Re: colonoscopy

[Guest guest]

No, a colonoscopy is an exam of the colon only. An upper GI I believe could exam

your stomach from the inside.

There are no dumb questions. Ask whatever you need to, thats what we are all

here for.

Hugs,

a

delinda392000 wrote:I know this may sound like a dumb question, but I was

wondering when

you have a colonoscopy done does it also check the inside of the

stomach. I know that the stomach is part of the intestine, but I'm

not for sure if it is checked during this procedure. Any info would

be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Delinda

[Guest guest]

a is right - actually, a colonoscopy can only see the LARGE

intestine - there is NO SCOPE which goes into the SMALL INTESTINE at

all! Fortunately though, this new " pill camera " has recently become

available in " major GI centers "

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/DailyNews/pillcamera020419.html

Best Wishes,

I know this may sound like a dumb question,

but I was wondering when

> you have a colonoscopy done does it also check the inside of the

> stomach. I know that the stomach is part of the intestine, but I'm

> not for sure if it is checked during this procedure. Any info

would

> be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Delinda

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I noticed that too. I've never used an enema - " standard " prep seems

to have been Fleet's Phospho Soda (yuck!!) alone, although many

doctors are switching to the newer Visicol tablets

http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/drugs/dru644.html

However...here is an example where they use Visicol WITH an enema

http://ssamed.com/colonoscopy_preparation_with_visicol.htm

I guess all of them do it differently.

Best Wishes,

> I am scheduled for my second colonoscopy on the 27th. I just

> read where some of you (I think it was a's post) use a n

> enema. I have never had to do an enema for this procedure.

>

> Am I missing something here, or are there just different

> methods for this prep.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Kate

[Guest guest]

you know, my mother has had two colonoscopies and never had to use an enema

either. I think you are right, different preps for different doctors.

PS... Personally... I am not trilled with the enema part LOL

a

kadee98837 wrote:I am scheduled for my second colonoscopy on the 27th. I just

read where some of you (I think it was a's post) use a n

enema. I have never had to do an enema for this procedure.

Am I missing something here, or are there just different

methods for this prep.

Thanks.

Kate

[Guest guest]

For my colonoscopy, I had to drink an 8 oz. bottle of magnesium

citrate (which tastes like the sourest lemonade you can imagine) plus

a half gallon of nulytely for sol (orange flavor), drinking a glass

of it every 15 minutes until it was gone. (I love the nickname the

medical types have for the latter. They call it " go lightly " because

by the time it's all run through you, you're passing almost pure

water!)

>you know, my mother has had two colonoscopies and never had to use

>an enema either. I think you are right, different preps for

>different doctors.

>PS... Personally... I am not trilled with the enema part LOL

>a

>kadee98837 wrote:I am scheduled for my second colonoscopy on the 27th. I just

>read where some of you (I think it was a's post) use a n

>enema. I have never had to do an enema for this procedure.

>

>Am I missing something here, or are there just different

>methods for this prep.

>

>Thanks.

>

>Kate

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well then.. It appears that I am the lucky one huh?? LOL

I have to do the Fleet Soda, then 4 of the Fleet laxative pills and the morning

of...oh joy of joys the Fleet Enema. This package comes in a Fleet Kit called

the Fleet Kit 3...available at the pharmacy counter, it is not on the shelves...

I am guessing for fear that people would just buy the kit for the FUN of it and

not for what it is intended for??? LOL

a

altman23 wrote:I noticed that too. I've never used an enema - " standard " prep

seems

to have been Fleet's Phospho Soda (yuck!!) alone, although many

doctors are switching to the newer Visicol tablets

http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/drugs/dru644.html

However...here is an example where they use Visicol WITH an enema

http://ssamed.com/colonoscopy_preparation_with_visicol.htm

I guess all of them do it differently.

Best Wishes,

> I am scheduled for my second colonoscopy on the 27th. I just

> read where some of you (I think it was a's post) use a n

> enema. I have never had to do an enema for this procedure.

