When I wrote about my first colonoscopy, back in 2022, I was both eager and sheepish: I so desperately wanted to talk to others about the entire experience, but I also realized I was talking about a lot of pooping on the internet.
I'm so grateful you wrote this and demystified it. One thing I want to emphasize: the prep part is not nearly as big of a deal as people think because it's not painful and you don't feel sick. We associate diarrhea with feeling sick, perhaps nauseous, but you don't feel any of those queasy symptoms with prep for a colonoscopy. You just sit on the toilet and go.
My brother-in-law—my husband's only sibling, who's a year younger than I—died of advanced colon cancer at 51. After he died, I got a colonoscopy mainly because my husband wanted me to. I have zero risks and honestly thought it was a bit unnecessary. But when I came out of anesthesia, the GI doc told me it's a good thing I went in because I had numerous polyps, one of which was a pre-cancerous kind that's most worrisome (I'm forgetting at the moment what it's called). He said to make sure all my sibs have been screened, since it has a genetic component, and my kids should start getting screened a decade earlier than recommended. I have to have one every three years now.
Finally, I'm inspired by my OBGYN, a young woman who's a kick-ass ultrarunner in addition to being a doctor, who had "poop problems" at age 30 she first wrote off as inflammatory bowel disease. Turns out, she had advanced rectal cancer with a massive tumor blocking her lower end. She endured two years of chemo and recovery, had all her lower plumbing removed, had her eggs retrieved and went through IVF because she no longer can carry a pregnancy due to her radiation treatment—and ultimately, she healed, and is now a long-distance runner again. But that is what can happen to a supposedly healthy person. Prevention and scanning are SO IMPORTANT. (I invite you to read a story I wrote about her if interested, https://www.trailrunnermag.com/people/live-through-this/).
Wanted to share my family's favorite colonoscopy prep advice. My family has a history of colon cancer so my father considers himself an expert on colonoscopies since he has them so regularly. At some point he learned about prepping with Miralax dissolved in Gatorade and then taking Dulcolax and it changed his life because it's so much easier to get down than standard prep. A lot of doctor's use this prep but of course check with your doctor first.
This, 100% - for my first colonoscopy at age 12, my mom mixed the prep with root beer and I haven't been able to touch the stuff since. Definitely use a mixer that you don't mind having an aversion to moving forward. But it's worth it!
I started getting scopes in my teens, and the prep was so bad back then (early 00s). I would only get through a few sips before it started working and I was puking and pooping at the same time. The "flavor" was lemon-lime, and it was at least a decade before I could drink lemon lime gatorade or even sprite because it was associated with prep days for me.
I agree - I’ve been getting colonoscopies since I was 22 (now 45) due to a family history and IBS. This is the best prep process!
And my office experience has been similar, it seems like a great medical environment to work in. I love middle age and having a favorite colonoscopy prep - The more you know!
Question, from a mid-twentysomething who likely has IBS but no family history: what motivated you to get that first colonoscopy so early? I think a lot of my IBS is stress-related, but I want to stay on top of any other potential problems in my lower GI, and if starting colonoscopy early is the move, so be it.
My maternal grandfather passed from what was likely colon cancer at 42, in the early 1960s, so that was the big factor. My IBS was stress related, I was in law school at the time. So those two factors (and my mom’s intense worry) were enough for my doctor to send me to get one. I was really lucky that the doctor listened to my concerns, as they’ve found polyps twice since then. And I’m now the friend that will harass you to get your regular checks of all the things.
This is exactly why I am getting my first colonoscopy tomorrow. Huge chance they’ll find nothing but I want to be sure my symptoms are not related to anything more serious. Given the outcomes missing a diagnosis I’d say it’s totally worth it.
I just got my first one at 24 bc of GI issues. I really trust my doctor, and she recommended it after we ruled out a bunch of other things (bacteria/disease, gluten, etc).
Sorry, just saw this notification. I'm still unsure, but we were able to rule out a bunch of pretty major concerns (cancer, major inflammatory conditions, etc) and as a bonus (?) found precancerous polyps. All in all I think it was worth it because of the peace of mind about big scary issues and the ability to proceed w treatment knowing its probably something less serious and time sensitive
Hi there - 51 y/o woman here, 2 colonoscopies under my belt. My greatest fear, approaching the first one, was being knocked out. I'm a single mom of a kid with medical issues, and being unconscious for a few hours, the kid being sort of extra vulnerable during that time, scared me far more than the prep. At the hospital, I was asked, Are you going to be sedated? I said, Do I have a choice? Why, yes, the nurse said. Great! I said. No sedation for me. In the room, the doc recommended a little sedation, "to take the edge off." Right on, I said. It was glorious. Yes, glorious. Because a) I stayed conscious, b) I am many years sober and opportunities to be a little high are few and far between, and c) how often do you get to look up your own ass? Fast forward to colonoscopy #2, this past January, when I thought I didn't even need that little bit to take off the edge. Utter misery. My recommendation: do the "conscious sedation" (that's the official term) if you have any concerns about being knocked out. My only consolation was that somehow, through my thrashing about, my hair acquired this wonderful tousled look, and the nurse bringing me ginger ale said, "Girl, how did you come out of a colonoscopy looking like you got a blow-out?" Still cracks me up.
I’m only 31 so have yet to have my first colonoscopy but it’s likely not far away as my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer at age 66. She’s now doing great, but one thing the whole process has created is…a family devoted to bidets. Like, I cannot IMAGINE inevitably doing this process without a bidet.
As a person whose CR tumor was diagnosed at the beginning of the pandemic, my encouraging words are these: the discomfort of a colonoscopy is infinitely more bearable than radiation, a year of chemotherapy, and an 8-hour stint on an OR table. As for prep, the Miralax option is decidedly less unpleasant than that prescription ICKY stuff from Walgreens!! This piece is much-needed, Anne, thank you! If anyone ever needs to talk about poop or is on a CR cancer journey, I’m willing to hold your hand (virtually) and hold space. I was healthy before I was diagnosed, but had no clue about family health history (my family prides itself on their secrets). All the good health habits in the world don’t necessarily override the genes you inherit.
Hi! I’m 37 years old, and I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in fall of 2022. My only symptom was extreme anemia. I’d love to have someone to talk to about all of this. It’s been…an absolute roller coaster.
Absolutely! I’m not super familiar with this platform either. Do you mean FB messenger? My full name is Ashley Startin if you want to friend me there and then I think we can message back and forth! :)
Actually I found you! So I sent a friend request & dropped a note in your Messenger... will probably be filtered to a non-friend box. I look forward to connecting!
