Colonoscopy - I did it!

I had my first colonoscopy yesterday. Yes, the prep was not fun, but it feels so good to have it over with! My doctor did not find anything wrong. Yea!

The doctor did say something odd, though - he said my colon had "dropped" (he said that was common with women who had hysterectomies). I have never heard of that - anybody else? He said it was no big deal so I'm not worrying about it.

If you haven't yet - do it, do it, do it. It feels so good to have it checked off my "gotta get done" list.

Pearlanne

I agree, just do it. If there is something, you need to know. If not, you can feel relief. It's not that bad, only the prep. And that is only a day. Just get it done, you'll be glad you did.

Several years ago I had a barium enema prior to a colonoscopy. After that experience I decided that I would take a colonoscopy over that any day!! I really didn't find the colonoscopy unpleasant at all. I could NOT say the same about the barium enema.


Glad you got it out of the way (no pun intended, lol) and that things were just fine!

It is good to know that you had it done and don't have to go back for at least 10 years, unless you are in my category. Since my mother had colon cancer, I have to go every five years. I am now 65 and the doctor said I probably only need to have one when I am 70 and then 75. Probably after that I won't need anymore. Who know why kind of condition my body will be in at that time. I hope I don't have to have another colonoscopy after 75.

I'm having the procedure tomorrow. I am about to shake out of my boots. About this time 4 years ago they discovered my brother had colon cancer. It took him out fast. I'm 71 and everybody have been telling me that I should do it. Well tomorrow is the big day. Nervous in Texas

How did it go, Billsboss? I'm having my first one Feb 17. It was scheduled for Jan 6, but I felt that was too soon after my hysterectomy

I was supposed to have one Dec.23 but thought I'd give my abdomen a break, post surgery. Now rescheduled for April...

I have avoided it so far. I know I should but the prep is what I don't like. I just had to drink that barium for the contrast CT. It tasted alright but my stomach did not like it. Plus, it gave me diarrhea. So now after just finally getting my bowels back close to normal, I have to start all over. Hopefully will be easier.

Also I am having right pelvic pain - doctor said it is probably from the sigmoid colon dropping some after the hysterectomy.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by charlotteel I just had to drink that barium for the contrast CT.

You don't drink barium for a colonoscopy.

I just had my 3rd colonoscopy (family history) about 2 weeks after my D&C. I've never had to have a barium enema. I've had nasty stuff to drink that you get from the pharmacy. The last 2 times I've gone the OTC route with Ducolax, MiraLax, magnesium citrate and Gatorade. It's not bad at all. My husband is a colon cancer survivor so he has done more of these than me. We use a free-standing center and you are in and out quickly. The last time was about 3-4 hours?

Worst was being a bit dehydrated and having one of the nurses that wasn't as good at starting an IV. After turning me into a pin cushion, one of the other nurses started the IV.