Wellness

[catter70]

I took a cologuard test and it came back abnormal. Today I went for my consult at the gastro doctor. Geez, hope this is easier then it looks. Only clear liquids all day and all that water. No good food all day. Not looking forward to this at all. Hoping all is okay as I'm not ready for anymore health issues. Scheduled for January. Anything good one can say about the procedure?

[LindaSal]

In my experience the procedure itself is really nothing much at all.  I feel fine when I come out of it, just really hungry at that point.   The most difficult part is the prep, it isn't easy for some of us to go without food for 24 hours but it is what it is and well worth going through it.  I wish you the best of luck

[Puppy Lips]

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@catter70 wrote:

I took a cologuard test and it came back abnormal. Today I went for my consult at the gastro doctor. Geez, hope this is easier then it looks. Only clear liquids all day and all that water. No good food all day. Not looking forward to this at all. Hoping all is okay as I'm not ready for anymore health issues. Scheduled for January. Anything good one can say about the procedure?

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@catter70 You might lose a little weight.  It is really not all that bad.  I have learned that every doctor has a slightly different prep for their patients.  You would do yourself a favor by eating lighter meals on the days up to your procedure, and then follow the directions the day before.  My prep started the night before the day before with a laxative.

[Kachina624]

@catter70.  It's not a fun experience no matter what but it's not painful.  Now they're mostly using Propolol which put me to sleep instantly and allowed me to awaken alert without feeling dopey.

The good new is that a positive test usually results in just a polyp, which they remove and you're good for another 3-5 years.

[kze]

You'll find that chicken broth and jello are delicious when you're really hungry!

[Shelbelle]

So many older threads here about this, look them up for some good info. Test itself is a breeze, prep leaves some things to be desired, but we all do what we have to do to stay healthy. Dont worry over it, just do it, it is just 24 hours out of a lifetime. 

I have had 2, took just pills both times. my gastro doc allows you to eat breakfast the day before and a light lunch day before. 

[SactoSue]

Weigh yourself with as little clothing as possible just before you leave for the procedure.  You'll have the lowest weight you've seen for a long time!

I'm so thankful that we have these kinds of procedures to us to safeguard our health and detect things that need attention, from diverticulosis, to polyps, to worse.

Be prepared to visit the toilet frequently duing the night as you cleanse the colon for the procedure. Follow the instructions faithfully to get a good cleaning, otherwise you might have to re-do the prep if you don't get fully cleaned out. 

Then, fantasize about what you first meal with be after the procedure.  Mine was jalapeno burger and fries.

[jlkz]

@catter70 

Over many years, I have had 3 colonoscopies.  My experiences mirror @Kachina624 's post: pre / during / after.  Best advice is to start out eating light meals and follow the prep instructions....no " red " jello, my favorite !

My consult with the gastroenterologist this October ended with my 80-year old body going the Cologard route.  Thankfully my results were negative.

While yours was abnormal, it may prove a false result: This is why the actual January colonoscopy is important.  Please try to enjoy the holidays...you will breathe a sigh of relief when it's over knowing you are doing what's best for you and your family.

Waiting is hard....

[Dragonflyveb]

Hi,

I just went through the process in October.

I had to eat low residue 5 days ahead of time, then liquid diet.

Have broth or bouillon around, plus Jello and Italian ice. I found that lemon-lime PowerAde helped a lot.

Prep was split the night before and then 6 hours before the procedure. Had to get up at 5 am for 11am procedure. Plan for your best timing, if you have to do a split prep.

A straw helps to get the slime down without tasting it too much. A chaser of apple juice helps cut the taste.

Also, invest in soft toilet paper or better still, bum wipes.

I have to say, the first colonoscopy I had about 10 years ago, the prep was double the amount and really gross. This time, the taste wasn't as salty or slimy.

I had an abnormal ColoGuard. Colonoscopy found a couple very small polyps and removed them. So the good news is that the screening caught what it is intended to catch.

good luck!

[ps hottie]

Make sure you get a morning appt. There is a different prep you can take the night before.  You take it, go to bed, wake up in the morning, take it again and then go for your procedure.  There's no need to go without food for 24 hours.  Ask your doctor.