I had my first one about a year ago, at age 40. I think it's worth adding here that there's a prep in pill format available. You swallow a bunch of tablets with water and that's it. No prep liquid that may or may not taste very gross. It was really the part I was most dreading, and the pills were totally fine. The gummy bears info is key - I am keeping this in mind for next time because all I wanted to do was chew, all day.
My partner had his first one last year, & it was the pharmacist who said, "Hey before I fill this gross drinkable prep prescription, do you know about the pills? GET THE PILLS." I think it was a small additional cost but all he had to do was ask & the doctor provided. (Why they didn't mention that in the first place?? No idea!)
I was just wanting to share this too -- I learned about the prep in pill format from my primary care doctor. I had to request it but it was available when I asked -- and I found it *really easy*. I had seen the miserableness of prep-liquid drinking when my husband had his colonoscopy (dejected form in armchair with the container with some final bit of the liquid left to drink, like that Dumbledore drinking the potion scene) ... and was relieved to have an alternative.
I've had three colonoscopies due to IBD. The prep liquid has made me throw up each time. Multiple times. It's awful and is tied with not eating real food as my least favorite thing about it.
I've had numerous colonoscopies (also IBD) and have tweaked my prep many times. If you can't get a pill, please talk to your doctor about finding something that works better. A prep you can't tolerate is indeed awful and doesn't help with your treatment/care.
I, surprisingly, did not like the prep in pill form - the one I got had SO MANY pills and required me to drink so much water that it felt to me just like taking the normal prep while also having to swallow a ton of pills! But I also have a ton of practice with the normal prep, so maybe it was just a situation where change did not feel good to me. I’m glad other folks are having good experience with the pill prep!
I had a similar issue. The prep was 24 not-small pills, taken in two 12 pill doses with a ton of water. The second batch of pills didn't stay down. I went back to the liquid prep.
When I went in for a covid test 2 colonoscopies ago, they had a poster for the pills in my gastros office and I almost threw a fit. I practically yelled at my doctor for not giving me pills instead of the awful liquid prep. I DEMANDED the pills the last time I had one. They still tried to give me the liquid at the pharmacy and I walked right out and refused to return until they gave me the pills lol. I see some folks down thread who don't love the pills but I have to take 4 horse pills a day for my UC, so huge pills don't phase me at all.
My friend got the pills and I had seen my sad husband slowly and determinedly drink the disgusting gallon of lemon sweat water so I wanted the pills for sure. But my insurance didn’t cover it and then there was a lot of back and forth between the medical offices and these online pharmacy coupons and I started to run out of time to get it affordable. Anyway I called my insurance and asked what else they would cover besides the horrible one and they said Clenpiq and in my opinion that was *way* better than horse pills (which I probably would have hated, I hadn’t realized how many and how large they were) / it’s very tiny bottles of concentrated koolaid, you take 1 for each half of your prep and then chase with 4 pints of regular tap water.
Some people get a real sore anus with all the wiping. Highly recommend a bidet. Next best is a package of disposable wipes with dimethicone which protects skin from liquid poop. You won’t find these in stores and have to order them from a medical supply source Most places make you buy a case but here’s a link where you can order 1 or 2 packs.
Former incontinence nurse and colonoscopy veteran.
I’ve had dozens of colonoscopies, and the only thing I would add to the excellent advice here is that, if your ride falls through (like the time my husband woke up with food poisoning at 6 am when I had a colonoscopy scheduled for 8 am), there are often medical transport services you can use to get taken home (since you can’t drive yourself, or take a Lyft/public transit without supervision). I got the info from my doctor’s office that morning, and I think it cost me ~$40, which was totally worth it to not have to reschedule my appointment and go through all the prep again.
Thanks for sharing this! Aren't we so lucky to be able to have these life-saving procedures?
I am in the UK (for context) and have had a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy (where they just look at the last section of your bowel) at the age of 28, which got me my Crohn's diagnosis. The colonoscopy involved prep (as brilliantly described by AHP) and sedation. I was conscious but super relaxed and enjoyed seeing the inside of my colon on the screen. For the sigmoidoscopy there was no prep to drink - I had to fast and then was given an enema just before (they squirt laxative up your bum to make you poo). I was told I would not need sedation. It was very painful - they decided to look around the corner of my colon and even with gas and air, it hurt a lot and I was in pain for days afterwards. So I would always encourage people to ask for sedation if you can. But there's a lovely 90 year old guy in my choir who happily has full colonoscopies without sedation so maybe just know your body and think about what will make the process the least stressful for you, because chances are you will have more in the future. Also in the UK they give you 'dignity shorts' to wear - shorts with a little flap at the back, hilarious but not at all dignified...
Thank you again for sharing this! I know I’m going to reread it before getting my first colonoscopy in a few years.
I would love to read something similarly demystifying/preparatory about mammograms. Is anyone else terrified by the idea of them? All I’ve seen on the internet is that they’re incredibly painful. I know I need to get one but I’m honestly so scared that I’m putting it off.
Don’t put your mammogram off! There’s no prep. It takes all of 19 minutes (if that). And it doesn’t really ‘hurt’—it’s really just ‘uncomfortable’ but not even that. You hold your breath 4 times (two presses on each side) and lickety-split, it’s done. And no pain afterwards! At least I’ve never had any. It’s probably the easiest medical procedure you can have. (This from someone who sobs after a pelvic exam.) The worst part of the mammo for me is waiting for them to come back in and say it’s all clear. You know?
PS because of dense breasts, I have a breast ultrasound immediately after a mammogram. They squeeze warm goo on each and then you lie there while they sweep the ultrasound around. I find that more uncomfortable than the mammo, TBH, but again, I’m a big baby when it comes to medical stuff, and these 2 breast tests are ok for me.
Huh; I had my first mammogram maybe 6-7 months ago and learned for the first time about my breasts being “dense” (in this technical sense) but did not know about the ultrasound thing. I will keep that in mind next time to at least find out about. Thanks for bringing it up.
It’s somewhat dependent on what they can (or cannot) see whether they do an additional ultrasound. Depends on your breasts and the type of mammogram and just whether things happen to be going your way that day.
You got ultrasounds!? Mine are dense and I have a colorful family cancer history so I’ve been doing mammograms since my 30s and for a couple years I had to do MRIs six months after the mammograms. I’d rather get my boobs squeezed every day than ever do another MRI.
I hope you continue with the MRIs (said with concern, not finger wagging). They can find what mammograms can't in extremely dense breasts. They've found,--luckily benign--masses on my MRIs not spotted on mammograms. I only knew to ask for them because I learned about it from a nurse friend whose cancerous masses were found only on MRIs.
