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Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,065
Registered: ‎07-21-2014

Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

So i have to get one of the dreaded tests!! I had hoped never to have one.

Well is it as bad as i hear?? I do know they give you sedation so thats a good thing!

Can you wear makeup?

Wish me luck and send me prayers if you would kindly!! Woman Frustrated

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. —Helen Keller
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,341
Registered: ‎04-19-2010

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

I've had one.  It is not as bad as its reputation.

The test itself is a breeze.  You are sedated and you won't feel a thing. The last thing I remember is being told to lie on my side.  I don't remember being told not to wear makeup, so I guess you can.   The hardest part is the prep - having to drink that liquid to "empty you out" the day before.  Even that is OK -- it is inconvienent, sure, but not like it is painful or anything.  You'll be sleepy and loopy for the rest of the day, so plan to stay home relaxing or napping.


-- pro-aging --


Rochester, New York
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,065
Registered: ‎07-21-2014

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

Thank you so much for your message. I think i can rest easier knowing that it is not all as bad as you hear!!  I hated to go barefaced so will wear a bit of makeup, not much though.  The results I am worried about but nothing that i can do at this point! Thanks again so much!

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. —Helen Keller
Valued Contributor
Posts: 507
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

Do not worry about this test. I am 59 and have had at least 5 of them since my mother passed away of colon cancer 33 years ago.  

I go to a separate facility and not a hospital but I do believe any where you go, you can wear make-up. 

This test isn't bad at all and yes, you get sedated.  The worse part is the prep and the whole thought of what type of procedure it is but it can save your life.

I will pray for you so relax and it will be over soon!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 22,925
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

The procedure isn't bad, ( you are under sedation) it is the PREP that is awful. No one will much good about the prep.

 

the bestest advice i can offer is eat very lightly I DO MEAN LIGHTELY for about 2 weeks before the test. The prep (from my perspective) is a whole lot easier.

 

Just clear out the bathroom and if you can get a t.v. that you can watch (close by) or read a book for many hours.  I even went so far as put up the iron board so I could lay my head down when i was so worn out from the prep. the board was put up so high and i would just lay my head down to get somewhat of rest.   this worked pretty good for me.

 

each person will have good and bad points about this event.   I have had many of these tests over the past 12 yrs, usually 1-5 years apart.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,065
Registered: ‎07-21-2014

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

Thank you!!  I have been eating very lightly since yesterday due to the issues I have and the  reason Im getting the test but i am going to stick to it and not eat regular food this week and next. Thank you for that information!!! I can plan to take my phone or tablet into the bathroom with me or a book  Smiley Happy  Im praying all will go well. Thank you again so much!!!!

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. —Helen Keller
Honored Contributor
Posts: 24,981
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

[ Edited ]

@CherryHugs wrote:

So i have to get one of the dreaded tests!! I had hoped never to have one.

Well is it as bad as i hear?? I do know they give you sedation so thats a good thing!

Can you wear makeup?

Wish me luck and send me prayers if you would kindly!! Woman Frustrated


The test itself is really nothing, it's the prep that's the hard part.  Be glad they have the test, though, it can save many lives.  Assuming you get a good result, you won't have to go again for 10 yrs.  If there's something of concern, it will be sooner.  Both my DH and I had a polyp so we're on the 5 yr. plan.  When I had mine, I think I wore a little makeup, but I honestly don't remember and you having make up on or not isn't a big concern for you or the medical staff.  I was completely knocked out for mine.  IThe anesthesiologist told me he was giving me the same thing Michael Jackson had.  No sooner did he say that and I was out!  If you're going to go under general anesthesia, you'll need someone to drive you.  

 

About the prep, you'll start the day before with a light liquid diet (nothing red) and extra water.  Then you'll start your prep.  Some doctors will prescribe something you drink (get it from the pharmacy) and others will have you use something OTC.   This part is important...once you start the prep, don't even think of leaving the house and stay VERY close to the bathroom.  You may think you're having a little gas, but the urgency and eruption will come immediately so don't delay getting in there.  This will happen several times during your prep until you're completely cleaned out.  You'll be fine, I know you will.  Try not to be nervous.  I hope all goes smoothly for you and that you get a good test result.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,065
Registered: ‎07-21-2014

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

Thank you for your words!  I am a little worried about the test mainly though due to worry about results.

Not that I can do a thing at this point but pray all will be fine.

I will be going to a hospital where my family dr does all scopes.

I would like to wear a bit of makeup so glad it is allowed. I didnt see on the paperwork that it wasnt.

Yes it is an important test!!  Its good you are sedated since I get very anxious during tests of any type.

Im glad that you are getting this regularly! Thank you for your prayer Smiley Happy

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. —Helen Keller
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,065
Registered: ‎07-21-2014

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

I apprecate your kind words. The liquid drink is in at the pharmacy and will pick that up tomorrow.  They told me to be sure that it is clear and not red and when i checked at the pharmacy they said it is lemon. I have the list of all the allowed liquids for the prep day.

 

I will stay very close to the bathroom for sure!!

 

It is a very good thing they have such a test yes.

 

My dr said that it will be an IV in to sedate and need a ride home. I have family friends taking me and waiting and taking me home.

 

I am so glad they do sedate. No one would want to be awake for that!

 

 

Again thank you for your kind words and good wishes!!

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. —Helen Keller
Valued Contributor
Posts: 799
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Has anyone had a colonoscopy???

As others have said, the prep is worse than the test.  And even that may not be so bad.  There are different types of prep these days.  One friend has a doctor that gives her a couple of tablets to take.  I had to down two big glasses of some salt laden crud (pretty sure that's not the medical terminoloy).  They usually give me a twilight drug which leaves me loopy for the rest of the day after it's over.  Oh, and  I normally drop a couple of pounds so that's a plus.  

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