topic Re: Question about colonoscopies in Wellness

Question about colonoscopies

NYCLatinaMe — Wed, 08 May 2024 03:54:20 GMT

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!

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Nonametoday — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:03:49 GMT

@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!

@NYCLatinaMe

I have a son who drove himself to his colonoscopy, got the procedure and then drove himself to eat breakfast and on to work (profession). His wife expected him to call her to pick him up but he didn't and he called her when he made it to the office and told her the results of the procedure. My grandfather used to ride 50 miles to and from cancer therapy on a Greyhound bus and had to walk a mile to the bus station from the cancer center and had to walk a mile home after he got off the bus. I don't know that I could do that. Once he returned home septic from the treatment and almost died but he went back the next month. He lived to be 96 years old. So, I guess we all have different tolerances, some better than others.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

NYCLatinaMe — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:07:08 GMT

Thanks @Nonametoday. I am asking because my doctor wouldn't let me. I am pretty mobile too, and honestly, I would take a cab, which my doctor wouldn't accept. So I was very surprised. Maybe this is a man-woman thing? I look forward to hearing from others!

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Goodie2shoes — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:22:48 GMT

I have had 3 colonoscopies and my doctor has always required me to have someone come with me and drive me back home. ( My son and I both had colon ca around 2014, he was 35 and I was 59. We had surgery and test came back less than stage 1 for both of us A TOTAL BLESSING !!) I had a negative polyp removed 3 yrs ago and last year no polyps found but for that reason my Doctor insist I have someone with me to take me back home

Re: Question about colonoscopies

elated — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:24:12 GMT

When I had mine in November, they required someone to take you and pick you up. My son took me. Most places require you to have a person with you or they don't do the procedure.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

CamilleP — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:34:02 GMT

I suspect it's a liability thing, the doctor doesn't want someone driving while even remotely impaired and they cause a wreck and come back and sue the doctor for "letting" them drive. It might also depend on the outpatient surgery center and what drugs they use to anaesthetize you, some drugs have more residual sedative effect than other drugs. I've had one colonoscopy, and the only reason I didn't want to drive afterwards is that I was so wobbly from fasting for so long, plus I hadn't had any coffee in WAY too long.

Perhaps, @NYCLatinaMe , the doctor assessed your friend after he came out of anaesthesia and decided he was clear-minded enough to ride public transport and not be a danger to himself or others. He was probably told to arrange a friend to come pick him up in advance of the procedure, but the doctor's recommendation changed after the post-op assessment. Every patient reacts just a little differently to every drug.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

CamilleP — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:36:16 GMT

@Nonametoday I just have to say, your grandfather is an inspiration! He sounds a lot like my Mom and Dad, tougher than "whang leather", as the old saying used to be!

Re: Question about colonoscopies

spumoni99 — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:53:02 GMT

I can't imagine why someone would lie about a colonoscopy....wierd.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Spacrazy — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:27:11 GMT

@NYCLatinaMe Never.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

lynnie61 — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:49:33 GMT

Always had to have a driver. I live probably less than 2 miles from the hospital, still had to have a driver. I'm sure it's liability issue. I have to say, I never went to work that day, usually went home and slept. Never was sick, but felt blah for a few hours anyways. My sisters neighbor always wanted to go to a breakfast buffet. I wanted to eat lightly. I think I have to have my next one in 2026.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Carmie — Wed, 08 May 2024 07:12:22 GMT

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.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Lilysmom1 — Wed, 08 May 2024 07:40:57 GMT

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

Re: Question about colonoscopies

meallen616 — Wed, 08 May 2024 10:08:21 GMT

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.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

AngelPuppy1 — Wed, 08 May 2024 10:24:22 GMT

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.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Carolina925 — Wed, 08 May 2024 10:43:37 GMT

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.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Big Joanie — Wed, 08 May 2024 11:02:46 GMT

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 ...

Re: Question about colonoscopies

Bookplate — Wed, 08 May 2024 11:21:42 GMT

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

Re: Question about colonoscopies

CalminHeart — Wed, 08 May 2024 11:46:07 GMT

@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.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

NigelSparkles — Wed, 08 May 2024 12:25:56 GMT

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.

Re: Question about colonoscopies

LindaSal — Wed, 08 May 2024 12:27:47 GMT

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.