Re: Question about colonoscopies

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I had one recently. I was kept in the back area in a waiting area and my ride was called to pick me up.

My husband had to actually come back to escort me.

I took my sister for a colonoscopy and the same procedure was followed. I had to go back into the patient waiting area to get her.

They are really strict about releasing you. You are not allowed to take a bus at all, or a taxi unless escorted by a responsible person.

I was advised not to make any big decisions or drive until the next day.

It seems odd that anyone would be allowed to drive or take public transportation after anethesia.

Lilysmom1 · ‎11-08-2020

@NYCLatinaMe , I am in Canada. You are not permitted to drive and must be accompanied from the procedure here.

meallen616 · ‎01-10-2013

I had 5 colonoscopies, and, they must see your driver for you to go home before they release you. They even help you out to your vehicle to make sure!!

No one should drive after anesthesia.

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

When I have had them, they will not let you leave until they see the person who is going to pick you up and drive you. I don't know how it works if you use public transportation. But they have always stressed that you have had a type of sedative and you should definitely not operate a motor vehicle.

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

Carolina925 · ‎03-09-2010

Our hospitals in my town and surrounding cities want to physically see who your driver is before they even start. I live in a heavily retired community and often wonder what people who are alone do in these circumstances. I had 4 in one summer and don't remember the ride home at all in any of them. I wouldn't have wanted to get on public transportation but if that's the only alternative I suppose you do what you can.

I have heard of people returning to work right after but that was never the case with me, I was out of it for a day. I don't believe your friend would lie about having it done, maybe just didn't want to be a bother. I'm highly independent, extremely disliking to ask anything of anyone, but sometimes you need to take self care into consideration.

Big Joanie · ‎01-02-2015

My husband was having this procedure .. and the man

in front of him had had a sip of coffee ... and they would

not do the procedure ...Didn't follow the rules ...

Bookplate · ‎08-19-2011

Absolutely not. At the practice that my husband and I use, the person picking you up is required to sign you out.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@NYCLatinaMe wrote:

I offered to pick up a friend after a colonoscopy. He called me right after he said he finished and told me I didn't have to go get him because the doctor told him he could return by himself in the bus (public transportation - he rides all the time). It's about a 30 mins. ride and some walking involved.

I don't think he had a colonoscoy and that is why he didn't need anyone to get him.

Do you know of anyone who has been allowed to return from a colonoscopy like that? Late 60s, very mobile, no cancer history.

TIA!

Don't start rumors. His medical issues and tests are none of your business.

That said, it depends on sedation. If he was sedated during a procedure, even if for a few minutes, he shouldn't drive home or take a bus. But who is going to stop him.

I am wide awake and alert after a colonoscopy but don't drive because I don't want to take a chance.

NigelSparkles · ‎03-20-2010

I've had 7 colonoscopies (colon cancer survivor). I was required to have a ride both to and from the procedure each time. Originally - in 2012 - I was allowed to be alone and use a taxi. Around 2014 that changed, and the requirment was to have someone with me to sign me out. They have the companion sign in when the patient does, if no one is with you they will not do the procedure. I asked the doctor about it. She told me that it's an insurance issue. If a patient falls or gets injured while on the property the doctor or facility can get sued. Once you get outside and off their property, they really don't care what happens. This is in NY, but I've heard the same from people in other places.

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

My doctor's outpatient facility does not allow you to leave without a driver. As someone else said they literally have to sign you out. There is no way they would allow you to go home in this manner. Even though you feel wide awake after the procedure your risk of fainting is quite high due to the sedation. When I had my last one a year ago they made me hold my husband's arm as I was leaving, even though I felt fine.