Colonoscopy?

[Asparagus and Lemons]

So I've had alot of bowel troubles and am sick of the doctors telling me its something that I know its not. So I think I should get a colonoscopy to figure out what is really going on up there
So I have a few questions..
Have you had one?
Do you need a referal?
Do they knock you out while they are doing it?
Thanks.

[Arimeh]

Yes I had one

Yes I needed a referral

Yes they knocked me out

[Twin Sister]

I have not had one but I know of someone who has. As far as I remember you need a referral, then you have to prepr 24 hours ahead so your colon is "clean". I think this invovles fasting and medicine which empties you out (this is probably the worst part of teh whole procedure). Then for the procedure they don't put you out but they do sedate you a little to keep you relaxed. Best of luck!

[Arimeh]

I have not had one but I know of someone who has. As far as I remember you need a referral, then you have to prepr 24 hours ahead so your colon is "clean". I think this invovles fasting and medicine which empties you out (this is probably the worst part of teh whole procedure). Then for the procedure they don't put you out but they do sedate you a little to keep you relaxed. Best of luck!

Was that in Canada? Just asking cos I know I was definitely out to it, not just sedated.

And yes, the clean out is the WORST part of the whole procedure.. .omg... you definitely need some soothing cream for your bum after a few times on the loo!!

[indie24]

I had one and the same as Arimeh's Eden. The worst part was the clean out. They knocked me out. I remember the guy telling me to count to 10 that most people dont get past 4. Thought Bull dust and I dont remember even starting to count Was most upset when they were waking me up as I wanted to sleep.

[luna moth]

Dh has had more than one, and is always knocked out for it. His last doctor, though, insisted on a 72 hour cleanout, with no meat or dairy for 72 hours beforehand, and then fasting for the 24 hours beforehand.

He generally doesn't have a referral, because his Gastroenterologist just does it. He has a 12 month referral to see the gastro though.

[Asparagus and Lemons]

yuck! I was offered a colonoscopy last year but became pregnant so couldnt do it, so a referal should be easy.

[Floweryfields]

My mum has one fairly regularly due to an illness that she has.
You do need a referral.
You do a 'cleanout' the day before which involves drinking 2lt of fairly icky drink which basically makes you poop a whole lot. Special diet of clear foods only up till a certain point then no food at all.
They usually use what is called twighlight sedation - in my case it was a valium type drug (for a gastroscopy) which doesn't actually knock you out, it just makes have amnesia for the time they are doing it - so you don't remember anything about it. I felt out of it for the remained of the day but awake.
They usually want you to eat something after it before leaving and do a wee.

[Maisy]

I've had 2 done and the only bad part is the cleanout. Yes you do need a referral too. I remember the day before is clear fluids only and the day before that is a low fibre diet I think and you have to drink a lot of water. They knock you out for the procedure but I dont think it is a GA - its called sedation but I've never had any recollection past counting to 4! And no recollection of it either. I had a good doctor too and have never had any pain or after affects from it. The clean out (as uncomfortable as it is) is a bit like a detox so you will feel better afterwards :-)

[Mother Goose]

Ok, we do these all day every day at work. TO answer your three questions:

No, I haven't had one. But I've been present for plenty and recovered plenty of patients!

Yes you need a referral. I can probably recomend someone for you.

Technically, you are not knocked out. You are given what is considered a "light" sedation. Some people are more "asleep" than others due to how their body responds to the drugs. Typically, most places use midazolam and propofol for sedation. You will not be aware of is happening nor remember what happens, in fact 80% of people don't recall anything from the remainder of the day.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

MG

[Asparagus and Lemons]

thanks everyone! I'll probably have to wait till I stop breast feeding to do it, can't imagine it would be possible while feeding.

I guess it doesn't sound TOO bad.
Thanks again

[Mother Goose]

nope, you can have it done whilst BFing. I've had BFing patients through before. Just make sure they are aware of it when they put you on the list so they can (hopefully) do you earlier. Make sure the anethetist gives you plenty of fluids during the proceedure so it doesn't affect your supply.

HTH

MG