Can someone set my mind at rest plz.

[PadPhilosopher]

I agree that you should be sedated for a colonoscopy; and most doctors are quite willing to provide the sedation. I also think that sedation would be a good idea for a cystoscopy as that procedure is also quite uncomfortable, but I've never been able to persuade a urologist to sedate me for a cystoscopy.

I had a cystoscopy with just local anesthesia. It wasn't a big deal. But, I can comfortably self a catheterize without pain, so YMMV.

 

[PadPhilosopher]

My colonoscopy was in November and with a sedative. It is the only way they provide this procedure without a ton of additional paperwork! The fast action sedative was great as I was quickly out and back-up shortly they finished. I was wearing a NorthShore Supreme Pull-up and when I was waking-up it was back in place. Last month I had a flexible cystomocy and that was without a sedative, but did include a topical pain reliever. My Doctor was a true expert and I did get to see the cameral action on a large screen.

I truly believe that the prep the day before is critical for a colonoscopy! One has to follow direction 100% for the best results. Failure to follow the directions and you get to do it again!!

Haha, I watched my cystoscopy on the screen, too. Fascinating technology.

As usual, great post and great advice.

 

[Zeke]

Haha, I watched my cystoscopy on the screen, too. Fascinating technology.

As usual, great post and great advice.

After I had my second colonoscopy I was taken to the hospital by ambulance because I was constantly passing out. They gave me two units of blood and my hemoglobin was still only at 6% so my gastroenterologist said that he wanted to preform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. He wanted to sedate me for the procedure and I said no because I wanted to see what he was seeing on the screen as he was seeing it. As he was preparing to insert the scope down my throat I looked at it, I looked at him, and I asked him as seriously as I could “That’s not the same device that you used for my colonoscopy is it?”. I thought he going to loose it for a minute, he had to turn away to try to preserve some decorum in the room. When he found 2 small ulcers near the duodenum and said “There’s where your blood loss is came from.” I told him that I didn’t think they were bad enough to have lost as much blood as I had in as little time as it had taken. Then it struck me why he wanted me sedated, to prevent me from giving my own second opinions! It wasn’t easy for me to argue with him with that contraption down my throat and I think he figured that I would’ve been even less argumentative if I had been sedated. He was the kind of doctor that I was fortunate to have when dealing with GI tract issues, he has a great sense of humor.

 

[craigd1341]

Sedation and the mini prep!!! I had a great sleep … the mini prep cost me like $60. Best money I ever spent to only slam back two small bottles …. Was easier mentally

 

[Edgewater]

I wonder, are the colonscopies different in USA than in nordic countries?
I got a tube with the thickness of a finger inserted. It included a water flushing device and a camera.
Thicker objects do pass naturally.
I could feel the flexible tube moving in and out and water running out.
Sure, it was not pleasant and not just a little embarrassing, but not painful.
Not something I thought needed a sedation.
Prior to the examination, I had to undergo a fast and a cleaning procedure, including several enemas to
get an empty and «clean» colon. The fasting was the worst.

Yes, the procedure is very different in the US as a result of our legal system and the active want of far too many America's to sue at the slightest discomfort!

 

[Zeke]

Yes, the procedure is very different in the US as a result of our legal system and the active want of far too many America's to sue at the slightest discomfort!

The fact that our medical schools are limited by the AMA on their number of graduates and that law schools can pack in prospective JD students to the ceilings has always bothered me. I came across this graph depicting the number of lawyers in developed countries around the world (whoever labeled the chart made an error by adding one too many zeros to its label, it should be 100k). It doesn’t take much analysis to decipher the source of the litigious nature of our society after examining the numbers. I found this chart 4 years ago and I’m not sure how old the data was at that time, but I’m sure that the numbers have only gotten worse since then. But then even ambulances chasing personal injury lawyers don’t have a case without a client so who’s to blame really? I have no problem with those who actually seek to redress a wrong and/or injury done to their client, but as you indicated, Edgewater, the number of frivolous and merit less suits filed in this Country is staggering. Many times they know their case has no merit but they also know that companies will settle just to avoid the cost of litigation.

 

[PadPhilosopher]

@Zeke Raise prices by artificially lowering the supply.......say it ain't so......

 

[Zeke]

@Zeke Raise prices by artificially lowering the supply.......say it ain't so......

Just remember every dollar these phony lawsuits cost companies and businesses gets passed on to consumers in their prices. Then when you consider the number of the members of the House and Senate who are lawyers increasing our liabilities by borrowing TRILLIONS on the taxpayers credit you can see how much this one group of individuals is costing our society.

Dad always sad “We should hang all the crooked lawyers….the other two we could get used to.” As a kid I used to think he was joking, but as an adult he has my full and enthusiastic agreement!

