscopy again as this time I want the sedation but knowing that it doesn't seem to work on my I don't know what to do.

I also heard about the endoscopy capsule that is a little camera in pill form you can swallow. I read the Mercer Hospital in Cork has a nationwide service for this but I was wondering if any gastroenterologists in Dublin use it as well?

Fad

Had a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy at the same time a few months ago. Prep was most unpleasant part about it, I was out cold for the entire thing.

Got but on a rake load of antibiotics after that and had to go for a barium xray the week after (the day of the UCD ball... fun fun fun), that was easily worse than the prep for the colonoscopy because the barium sulfate you have to drink is the most unpleasant thing I've ever had to ingest. It's this really dense liquid that looks and behaves like tippex (Weird meniscus and all) and has this bizarre flavouring that is presumably supposed to taste like pineapple, but combined with the barium it was just vile.

smallgarden

i got both at same time too.worst bit wax the prep.i hear picolax is better.i had other one.tasted vile. i found it big help to rinse with mouthwash after each drink to help get rid of metallic/clovey taste.also they say have a lunch beforehand. i wouldnt bother as its only going to mean more has to come out. i woke up during the colonoscopy,found it quite interesting to watch it on monitor.it wasnt painful or uncomfortable. the sedative doesnt knock you out completely as you need to be somewhat awake if they tell you to move/adjust during the procedure. i remember bits but very little. i got liver mri same day and that was much worse as dye they pump into liver got pumped into arm instead and felt like arm was on fire and expanded like ninety

onewhogroks

I have had several colonoscopies done, both private and public. It was quite nerve racking the first time, considering I was only a kid and having a camera up the arse was not the most pleasant picture.

I had another one around 8 months ago, it was a breeze, brought a book and relaxed a few hours before and after. The worst part is the laxatives and not eating the day before.

For each colonscopy, I was put under a general anesthetic, so I wasn't unconscious, but I have no recollection of any procedure.

johnwest288

onewhogroks wrote: »

I have had several colonoscopies done, both private and public. It was quite nerve racking the first time, considering I was only a kid and having a camera up the arse was not the most pleasant picture.

I had another one around 8 months ago, it was a breeze, brought a book and relaxed a few hours before and after. The worst part is the laxatives and not eating the day before.

For each colonscopy, I was put under a general anesthetic, so I wasn't unconscious, but I have no recollection of any procedure.

How long where you waiting on public? The doc sent away a request for me to connelly about 6 months ago still heard nothing

username123

johnwest288 wrote: »

How long where you waiting on public? The doc sent away a request for me to connelly about 6 months ago still heard nothing

And what have they said when you phone them?

I never understand people who do not follow up on doctors requests/referrals - its always possible for paperwork to get lost or for someone to forget to send you notification of an appointment or any other mishap. You need to keep on top of your medical stuff with phonecalls enquiring whats going on.

onewhogroks

johnwest288 wrote: »

How long where you waiting on public? The doc sent away a request for me to connelly about 6 months ago still heard nothing

The doctor said I should have a colonoscopy in or around five months, a few weeks later I got a letter for my appointment with the procedure booked in for four months from that date. In total, I'd say five months waiting.

There are mountains of paperwork in most departments so there is no harm in giving them a call and see what the story is.