This year they said my density had lessened and I didn't need one! I'm fine with having them as long as I get that sweet, sweet xanax or valium beforehand because I don't do well in the Tube Of Doom.
Chiming in as no one has mentioned timing your mammogram to your menstrual cycle! I have had 3 mammograms and the first two were mildly uncomfortable with pressure. The third was pressure with a small amount of ache, not bad, but not as easy as the first two. My friend pointed out that the timing was right before my period so my breasts were tender. So! Schedule your first mammogram around your cycle if you can. My other tip is if you have a friend who also gets mammograms, schedule your appts together so you have someone to sit with in the waiting room and maybe go get celebratory ice cream or coffee or brunch afterwards.
YES! The timing matters - I am one of the denser ladies and I found that the timing makes a big difference. It was barely a blip with no pain when well timed.
I have had so many mammograms because I have cystic breasts. They do hurt some people but don't hurt me at all. It is just weird and uncomfortable, but not bad. You have the tech making you stand in weird positions while manipulating your breast onto the plate so they can get all your breast tissue but there's no actual pain for me. I also get the ultrasound and don't mind that at all.
I’ve always thought that sounded so awful when friends have described it! Maybe I’m just way more squeamish about boob pain than I am about any other body part?
Bodies and pain tolerances differ, but my experience has also been of discomfort, yet not pain. You put on a gown, they take you to the room with the equipment, they put your boob on a platform and position you in a specific way, and then a movable piece of the equipment is moved to sort of press your boob a bit flat, and you hold that position for a few seconds while they take an image. You repeat that process a few times so they take about 2 images per side, and then you’re done. I just found this youtube video, which I think does a good job of showing the sequence of events: https://youtu.be/d4LA73EhcTA?si=PMYf7K6tlfNwDqAq
OK, so I had my first mammogram a few years ago and was surprised by how painful it was. It was bearable, but brought tears to my eyes. But then I had another one about six months ago and it was SO MUCH BETTER. The technician told me it's because they have new machines now. I got the sense this was a broad change, as opposed to my particular practice (Kaiser in the Bay Area) happening to do it. So, cause for hope that this procedure will become a lot less painful going forward!
I’ve been getting mamos for decades. I never had unbearable pain but definitely more than just discomfort. Was I surprised at my last mammogram when there was just a gentle squeezing sensation. New equipment. Be sure you ask if the facility has new equipment that isn’t like putting your boob in a vice!
Oh my god imagine if I’ve put it off just long enough to only get the new version?? What a dream that would be. The possibility that it might be deliberately less painful now is a huge relief!
Please don't put off getting a mammogram. Tell yourself you are doing yourself and your family a favor. It lasts only a moment and afterwards you feel great. It doesn't really hurt....it's uncomfortable, at least it is for me, but not painful.
I had my first mammogram last year, and I was also pretty nervous about it, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and not-painful it was. Uncomfortable? Sure, but it was over in just a few minutes and the tech was so calm and kind.
Same — mine took 10 minutes and was not painful, even though I was prepared for it to be. I think people's experiences can vary wildly according to size of breast and density of breast tissue.
FWIW, I’ve had 4 mammograms in 2 years—one just a few weeks ago—and while it’s not how I’d choose to spend my time, it’s the anxiety that is much worse for me than the actual experience. A diagnostic mammogram is more intense because they get so many more pictures, but wasn’t terrible and still was over in less than 15 minutes. I’ve also had 2 ultrasounds (I have dense breasts and without a baseline they like to be very thorough) and found those to be much more uncomfortable because of how they go over the nipple a bunch of times.
As far as prep, the only thing I’ve found that’s consistent between centers (I’ve been to 3) is no deodorant, but usually they give you a wipe to wipe it off.
One thing I will say and I’m sure I’m an outlier here, so take that with a grain of salt: the recommended age for a first mammogram is 40, but it’s led to a lot of over biopsies. Olivia Munn’s story is scary, but it’s uncommon under 50. When I went for my first the radiologist recommended watching a spot he thought was a fibroadenoma. When I went for my second, a year and a half later (we moved), the radiologist wanted to biopsy the same spot. When I looked at the report, however, I saw that there’d been no growth that indicated malignancy, so I when I went for the biopsy I asked the radiologist (a different one than who’d ordered it) what the differential diagnosis was—and she said that if she’d been looking at it she would not have recommended it for a biopsy since it seemed stable. I decided not to get the biopsy that day and just keep an eye on it. I had a diagnostic mammogram a few weeks ago at Penn (because if I had cancer I wanted to be treated there anyway) and they confirmed the area was a fibroadenoma (really common in younger people) and stable. I would have known that for sure a year earlier with a biopsy, but would have come out of a lot of money out of pocket for the biopsy AND getting a biopsy automatically puts you in a higher risk category. So I’d recommend definitely getting all the information you can and asking lots and lots of questions. And get the AI if it’s offered! AI has been found to be better at analyzing mammograms than humans.
Thank you for sharing this. I am in the panic zone between "ultrasound" and "biopsy" appointments and they want to biopsy a spot which I can feel, and have felt, for 15 years (at least!) with no change. I'm still going to do it (my doctor, not practicing at the hospital where I did the imaging, said they're being very thorough, because they have to be), but I'm ANNOYED about it. It definitely feels as though no one was listening to me in the room.
Anyway! After having 2 regular and 2 followup mammograms (dense tissue crew rise up), I can confirm that, for me, dental xrays are worse. And that's saying something, because I'm fully clothed for those.
Agree about the biopsies. (Is that the plural?) I almost got a second biopsy for what turned out to be a giant cyst that disappeared in the meantime. The more senior doctor was furious that they almost didn't check me again and were just planning to do the biopsy, but the cyst had disappeared. I'm glad she came in and checked again first!
I'm now sort of convinced that entering periomenopause caused my estrogen levels to skyrocket and/or be out of whack and my breasts to go on a JOURNEY. There were a few points where my breasts were actually hard, like I had breast implants—and all the doctors seemed puzzled but no one really did anything in terms of testing hormones, etc. It's frustrating that doctors don't seem to understand all that much about perimenopause. Now I'm officially in menopause (just over one year now) and I'm doing HRT but things seem to have calmed WAY down.
Yeah I’m 36 and my gyno suggested I start now because my mom had breast cancer, but in my head I’m giving myself a few years to steel my nerves. I tell myself it’s because extra-early mammogram advice is questionable but it’s definitely me being a weeny.
I was TERRIFIED of a mammogram, put it off for two years, and then I got my first one and it was...fine! I scheduled it specifically for a time in my cycle where my boobs didn't hurt, and it went great. I actually got a great stretch on the muscles between my neck and chest that released some tight muscles. LOL The facility was really nice, and they make it as comfortable as possible.