 

[PadPhilosopher]

Just remember every dollar these phony lawsuits cost companies and businesses gets passed on to consumers in their prices. Then when you consider the number of the members of the House and Senate who are lawyers increasing our liabilities by borrowing TRILLIONS on the taxpayers credit you can see how much this one group of individuals is costing our society.

Dad always sad “We should hang all the crooked lawyers….the other two we could get used to.” As a kid I used to think he was joking, but as an adult he has my full and enthusiastic agreement!

Also true. It's a vicious double whammy.

 

[Pino]

Yes, the procedure is very different in the US as a result of our legal system and the active want of far too many America's to sue at the slightest discomfort!

The procedure is complete different in Germany either. Interesting. Nobody gets sued though.

 

[Cottontail]

@ben0510 I figured I'd chime in since I had my first routine colonoscopy only three days ago. Really, the worst part was the prep, and only because my appointment time dictated that I take the second dose of laxative at 3am. Perhaps needless to say, I didn’t sleep well that night!

The procedure itself was almost completely painless. It’s become typical to receive general anesthesia for these. I was told to lie on my side in a fetal position, knees toward my chest, and then propofol was put in my IV. The surgeon said, “You’re going to feel a little pressure in your bottom.” I did, but there was no pain. Within seconds, the propofol kicked in and I was asleep.

Being gassy and crampy is common after a colonoscopy, but I felt fine. I ended up with three polyps removed and am awaiting results. I had some minor bleeding (but no pain) when I pooped for the first time after the procedure.

Overall: No biggie. I hope the same for you!

 

[fredy552]

After a weeks stay in hospital last week,It has been decided by the specialist in charge, that I need a colonoscopy as well as a flexible cystoscopy. they originally wanted to do one one day, and the other the next day! but thats been changed now.
any way, what I want know, is it best to be sedated for the colonoscopy and get someone to drive me there and back, or not have sedation at all?. in which case will I be able to drive myself home? no one in the hospital will commit one way or the other. hope you can help.

be0510, I have had several colonoscopies. You will be sedated, and my guess is most people have someone bring them and take them home it depends on the individual. I have driven home in fact my last one I was starving, and I drove to a restaurant and then home. As to the cystoscopy, I have no clue what that is so I cannot say. If they are doing both at the same time, I think I would find someone to drive, you to the hospital and home just to be safe. I googled cystoscopy and found what they are going to do. So, you will definitely be knocked out. For your own comfort, I would look up on a computer to see what both of these procedures are, so you have an idea what is going on. (Just an FYI I have a Colonoscopy in May myself.)

 

[Jojo54]

Do not drive yourself no matter which one you choose. Many times after the procedure have in the car on ride home. Bring a pad for your car seat and maybe a plastic bag to protect the car seat.

 

[Cottontail]

Do not drive yourself no matter which one you choose.

^^ This. Please get a ride home. Policies vary from hospital to hospital, but mine insists that you have somebody else drive you home after any procedure that requires sedation or general anesthesia, and with good reason: You might feel fine, but your mind is definitely not all there. I was asked at least five times to confirm the name of the person giving me a ride, and their phone number, where they were, etc. After I'd woken up and dressed myself, my nurse insisted on putting me in a wheelchair and taking me out to the main entrance to meet my wife, who was waiting with the car. I have no doubt that if she'd been unavailable, they would have insisted on a cab or an Uber or something else.

 

[depta99]

Until I read this thread I had no idea that sedation was even optional. I've known several people plus myself who have got them and none were never given the choice of not having sedation. With that said, it was completely painless and over in the blink of an eye . Of course that meant I needed to get a ride home and was a bit drowsy the rest of the day. But really other than that zero side effects. The prep however, was very much less than pleasant

 

[Binky151]

thanks for the reply. I make take a nappy or some pads with me just for the journey home.

When I had mine they gave me pad after in case I was bleeding.

 

[Binky151]

^^ This. Please get a ride home. Policies vary from hospital to hospital, but mine insists that you have somebody else drive you home after any procedure that requires sedation or general anesthesia, and with good reason: You might feel fine, but your mind is definitely not all there. I was asked at least five times to confirm the name of the person giving me a ride, and their phone number, where they were, etc. After I'd woken up and dressed myself, my nurse insisted on putting me in a wheelchair and taking me out to the main entrance to meet my wife, who was waiting with the car. I have no doubt that if she'd been unavailable, they would have insisted on a cab or an Uber or something else.

The hospital here won't allow an Uber or taxi, you must have a friend or family to drive you home.

 

[rennecfox]

Personal experience from someone who has had a cystoscopy and upper endoscopy... always air on the higher side of concern in the eyes of the anesthesiologists.