topic Re: Nervous about colonoscopy in Community Chat

Nervous about colonoscopy

CBonifacio — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:04:25 GMT

I am having my first ever colonoscopy this week. I’m 56 years old. I’ve done those FIT stool tests every year since i was 50, and figured it’s time to just get the big test done. Never had any GI troubles and all FIT tests were negative. But now my monkey brain is playing tricks on me. What if the FIT tests missed something and they tell me I have cancer or something and I waited too long?? Just looking for reassurance

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Reever — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:08:18 GMT

@CBonifacio wrote:
I am having my first ever colonoscopy this week. I’m 56 years old. I’ve done those FIT stool tests every year since i was 50, and figured it’s time to just get the big test done. Never had any GI troubles and all FIT tests were negative. But now my monkey brain is playing tricks on me. What if the FIT tests missed something and they tell me I have cancer or something and I waited too long?? Just looking for reassurance

Very doubtful that you have cancer without symptoms, most likely findings will be a polyp or two which they can scrape off during the procedure. It takes about 10 years for a polyp to develop into cancer and many do not turn cancerous ( like moles on your skin) but they remove them for caution. I think the worst part is the solution you will have to drink. I wouldnt worry too much just take the day off from work.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Bird mama — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:08:29 GMT

@CBonifacio Please don't let your mind go into overdrive It's better to have a colonoscopy just to confirm nothing is amiss. I've had two in my lifetime (57) and there is family history for colorectal disease and I've always had good results.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

alicedee — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:11:22 GMT

The prep can be a bit rough....it's a lot easier if you eat lightly a couple days before doing the prep so there's not so much to clear out! Lay in a good supply of diaper wipes, which feel soothing.

The actual colonoscopy is a piece of cake. They put in an IV, and the next thing you know you are waking up in a different room and are all done! If any polyps are found they take them out right then and there.

If you are not having any issues or symptoms I wouldn't worry about results...I'm sure you are fine.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Dlb63 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:16:17 GMT

The prep is no fun , but that's really the worst part. Unless you have had symptoms or have a family history you should be fine. The best thing...is that you are having it done. I've had three and never had issues. Again, the best thing is that you are going to be tested.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

CBonifacio — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:21:34 GMT

Thank you. I have “health anxiety” and always fear the worst. I’ve actually done those FIT test three times in the last 18 months so I figure if something was there it would have picked it up. My insurance (Kaiser) does FIT tests for low risk people but you can have a colonoscopy if you prefer. After talking with my GP, she thought having a colonoscopy would be good for my “mental health” to make me stop worrying. Otherwise she said the FIT test is an option which is acceptable.
I had a root canal and they put me in twighlight sleep so I figure I can do this! Lol.

Just am a huge worrier. Had a bleeding hemmroid last year and the doc did a rectal digital exam and was convinced it was from the hemmroid.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Shelbelle — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:21:45 GMT

Agree, prep is no fun, I took all pills for prep 2 times, I found that to be the easiest method for me. Test itself is nothing, just a good sleep for you, dont worry!!

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Janey2 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:25:56 GMT

There are pills to take instead of drinking the "stuff." Talk to your doctor about the pills.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

CBonifacio — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:28:43 GMT

I start the fasting and drink stuff tomorrow, but still eating very light today. Just ice cream and some tea. I won’t have dinner. I’d rather have less to clean out tomorrow

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

spiderw — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:34:54 GMT

Since I was a very young child I have always had a fear of doctors, hospitals and anything to do with medical situations. Everyone who knows me is aware but out of everyone I am the person who regularly goes to doctors!

I always dreaded the colonoscopy and still do. However, I go and have it done and afterward feel relieved and glad I did. It is normal to be afraid and also human nature to think the worse, why, I wish I knew!

I did have polyps which were removed and a few in question. However, at the time the doctor assured me all would be well and it was. I did have symptoms pre colonoscopy.

You will be fine and be glad you had the procedure.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

KingstonsMom — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:39:47 GMT

@CBonifacio

Don't worry, they use propofol as a sedative, you won't remember a thing.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

lavendar — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:35:52 GMT

The FIT test is 94% accurate. Stop worrying. My neighbor failed it and had a colonoscopy. Showed mild diverticulosis and a few hemmoroids.

I am high risk because I have Crohn's disease and family history. I have a colonoscopy every two years. Make sure you get very specific instructions for the prep.

The procedure itself is painless because you'll have conscious sedation which will knock you out.

It's normal to worry. I'm having some pulmonary tests next week and am anxious about it. But remember the FIT test is excellent.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Reever — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:46:04 GMT

They need to develop a better test, perhaps a CT scan that is not invasive and only use the proping tube with camera for those who have suspicious results. In the year 2020 we can and must do better. Our medical system is failing us. No test for pancreatic cancer. Stomach cancer is often found too late or misdiagnosed as IBS or GERD. I advocated for a full body CAT scan but my family doctor said it was not medically necessary.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

KKJ — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:51:05 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
There are pills to take instead of drinking the "stuff." Talk to your doctor about the pills.