I had my first mammogram earlier this year. I called to make the appointment, and they said, "We've got one first thing tomorrow morning?" I think it helped because I didn't have as much time to panic. I found the procedure painful because you aren't able to breathe through the pain. You have to hold absolutely still. I took myself out for a cinnamon roll afterward. I earned it! I did take Tylenol later in the day (can't take ibuprofen) because I was sore. I've had countless colonoscopies; the mammogram was a piece of...cinnamon roll? You got this!
I had my first mammogram last year and was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it went. Definitely uncomfortable, but super quick so you're not in discomfort (or pain, if you experience it) for long.
I just started a substack called Anxiety Party based on my experience getting diagnosed with rectal cancer (and subsequently, Lynch Syndrome, which puts me at a much higher risk of developing colorectal cancer among others) at age 40 after a mass was found during a colonoscopy. I ended up having rectal surgery to remove the mass, which was cancerous, but at such an early stage they considered it cured with surgery. I will never forget the anesthesiologist assistant coming by my gurney just before surgery and, upon hearing why I was there, saying, "Good! This is exactly why we screen – to catch things like this." Highly encourage anyone reading this to talk to their doctor about getting a colonoscopy if they have a family history or any symptoms, and this was a GREAT summation of the process. I've had two colonoscopies in two years and will have one every year for the rest of my life. It's not that bad – I pretend I'm doing a cleanse – and Yes! to Vietnamese broth. Great tip. Lucy's in Brooklyn is my go to for clear liquids day. Thank you Anne for writing about this!
I had my first colonoscopy last summer at 37 due to persistent GI problems. The prep took me out—my whole body felt very cold, shaking uncontrollably, and throwing up. I managed to drink enough to be “running clear” so they let me do the procedure. The prep was hard for me, but I’m so glad I did it. I was convinced I had cancer; the symptoms, some of the things doctors said at other appointments—I was so sure. I was really anxious and the kind anesthesiologist gave me some anti-anxiety meds in my IV. If you are scared, tell them!! They can help.
The wonderful nurses and doctor made sure that as soon as I was with it, the first thing I heard was that there was no cancer. It was worth every chill and shake and puke and poop the night before!
Good job! I also had a hard time and they told me to ask for anti- nausea meds with the prep next time. My mom did warn me that sedation makes her nauseous so I asked for anti- nausea during the procedure
I had my first colonoscopy last year, after I started seeing blood in my poop. It's turned out to be a bit of wear & tear around a diverticular pocket, and it's still going on, so I'll probably have another one this year plus some repair work. So - if you are seeing blood, as Anne says, it really can be *all number* of things, and not The Worst - but it is also really, really important to get checked, and do it regularly.
What I found most fascinating was the procedure itself, because I got to watch it in realtime. I was so nervous beforehand that the sedative failed to knock me out, and I suddenly felt so chill about it that I decided to not ask for more of it. So - I watched the screen as it happened. IT WAS FASCINATING. Honestly, I have rarely been so enthralled by anything on a TV. I can still remember the whole thing too - my initial anxiety must have been sky-high to override the meds like that. But at that point, all my nervousness utterly disappeared (the doctors and nurses were really lovely too - Scottish healthcare for the win). Couldn't feel anything, felt the most relaxed I'd been in years, and I got to see firsthand where the problem was, and listen to them say it was nothing to be too worried about.
10/10 would colonoscopize again (and will be doing soon).
Mike, are you in the UK? I wonder if they use different sedatives here, as watching the screen was the highlight of my procedures but most people in the comments don't seem to have experienced it! On the downside I think our prep mixture is not as great as across the Atlantic - I was given vast amounts of laxido, which is also used as a laxative for people on bed rest, and wasn't super effective. Glad you had a good experience ☺️
Yes, UK! Scottish healthcare system. That's so interesting. I wonder if there's a big difference in sedatives? And for the prep, I wasn't given Laxido - I had Movidol (macrogol) and it worked....uh, spectacularly. 😁 I've been given Laxido before and it had a much milder effect on me, so yes, surprising that you were given that for a colonoscopy!
I also watched the screen (US) and thought it was super cool! Except the doctor was asking me questions and I kept thinking why are you talking to me I cannot answer you?! He wanted to know if I had used something that had senna (sp?) in it because it looked like there was some staining. I could have had a much better answer if he asked me after but I could barely focus enough to figure out what the question was.
I have a slow moving colon so I once had a colonoscopy that was unsuccessful meaning that I hadn't been properly cleansed so I had to do it over. That was such awful news upon waking.
So, ever since I've had a two day prep and I think a much better GI doctor. I schedule mine first thing in the morning, say a Wednesday) and then do a two day clear liquid diet after breakfast on say Monday.
My really big tip is this: to drink the obnoxious fluid twice the night before I mix it with white grape juice and just before I drink it I assault my mouth with Dentine Ice gum. If I then hold my nose I can drink the whole thing in thirty seconds and not taste anything.
I strongly recommend restoring your gut biome after the procedure with eating yogurt or another food with similar qualities. After my first colonoscopy with an excessive older prep my gut did not normalize for six months. Not farting was nice for six months but my bowels were definitely not normal.
yes! Given how much we now know about the importance of the gut microbiome to overall health (and indeed how much we don't know... ), it amazes me that people aren't offered more advice about how to get it reestablished after a colonoscopy. Yogurt and a probiotic juice are really helpful for me.
I'm so grateful you wrote this and demystified it. One thing I want to emphasize: the prep part is not nearly as big of a deal as people think because it's not painful and you don't feel sick. We associate diarrhea with feeling sick, perhaps nauseous, but you don't feel any of those queasy symptoms with prep for a colonoscopy. You just sit on the toilet and go.
My brother-in-law—my husband's only sibling, who's a year younger than I—died of advanced colon cancer at 51. After he died, I got a colonoscopy mainly because my husband wanted me to. I have zero risks and honestly thought it was a bit unnecessary. But when I came out of anesthesia, the GI doc told me it's a good thing I went in because I had numerous polyps, one of which was a pre-cancerous kind that's most worrisome (I'm forgetting at the moment what it's called). He said to make sure all my sibs have been screened, since it has a genetic component, and my kids should start getting screened a decade earlier than recommended. I have to have one every three years now.
