Have you had a Colonoscopy??

PeppermintPatty

PeppermintPatty

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Canada
I just discovered today that my Cologuard test came back as abnormal and they want to do a colonoscopy on me.

My biggest worry is that I can’t have a general anesthesia. Can they preform one of these with another type sedative?

I looked it up online and it’s unclear whether this is doable or not. I know this is a question that’ should be given to my general practitioner but I no longer have one. My doctor moved to Ontario. I currently have a nurse practitioner which I see once a month.
 
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This, from a Google search:
Yes, a colonoscopy can be done without deep sedation or general anesthesia, sometimes referred to as an "awake" or sedation-free colonoscopy, where patients are fully alert. While typically done with IV sedation in the US, many patients internationally have this procedure without sedation, or with only light sedation to manage discomfort
 
Pinky said:
This, from a Google search:
Yes, a colonoscopy can be done without deep sedation or general anesthesia, sometimes referred to as an "awake" or sedation-free colonoscopy, where patients are fully alert. While typically done with IV sedation in the US, many patients internationally have this procedure without sedation, or with only light sedation to manage discomfort
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Oh good. I ‘ve been sitting here fretting about it. This is good news. Thank you for finding that info for me Pinky. 🤗
 
I've had a colonoscopy, @PeppermintPatty and I had twilight sedation. The entire procedure wasn't bad at all—except for the prep! I believe there are now options where you don't have to drink an entire gallon of a foul-tasting beverage (and then spend the night on the toilet); for your sake, I hope there are. My biggest worry was that the last drink would trigger my gag reflex and I'd vomit and have to start all over again.

Good luck, and I hope the Cologuard was a false positive! 🤗 Please keep us posted, if you wish.
 
Patty, my erstwhile boyfriend woke up in the middle of a colonoscopy and was fine, just watching the screen, fascinated, until they noticed and put him back under.

My best friend's good friend, who is a doctor, always elects to have his colonoscopies without anesthesia and is fine.

And I understand there are alternative medications they can use as well.

Just let them know as soon as you can so they can make the arrangements. Good thoughts for you on this! 🥰
 
KSav said:
I've had a colonoscopy, @PeppermintPatty and I had twilight sedation. The entire procedure wasn't bad at all—except for the prep! I believe there are now options where you don't have to drink an entire gallon of a foul-tasting beverage (and then spend the night on the toilet); for your sake, I hope there are. My biggest worry was that the last drink would trigger my gag reflex and I'd vomit and have to start all over again.

Good luck, and I hope the Cologuard was a false positive! 🤗 Please keep us posted, if you wish.
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Hi KSav
What’s a twilight sedation?
I read about the prep diet and the foods allowed and which ones to avoid but didn’t know there was a solution to drink first. A gallon of foul tasting beverage sounds horrible. I just hope and pray that I don’t have colon cancer.
 
I've had two -- both under deep sedation. I was completely out of it for the entire procedure, which is what I asked for. Recovery was like 20 minutes, from what I remember. Both exams came back "clean."

I was told that I never need to have another one. I forget if that was my doctor or the doctors at the test facility, but I'm never going to have another one, nonetheless.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Hi KSav
What’s a twilight sedation?
I read about the prep diet and the foods allowed and which ones to avoid but didn’t know there was a solution to drink first. A gallon of foul tasting beverage sounds horrible. I just hope and pray that I don’t have colon cancer.
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Twilight sedation is very similar to the "awake sedation" @Pinky mentioned: The patient is drowsy, not fully awake, but if someone were to shake their arm, for example, they'd snap to alertness. I've had twilight sedation three times.

I probably overstated the beverage prep. The solution doesn't taste awful; it's just not the most palatable stuff in the world. The problem is, there's just so MUCH of it, and it has to be consumed within a certain amount of time. But I have heard there are newer, easier options, so perhaps your experience will be different!

I will keep you in my prayers. I think these tests tend to err on the side of caution. (I'm not trying to dismiss your concern, just trying to offer some reassurance.)
 
Medusa said:
Patty, my erstwhile boyfriend woke up in the middle of a colonoscopy and was fine, just watching the screen, fascinated, until they noticed and put him back under.

My best friend's good friend, who is a doctor, always elects to have his colonoscopies without anesthesia and is fine.

And I understand there are alternative medications they can use as well.