Had mine a couple months ago and didn't know you could take just pills. I had to drink that awful stuff---Miralax in 2 big bottles of Gatorade. I hate the taste of Gatorade anyway so having to drink so much of it with the laxative was barf-inducing. I agree with others that the prep is the worst part. The procedure itself is no big deal and goes pretty fast.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

hckynut — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:53:00 GMT

@CBonifacio

The words "what if" belong in the same category as: if only I would have/coulda-woulda- shoulda. People that dwell on these words/phrases are making their own unnecessary stress. The "what if" can be applied to just about every decision a person makes in their life, more stress over every single decision.

I have had 15 Colonoscopies(takes 15-20 minutes) and 5 Double Balloon Enteroscopies(takes hours instead of minutes) so am quite familiar with those types of procedures. I always look optimistically at my many medical procedures. If I have something very serious? The sooner I find out(detected) the better.

Minds can and do wander and many wander to the "worst" outcomes. As for your Colonoscopy? Most, including myself, find the "prep" the worst part of this procedure. Very few remember much, if anything, about the actual procedure.

I have been through several near death experiences and my best friend? OPTIMISM

hckynut(john)

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Shelbelle — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:57:25 GMT

@KKJ wrote:
@Janey2 wrote:
There are pills to take instead of drinking the "stuff." Talk to your doctor about the pills.
Had mine a couple months ago and didn't know you could take just pills. I had to drink that awful stuff---Miralax in 2 big bottles of Gatorade. I hate the taste of Gatorade anyway so having to drink so much of it with the laxative was barf-inducing. I agree with others that the prep is the worst part. The procedure itself is no big deal and goes pretty fast.

Yes, I took citrate magnesium pills, you have to take 30 of them , 3 every 15 minutes until they are gone, but so much easier than drinking that horrid stuff, I knew I could never get it down, so my gastro doc suggested the pills for me. Smart doc!!

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Reever — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:00:27 GMT

@KKJ wrote:
@Janey2 wrote:
There are pills to take instead of drinking the "stuff." Talk to your doctor about the pills.
Had mine a couple months ago and didn't know you could take just pills. I had to drink that awful stuff---Miralax in 2 big bottles of Gatorade. I hate the taste of Gatorade anyway so having to drink so much of it with the laxative was barf-inducing. I agree with others that the prep is the worst part. The procedure itself is no big deal and goes pretty fast.

Talk to your doctors about mixing it with coconut water. It has electrolytes without the high sugar content of gatorade.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

RedTop — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:10:41 GMT

My dad had his first colon cancer diagnosis at 54, and his second at 74; he didn't come home from the hospital the last time.

My brothers and I carry a higher risk for this cancer, and we promised each other to be diligent with our screenings. I am 64, and just had my 4th screening 2 months ago; for me, there's nothing that compares to seeing my doctors smiling face telling me that everything was good, and he found nothing of concern. This Dr took care of my dad, still remembers him well, and he truly understands my concern. I started my tests at 50 and did the first 3 every 3 years. Since nothing was found, my Dr suggested every 5 yrs, and I did actually go that long between tests this last time.

I have prepped with magnesium citrate, and will never do again. 2nd prep was the prescription based 30 pills; hard to swallow all those huge salt based pills, that also dropped my BP substantially. My Dr does not prescribe these anymore, mainly due to the fact patients have said their insurance didn't cover this option, and out of pocket was $200+. I used Suprep the last 2x, mixed with ice cold ginger ale, sipped thru a straw, followed by a sweet tea chaser. I found it quite tolerable.

I send my best wishes for a good result, and urge you to think only positive thoughts!

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Shelbelle — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:18:59 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
My dad had his first colon cancer diagnosis at 54, and his second at 74; he didn't come home from the hospital the last time.

My brothers and I carry a higher risk for this cancer, and we promised each other to be diligent with our screenings. I am 64, and just had my 4th screening 2 months ago; for me, there's nothing that compares to seeing my doctors smiling face telling me that everything was good, and he found nothing of concern. This Dr took care of my dad, still remembers him well, and he truly understands my concern. I started my tests at 50 and did the first 3 every 3 years. Since nothing was found, my Dr suggested every 5 yrs, and I did actually go that long between tests this last time.

I have prepped with magnesium citrate, and will never do again. 2nd prep was the prescription based 30 pills; hard to swallow all those huge salt based pills, that also dropped my BP substantially. My Dr does not prescribe these anymore, mainly due to the fact patients have said their insurance didn't cover this option, and out of pocket was $200+. I used Suprep the last 2x, mixed with ice cold ginger ale, sipped thru a straw, followed by a sweet tea chaser. I found it quite tolerable.

I send my best wishes for a good result, and urge you to think only positive thoughts!

Had no idea the pills were so costly, my gastro doc gave me the bottle of pills at no charge to me, unless he added it to my bill, but I didnt owe a dime for any of it, insurance paid 100%.

Re: Nervous about colonoscopy

Catty2 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:29:57 GMT

I had my first one about a year ago and was a total wreck thinking about it. The prep wasn't fun but not as bad as what I had been expecting. I was totally out for the procedure and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery and it was all over with. You are smart to have this done. Someone I knew recently died of colon cancer at the age of 56 so these tests are important. You'll be fine.