Finally, I'm inspired by my OBGYN, a young woman who's a kick-ass ultrarunner in addition to being a doctor, who had "poop problems" at age 30 she first wrote off as inflammatory bowel disease. Turns out, she had advanced rectal cancer with a massive tumor blocking her lower end. She endured two years of chemo and recovery, had all her lower plumbing removed, had her eggs retrieved and went through IVF because she no longer can carry a pregnancy due to her radiation treatment—and ultimately, she healed, and is now a long-distance runner again. But that is what can happen to a supposedly healthy person. Prevention and scanning are SO IMPORTANT. (I invite you to read a story I wrote about her if interested, https://www.trailrunnermag.com/people/live-through-this/).
The prep made my mom throw up and she was so miserable she gave up and cancelled the colonoscopy, so I think for some people it is a big deal.
That happened to my mom as well. I’m glad I’ve gotten to do the Miralax/Dulcolax/gatorade prep which I had no trouble swallowing
Wanted to share my family's favorite colonoscopy prep advice. My family has a history of colon cancer so my father considers himself an expert on colonoscopies since he has them so regularly. At some point he learned about prepping with Miralax dissolved in Gatorade and then taking Dulcolax and it changed his life because it's so much easier to get down than standard prep. A lot of doctor's use this prep but of course check with your doctor first.
Yes, I used Gatorade too. But now I can't drink Gatorade in my running races because it brings back the prep memories lol.
This, 100% - for my first colonoscopy at age 12, my mom mixed the prep with root beer and I haven't been able to touch the stuff since. Definitely use a mixer that you don't mind having an aversion to moving forward. But it's worth it!
I started getting scopes in my teens, and the prep was so bad back then (early 00s). I would only get through a few sips before it started working and I was puking and pooping at the same time. The "flavor" was lemon-lime, and it was at least a decade before I could drink lemon lime gatorade or even sprite because it was associated with prep days for me.
I agree - I’ve been getting colonoscopies since I was 22 (now 45) due to a family history and IBS. This is the best prep process!
And my office experience has been similar, it seems like a great medical environment to work in. I love middle age and having a favorite colonoscopy prep - The more you know!
Question, from a mid-twentysomething who likely has IBS but no family history: what motivated you to get that first colonoscopy so early? I think a lot of my IBS is stress-related, but I want to stay on top of any other potential problems in my lower GI, and if starting colonoscopy early is the move, so be it.
My maternal grandfather passed from what was likely colon cancer at 42, in the early 1960s, so that was the big factor. My IBS was stress related, I was in law school at the time. So those two factors (and my mom’s intense worry) were enough for my doctor to send me to get one. I was really lucky that the doctor listened to my concerns, as they’ve found polyps twice since then. And I’m now the friend that will harass you to get your regular checks of all the things.
This is exactly why I am getting my first colonoscopy tomorrow. Huge chance they’ll find nothing but I want to be sure my symptoms are not related to anything more serious. Given the outcomes missing a diagnosis I’d say it’s totally worth it.
I just got my first one at 24 bc of GI issues. I really trust my doctor, and she recommended it after we ruled out a bunch of other things (bacteria/disease, gluten, etc).
Ah interesting! Did you find that it helped figure out your GI issue, or are you still uncertain what’s going on?
Sorry, just saw this notification. I'm still unsure, but we were able to rule out a bunch of pretty major concerns (cancer, major inflammatory conditions, etc) and as a bonus (?) found precancerous polyps. All in all I think it was worth it because of the peace of mind about big scary issues and the ability to proceed w treatment knowing its probably something less serious and time sensitive
This is my doctor's routine too - miralax and dulcolax. Hoping the prep is easy this week for my first.
Also the tip on Pho broth is SO smart - ty!!
Hi there - 51 y/o woman here, 2 colonoscopies under my belt. My greatest fear, approaching the first one, was being knocked out. I'm a single mom of a kid with medical issues, and being unconscious for a few hours, the kid being sort of extra vulnerable during that time, scared me far more than the prep. At the hospital, I was asked, Are you going to be sedated? I said, Do I have a choice? Why, yes, the nurse said. Great! I said. No sedation for me. In the room, the doc recommended a little sedation, "to take the edge off." Right on, I said. It was glorious. Yes, glorious. Because a) I stayed conscious, b) I am many years sober and opportunities to be a little high are few and far between, and c) how often do you get to look up your own ass? Fast forward to colonoscopy #2, this past January, when I thought I didn't even need that little bit to take off the edge. Utter misery. My recommendation: do the "conscious sedation" (that's the official term) if you have any concerns about being knocked out. My only consolation was that somehow, through my thrashing about, my hair acquired this wonderful tousled look, and the nurse bringing me ginger ale said, "Girl, how did you come out of a colonoscopy looking like you got a blow-out?" Still cracks me up.
I’m only 31 so have yet to have my first colonoscopy but it’s likely not far away as my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer at age 66. She’s now doing great, but one thing the whole process has created is…a family devoted to bidets. Like, I cannot IMAGINE inevitably doing this process without a bidet.
Yep. My husband broke out bidet and I am panic calling plumbers to get it fixed before my procedure!
As a person whose CR tumor was diagnosed at the beginning of the pandemic, my encouraging words are these: the discomfort of a colonoscopy is infinitely more bearable than radiation, a year of chemotherapy, and an 8-hour stint on an OR table. As for prep, the Miralax option is decidedly less unpleasant than that prescription ICKY stuff from Walgreens!! This piece is much-needed, Anne, thank you! If anyone ever needs to talk about poop or is on a CR cancer journey, I’m willing to hold your hand (virtually) and hold space. I was healthy before I was diagnosed, but had no clue about family health history (my family prides itself on their secrets). All the good health habits in the world don’t necessarily override the genes you inherit.
Hi! I’m 37 years old, and I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in fall of 2022. My only symptom was extreme anemia. I’d love to have someone to talk to about all of this. It’s been…an absolute roller coaster.
Ashley, I'm happy to chat anytime. I'm useless w/how to chat privately on this platform. Can you shoot me a PM on Msgr & we'll start there?
Absolutely! I’m not super familiar with this platform either. Do you mean FB messenger? My full name is Ashley Startin if you want to friend me there and then I think we can message back and forth! :)
Actually I found you! So I sent a friend request & dropped a note in your Messenger... will probably be filtered to a non-friend box. I look forward to connecting!
Spokane?
My husband named the colonoscopy prep “Poople Drank.” Laughter is the best medicine!
I had my first one about a year ago, at age 40. I think it's worth adding here that there's a prep in pill format available. You swallow a bunch of tablets with water and that's it. No prep liquid that may or may not taste very gross. It was really the part I was most dreading, and the pills were totally fine. The gummy bears info is key - I am keeping this in mind for next time because all I wanted to do was chew, all day.