Just let them know as soon as you can so they can make the arrangements. Good thoughts for you on this! 🥰
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Thanks Medusa
This is heartwarming news. I figured there would be others who opted out of the general anesthesia. There must be other options available. I don’t personally know anyone who has had this done. Your boyfriend had it done but with anesthesia but woke up halfway through it. Waking up during anesthesia is also quite common.

Thanks again for the information.
 
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There are things that can cause a positive cologuard result, that are not cancer,
so try not to worry, dear Patty. We'll hope for one of those!

It's worth being certain, by having a colonoscopy, imo. If there is a small polyp, they can remove it before it could become a cancer.

The preps are not nearly as difficult and distasteful as they were , years ago. 🤗🥰
 
KSav said:
Twilight sedation is very similar to the "awake sedation" @Pinky mentioned: The patient is drowsy, not fully awake, but if someone were to shake their arm, for example, they'd snap to alertness. I've had twilight sedation three times.

I probably overstated the beverage prep. The solution doesn't taste awful; it's just not the most palatable stuff in the world. The problem is, there's just so MUCH of it, and it has to be consumed within a certain amount of time. But I have heard there are newer, easier options, so perhaps your experience will be different!

I will keep you in my prayers. I think these tests tend to err on the side of caution. (I'm not trying to dismiss your concern, just trying to offer some reassurance.)
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Twilight sedation sounds perfect. I’m so relieved there are other options available.
When these people call me, I’ll ask about the drink that’s needed. I think it’s given to make sure there’s nothing in the colon so the colon is clear for the camera. What I yucky topic. I dreaded posting this question but glad a did.
Thank you for your answers. They were very helpful.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Twilight sedation sounds perfect. I’m so relieved there are other options available.
When these people call me, I’ll ask about the drink that’s needed. I think it’s given to make sure there’s nothing in the colon so the colon is clear for the camera. What I yucky topic. I dreaded posting this question but glad a did.
Thank you for your answers. They were very helpful.
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Yes, you want the colon to be as cleaned as possible, so they can see if there's any problem or not.
It cleans out more easily if you adjust your foods for a few days prior. I found that much more comfortable, overall, and very effective for the best results, which is my goal.

You could ask for a lighter sedation than twilight,I think if you want to. Advocate for yourself, for whatever is best for you. 🥰
 
Kaila said:
Yes, you want the colon to be as cleaned as possible, so they can see if there's any problem or not.
It cleans out more easily if you adjust your foods for a few days prior. I found that much more comfortable, overall, and very effective for the best results, which is my goal.

You could ask for a lighter sedation than twilight,I think if you want to. Advocate for yourself, for whatever is best for you. 🥰
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I read the diet they want me to go on and I have no problems with it. I’m used to fasting for several days at a time. I want my colon as clean as possible so that camera can go in and out with the least amount of problems.
Thanks Kaila.
 
Rakaia said:
Regardless of how you're sedated the preparation is the worst part!
I had my first colonoscopy in the 80's with only mild sedation, pethidine I think. It's a strange sensation feeling the camera and cord moving around inside you, but nothing drastic in the greater scheme of things.
You'll be fine.
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Why is the preparation the worst part?
Is it the lack or tasty food for 3 days prior to the procedure? I hate the idea of being naked in front of strangers. The fact that they are shoving a camera up my butt gives me the creeps. I know there are worst things to go through.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Why is the preparation the worst part?
Is it the lack or tasty food for 3 days prior to the procedure? I hate the idea of being naked in front of strangers. The fact that they are shoving a camera up my butt gives me the creeps. I know there are worst things to go through.
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For my last colonoscopy I got the "fast" prep. It was better but I saw on my report that the colon clarity was "fair". I didn't like that because the one I had three years before was reported as very clear. Next time I'll use the big dose liquid because I'd rather it be more clear than easier.
 
I've had 4 (every 5 years) and will have a fifth in another year. I have had the anesthesia where I'm told I am fully awake for the procedure but don't recall anything. Never had any side effects and good to go (no pun intended) right after. It's the prepping that is more of an inconvenience than anything else, but that's for few days. Don't worry about it.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Why is the preparation the worst part?
IKE said:
I turned 76 in Jan. and since I was 55 all told I've had around 4 or 5 colonoscopies and I've been completely out with all of them...the procedure itself is a piece of cake with no discomfort during or after.

The day before prep is no fun at all so be prepared.....

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Ike has answered the question, and answered it well. Only a thrill seeker does more than 10 yards away from the dunny!
The medics are well desensitised, if they've seen one clacker they've seen the all, try not to worry about it.
 
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