I find it so interesting how much variance there is between doctors re: even talking about options — mine has never even mentioned the pills
My partner had his first one last year, & it was the pharmacist who said, "Hey before I fill this gross drinkable prep prescription, do you know about the pills? GET THE PILLS." I think it was a small additional cost but all he had to do was ask & the doctor provided. (Why they didn't mention that in the first place?? No idea!)
I was just wanting to share this too -- I learned about the prep in pill format from my primary care doctor. I had to request it but it was available when I asked -- and I found it *really easy*. I had seen the miserableness of prep-liquid drinking when my husband had his colonoscopy (dejected form in armchair with the container with some final bit of the liquid left to drink, like that Dumbledore drinking the potion scene) ... and was relieved to have an alternative.
I'm really glad to hear about the pill.
I've had three colonoscopies due to IBD. The prep liquid has made me throw up each time. Multiple times. It's awful and is tied with not eating real food as my least favorite thing about it.
I've had numerous colonoscopies (also IBD) and have tweaked my prep many times. If you can't get a pill, please talk to your doctor about finding something that works better. A prep you can't tolerate is indeed awful and doesn't help with your treatment/care.
That's awful! My husband was automatically prescribed Zofran with his prep.
I, surprisingly, did not like the prep in pill form - the one I got had SO MANY pills and required me to drink so much water that it felt to me just like taking the normal prep while also having to swallow a ton of pills! But I also have a ton of practice with the normal prep, so maybe it was just a situation where change did not feel good to me. I’m glad other folks are having good experience with the pill prep!
I had a similar issue. The prep was 24 not-small pills, taken in two 12 pill doses with a ton of water. The second batch of pills didn't stay down. I went back to the liquid prep.
When I went in for a covid test 2 colonoscopies ago, they had a poster for the pills in my gastros office and I almost threw a fit. I practically yelled at my doctor for not giving me pills instead of the awful liquid prep. I DEMANDED the pills the last time I had one. They still tried to give me the liquid at the pharmacy and I walked right out and refused to return until they gave me the pills lol. I see some folks down thread who don't love the pills but I have to take 4 horse pills a day for my UC, so huge pills don't phase me at all.
My friend got the pills and I had seen my sad husband slowly and determinedly drink the disgusting gallon of lemon sweat water so I wanted the pills for sure. But my insurance didn’t cover it and then there was a lot of back and forth between the medical offices and these online pharmacy coupons and I started to run out of time to get it affordable. Anyway I called my insurance and asked what else they would cover besides the horrible one and they said Clenpiq and in my opinion that was *way* better than horse pills (which I probably would have hated, I hadn’t realized how many and how large they were) / it’s very tiny bottles of concentrated koolaid, you take 1 for each half of your prep and then chase with 4 pints of regular tap water.
Some people get a real sore anus with all the wiping. Highly recommend a bidet. Next best is a package of disposable wipes with dimethicone which protects skin from liquid poop. You won’t find these in stores and have to order them from a medical supply source Most places make you buy a case but here’s a link where you can order 1 or 2 packs.
Former incontinence nurse and colonoscopy veteran.
https://www.avacaremedical.com/remedy-skin-protectant-wipes?sku=MSC092503H&fee=14&fep=106803&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqdqvBhCPARIsANrmZhOmWBw6cu_8ELthT9zOYGybDSO0ithWjQ-nozfyDlBahLRtJmLxchkaAqJ5EALw_wcB
I’ve had dozens of colonoscopies, and the only thing I would add to the excellent advice here is that, if your ride falls through (like the time my husband woke up with food poisoning at 6 am when I had a colonoscopy scheduled for 8 am), there are often medical transport services you can use to get taken home (since you can’t drive yourself, or take a Lyft/public transit without supervision). I got the info from my doctor’s office that morning, and I think it cost me ~$40, which was totally worth it to not have to reschedule my appointment and go through all the prep again.
This is very good to know!
This is great info! Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this! Aren't we so lucky to be able to have these life-saving procedures?
I am in the UK (for context) and have had a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy (where they just look at the last section of your bowel) at the age of 28, which got me my Crohn's diagnosis. The colonoscopy involved prep (as brilliantly described by AHP) and sedation. I was conscious but super relaxed and enjoyed seeing the inside of my colon on the screen. For the sigmoidoscopy there was no prep to drink - I had to fast and then was given an enema just before (they squirt laxative up your bum to make you poo). I was told I would not need sedation. It was very painful - they decided to look around the corner of my colon and even with gas and air, it hurt a lot and I was in pain for days afterwards. So I would always encourage people to ask for sedation if you can. But there's a lovely 90 year old guy in my choir who happily has full colonoscopies without sedation so maybe just know your body and think about what will make the process the least stressful for you, because chances are you will have more in the future. Also in the UK they give you 'dignity shorts' to wear - shorts with a little flap at the back, hilarious but not at all dignified...
The fact that sedation for these procedures even varies so much between countries is SO WILD to me! Talk about cultural context
Thank you again for sharing this! I know I’m going to reread it before getting my first colonoscopy in a few years.
I would love to read something similarly demystifying/preparatory about mammograms. Is anyone else terrified by the idea of them? All I’ve seen on the internet is that they’re incredibly painful. I know I need to get one but I’m honestly so scared that I’m putting it off.
Don’t put your mammogram off! There’s no prep. It takes all of 19 minutes (if that). And it doesn’t really ‘hurt’—it’s really just ‘uncomfortable’ but not even that. You hold your breath 4 times (two presses on each side) and lickety-split, it’s done. And no pain afterwards! At least I’ve never had any. It’s probably the easiest medical procedure you can have. (This from someone who sobs after a pelvic exam.) The worst part of the mammo for me is waiting for them to come back in and say it’s all clear. You know?
PS because of dense breasts, I have a breast ultrasound immediately after a mammogram. They squeeze warm goo on each and then you lie there while they sweep the ultrasound around. I find that more uncomfortable than the mammo, TBH, but again, I’m a big baby when it comes to medical stuff, and these 2 breast tests are ok for me.
All of TEN minutes! Not 19 (?). I do wish Substack allowed for comment editing.
Huh; I had my first mammogram maybe 6-7 months ago and learned for the first time about my breasts being “dense” (in this technical sense) but did not know about the ultrasound thing. I will keep that in mind next time to at least find out about. Thanks for bringing it up.
It’s somewhat dependent on what they can (or cannot) see whether they do an additional ultrasound. Depends on your breasts and the type of mammogram and just whether things happen to be going your way that day.
This is actually very comforting, thank you for sharing!
You got ultrasounds!? Mine are dense and I have a colorful family cancer history so I’ve been doing mammograms since my 30s and for a couple years I had to do MRIs six months after the mammograms. I’d rather get my boobs squeezed every day than ever do another MRI.
I hope you continue with the MRIs (said with concern, not finger wagging). They can find what mammograms can't in extremely dense breasts. They've found,--luckily benign--masses on my MRIs not spotted on mammograms. I only knew to ask for them because I learned about it from a nurse friend whose cancerous masses were found only on MRIs.
This year they said my density had lessened and I didn't need one! I'm fine with having them as long as I get that sweet, sweet xanax or valium beforehand because I don't do well in the Tube Of Doom.
Chiming in as no one has mentioned timing your mammogram to your menstrual cycle! I have had 3 mammograms and the first two were mildly uncomfortable with pressure. The third was pressure with a small amount of ache, not bad, but not as easy as the first two. My friend pointed out that the timing was right before my period so my breasts were tender. So! Schedule your first mammogram around your cycle if you can. My other tip is if you have a friend who also gets mammograms, schedule your appts together so you have someone to sit with in the waiting room and maybe go get celebratory ice cream or coffee or brunch afterwards.
YES! The timing matters - I am one of the denser ladies and I found that the timing makes a big difference. It was barely a blip with no pain when well timed.
Oh these tips are so so good, thank you!!!
I have had so many mammograms because I have cystic breasts. They do hurt some people but don't hurt me at all. It is just weird and uncomfortable, but not bad. You have the tech making you stand in weird positions while manipulating your breast onto the plate so they can get all your breast tissue but there's no actual pain for me. I also get the ultrasound and don't mind that at all.
It's so individual.
Honestly what I texted my friend who was nervous was if you have had a lactation consultant shove your boob in a baby's mouth you will be fine 🙂
I gotta say nursing was intensely painful for me, so while I get the analogy, it's so individual!
I’ve always thought that sounded so awful when friends have described it! Maybe I’m just way more squeamish about boob pain than I am about any other body part?
Bodies and pain tolerances differ, but my experience has also been of discomfort, yet not pain. You put on a gown, they take you to the room with the equipment, they put your boob on a platform and position you in a specific way, and then a movable piece of the equipment is moved to sort of press your boob a bit flat, and you hold that position for a few seconds while they take an image. You repeat that process a few times so they take about 2 images per side, and then you’re done. I just found this youtube video, which I think does a good job of showing the sequence of events: https://youtu.be/d4LA73EhcTA?si=PMYf7K6tlfNwDqAq
OK, so I had my first mammogram a few years ago and was surprised by how painful it was. It was bearable, but brought tears to my eyes. But then I had another one about six months ago and it was SO MUCH BETTER. The technician told me it's because they have new machines now. I got the sense this was a broad change, as opposed to my particular practice (Kaiser in the Bay Area) happening to do it. So, cause for hope that this procedure will become a lot less painful going forward!
I’ve been getting mamos for decades. I never had unbearable pain but definitely more than just discomfort. Was I surprised at my last mammogram when there was just a gentle squeezing sensation. New equipment. Be sure you ask if the facility has new equipment that isn’t like putting your boob in a vice!
Oh my god imagine if I’ve put it off just long enough to only get the new version?? What a dream that would be. The possibility that it might be deliberately less painful now is a huge relief!
Procrastination for the win!
Please don't put off getting a mammogram. Tell yourself you are doing yourself and your family a favor. It lasts only a moment and afterwards you feel great. It doesn't really hurt....it's uncomfortable, at least it is for me, but not painful.
I had my first mammogram last year, and I was also pretty nervous about it, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and not-painful it was. Uncomfortable? Sure, but it was over in just a few minutes and the tech was so calm and kind.
Same — mine took 10 minutes and was not painful, even though I was prepared for it to be. I think people's experiences can vary wildly according to size of breast and density of breast tissue.
My mammogram was a nothing-burger of an appointment. 10 minutes in and out. Slightly uncomfortable, but not at all painful.
FWIW, I’ve had 4 mammograms in 2 years—one just a few weeks ago—and while it’s not how I’d choose to spend my time, it’s the anxiety that is much worse for me than the actual experience. A diagnostic mammogram is more intense because they get so many more pictures, but wasn’t terrible and still was over in less than 15 minutes. I’ve also had 2 ultrasounds (I have dense breasts and without a baseline they like to be very thorough) and found those to be much more uncomfortable because of how they go over the nipple a bunch of times.
As far as prep, the only thing I’ve found that’s consistent between centers (I’ve been to 3) is no deodorant, but usually they give you a wipe to wipe it off.
One thing I will say and I’m sure I’m an outlier here, so take that with a grain of salt: the recommended age for a first mammogram is 40, but it’s led to a lot of over biopsies. Olivia Munn’s story is scary, but it’s uncommon under 50. When I went for my first the radiologist recommended watching a spot he thought was a fibroadenoma. When I went for my second, a year and a half later (we moved), the radiologist wanted to biopsy the same spot. When I looked at the report, however, I saw that there’d been no growth that indicated malignancy, so I when I went for the biopsy I asked the radiologist (a different one than who’d ordered it) what the differential diagnosis was—and she said that if she’d been looking at it she would not have recommended it for a biopsy since it seemed stable. I decided not to get the biopsy that day and just keep an eye on it. I had a diagnostic mammogram a few weeks ago at Penn (because if I had cancer I wanted to be treated there anyway) and they confirmed the area was a fibroadenoma (really common in younger people) and stable. I would have known that for sure a year earlier with a biopsy, but would have come out of a lot of money out of pocket for the biopsy AND getting a biopsy automatically puts you in a higher risk category. So I’d recommend definitely getting all the information you can and asking lots and lots of questions. And get the AI if it’s offered! AI has been found to be better at analyzing mammograms than humans.
Thank you for sharing this. I am in the panic zone between "ultrasound" and "biopsy" appointments and they want to biopsy a spot which I can feel, and have felt, for 15 years (at least!) with no change. I'm still going to do it (my doctor, not practicing at the hospital where I did the imaging, said they're being very thorough, because they have to be), but I'm ANNOYED about it. It definitely feels as though no one was listening to me in the room.
Anyway! After having 2 regular and 2 followup mammograms (dense tissue crew rise up), I can confirm that, for me, dental xrays are worse. And that's saying something, because I'm fully clothed for those.
Yes, annoyed! That was exactly how I felt about it.
Agree about the biopsies. (Is that the plural?) I almost got a second biopsy for what turned out to be a giant cyst that disappeared in the meantime. The more senior doctor was furious that they almost didn't check me again and were just planning to do the biopsy, but the cyst had disappeared. I'm glad she came in and checked again first!
I'm now sort of convinced that entering periomenopause caused my estrogen levels to skyrocket and/or be out of whack and my breasts to go on a JOURNEY. There were a few points where my breasts were actually hard, like I had breast implants—and all the doctors seemed puzzled but no one really did anything in terms of testing hormones, etc. It's frustrating that doctors don't seem to understand all that much about perimenopause. Now I'm officially in menopause (just over one year now) and I'm doing HRT but things seem to have calmed WAY down.
Yeah I’m 36 and my gyno suggested I start now because my mom had breast cancer, but in my head I’m giving myself a few years to steel my nerves. I tell myself it’s because extra-early mammogram advice is questionable but it’s definitely me being a weeny.
I was TERRIFIED of a mammogram, put it off for two years, and then I got my first one and it was...fine! I scheduled it specifically for a time in my cycle where my boobs didn't hurt, and it went great. I actually got a great stretch on the muscles between my neck and chest that released some tight muscles. LOL The facility was really nice, and they make it as comfortable as possible.
A great stretch????!!! I am listening!!
I had my first mammogram earlier this year. I called to make the appointment, and they said, "We've got one first thing tomorrow morning?" I think it helped because I didn't have as much time to panic. I found the procedure painful because you aren't able to breathe through the pain. You have to hold absolutely still. I took myself out for a cinnamon roll afterward. I earned it! I did take Tylenol later in the day (can't take ibuprofen) because I was sore. I've had countless colonoscopies; the mammogram was a piece of...cinnamon roll? You got this!
I had my first mammogram last year and was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it went. Definitely uncomfortable, but super quick so you're not in discomfort (or pain, if you experience it) for long.
I just started a substack called Anxiety Party based on my experience getting diagnosed with rectal cancer (and subsequently, Lynch Syndrome, which puts me at a much higher risk of developing colorectal cancer among others) at age 40 after a mass was found during a colonoscopy. I ended up having rectal surgery to remove the mass, which was cancerous, but at such an early stage they considered it cured with surgery. I will never forget the anesthesiologist assistant coming by my gurney just before surgery and, upon hearing why I was there, saying, "Good! This is exactly why we screen – to catch things like this." Highly encourage anyone reading this to talk to their doctor about getting a colonoscopy if they have a family history or any symptoms, and this was a GREAT summation of the process. I've had two colonoscopies in two years and will have one every year for the rest of my life. It's not that bad – I pretend I'm doing a cleanse – and Yes! to Vietnamese broth. Great tip. Lucy's in Brooklyn is my go to for clear liquids day. Thank you Anne for writing about this!
I had my first colonoscopy last summer at 37 due to persistent GI problems. The prep took me out—my whole body felt very cold, shaking uncontrollably, and throwing up. I managed to drink enough to be “running clear” so they let me do the procedure. The prep was hard for me, but I’m so glad I did it. I was convinced I had cancer; the symptoms, some of the things doctors said at other appointments—I was so sure. I was really anxious and the kind anesthesiologist gave me some anti-anxiety meds in my IV. If you are scared, tell them!! They can help.
The wonderful nurses and doctor made sure that as soon as I was with it, the first thing I heard was that there was no cancer. It was worth every chill and shake and puke and poop the night before!
Good job! I also had a hard time and they told me to ask for anti- nausea meds with the prep next time. My mom did warn me that sedation makes her nauseous so I asked for anti- nausea during the procedure
I had my first colonoscopy last year, after I started seeing blood in my poop. It's turned out to be a bit of wear & tear around a diverticular pocket, and it's still going on, so I'll probably have another one this year plus some repair work. So - if you are seeing blood, as Anne says, it really can be *all number* of things, and not The Worst - but it is also really, really important to get checked, and do it regularly.
What I found most fascinating was the procedure itself, because I got to watch it in realtime. I was so nervous beforehand that the sedative failed to knock me out, and I suddenly felt so chill about it that I decided to not ask for more of it. So - I watched the screen as it happened. IT WAS FASCINATING. Honestly, I have rarely been so enthralled by anything on a TV. I can still remember the whole thing too - my initial anxiety must have been sky-high to override the meds like that. But at that point, all my nervousness utterly disappeared (the doctors and nurses were really lovely too - Scottish healthcare for the win). Couldn't feel anything, felt the most relaxed I'd been in years, and I got to see firsthand where the problem was, and listen to them say it was nothing to be too worried about.
10/10 would colonoscopize again (and will be doing soon).
Mike, are you in the UK? I wonder if they use different sedatives here, as watching the screen was the highlight of my procedures but most people in the comments don't seem to have experienced it! On the downside I think our prep mixture is not as great as across the Atlantic - I was given vast amounts of laxido, which is also used as a laxative for people on bed rest, and wasn't super effective. Glad you had a good experience ☺️
Yes, UK! Scottish healthcare system. That's so interesting. I wonder if there's a big difference in sedatives? And for the prep, I wasn't given Laxido - I had Movidol (macrogol) and it worked....uh, spectacularly. 😁 I've been given Laxido before and it had a much milder effect on me, so yes, surprising that you were given that for a colonoscopy!
I also watched the screen (US) and thought it was super cool! Except the doctor was asking me questions and I kept thinking why are you talking to me I cannot answer you?! He wanted to know if I had used something that had senna (sp?) in it because it looked like there was some staining. I could have had a much better answer if he asked me after but I could barely focus enough to figure out what the question was.
I have a slow moving colon so I once had a colonoscopy that was unsuccessful meaning that I hadn't been properly cleansed so I had to do it over. That was such awful news upon waking.
So, ever since I've had a two day prep and I think a much better GI doctor. I schedule mine first thing in the morning, say a Wednesday) and then do a two day clear liquid diet after breakfast on say Monday.
My really big tip is this: to drink the obnoxious fluid twice the night before I mix it with white grape juice and just before I drink it I assault my mouth with Dentine Ice gum. If I then hold my nose I can drink the whole thing in thirty seconds and not taste anything.
I love the sensation of being put under.
I just had my 3rd one scheduled (at 43), and bc my digestive system is rather slow, the one-day Dulcolax/Miralax/Gatorade didn’t work!
I’m going again next week, with a 2 day prep and the prescription prep this time. I had done that version the other two times, no problems.
The good news is now you know and it will never happen again.
I strongly recommend restoring your gut biome after the procedure with eating yogurt or another food with similar qualities. After my first colonoscopy with an excessive older prep my gut did not normalize for six months. Not farting was nice for six months but my bowels were definitely not normal.
yes! Given how much we now know about the importance of the gut microbiome to overall health (and indeed how much we don't know... ), it amazes me that people aren't offered more advice about how to get it reestablished after a colonoscopy. Yogurt and a probiotic juice are really helpful for me.