>

> Am I missing something here, or are there just different

> methods for this prep.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Kate

[Guest guest]

Easy for them to say!!! In comparison I may not have it so bad??

a

Jon Kinslow wrote:For my colonoscopy, I had to drink an 8 oz. bottle of

magnesium

citrate (which tastes like the sourest lemonade you can imagine) plus

a half gallon of nulytely for sol (orange flavor), drinking a glass

of it every 15 minutes until it was gone. (I love the nickname the

medical types have for the latter. They call it " go lightly " because

by the time it's all run through you, you're passing almost pure

water!)

>you know, my mother has had two colonoscopies and never had to use

>an enema either. I think you are right, different preps for

>different doctors.

>PS... Personally... I am not trilled with the enema part LOL

>a

>kadee98837 wrote:I am scheduled for my second colonoscopy on the 27th. I just

>read where some of you (I think it was a's post) use a n

>enema. I have never had to do an enema for this procedure.

>

>Am I missing something here, or are there just different

>methods for this prep.

>

>Thanks.

>

>Kate

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kate;

I just had a colonoscopy last week. I had been putting it off for 2

years due to the prep, procedure, and emotions due to my husband's

colon cancer. When I called to make the appointment, they started

giving me directions for the Fleet Phospho Soda prep. I told the

doctor about my fears and anxiety and asked her if I could PLEASE do

the pills for the prep. She agreed.

The Visicol pills are much more accepted by doctors for the prep

now. The prep involves taking 40 pills. I found it much better than

drinking the liquid. In addition, the doctor was very pleased at how

clean my colon was. After seeing some of the pictures, I also think

it was much cleaner than my last prep with the Fleet phospho-soda.

If you really do not want to do the other prep, you might want to ask

your doctor about the pills.

Best of luck,

Amie

[Guest guest]

> Kate;

>

Amie:

Thanks for the info. I have had the phospho soda prep before, and

due to a sensitive colon, (per my doc's nurse anyway) I doubled over

on the kitchen floor with severe stomach cramps. The nurse told me if

it did not go away in 30 mins. to go to emergency. It was gone in 20

mins., but super painful. My doc, this time, has me taking the first

1-1/2 ozs. of soda in three different batches, mixed with Seven Up,

all within 20 minutes of each other. I think I will stick with the

soda this time as he has spent some time trying to convince me I will

be fine this time.

The first colonoscopy was bad as well, as he ran into scar tissue from

a previous surgery, and I started shouting that it hurt. Then, they

increased the sedative. He told me that this time they will start off

with 200 cc's right from the start. I am concerned about it, but

trust this man.

My main concern is the bleeding. If I have no stools inside of me,

to help keep the blood inside my rectal area, well, (sorry to be so

gory here) how messy can this get until I get in for the colonoscopy?

This bleeding has been going on since July 17th, (at least that is

when I noticed it) and I have been rather calm about the entire

ordeal,but now I find myself getting anxious and fearing the worse.

I really appreciate finding this group.

Thanks.

Kate

I just had a colonoscopy last week. I had been putting it off for 2

> years due to the prep, procedure, and emotions due to my husband's

> colon cancer. When I called to make the appointment, they started

> giving me directions for the Fleet Phospho Soda prep. I told the

> doctor about my fears and anxiety and asked her if I could PLEASE do

> the pills for the prep. She agreed.

>

> The Visicol pills are much more accepted by doctors for the prep

> now. The prep involves taking 40 pills. I found it much better

than

> drinking the liquid. In addition, the doctor was very pleased at

how

> clean my colon was. After seeing some of the pictures, I also think

> it was much cleaner than my last prep with the Fleet phospho-soda.

>

> If you really do not want to do the other prep, you might want to

ask

> your doctor about the pills.

> Best of luck,

> Amie

[Guest guest]

Kate:

That must have been really scary to have the cramping and bleeding.

I hope that this prep is easier for you and that all goes well.

Please keep us posted.

Thinking and praying for you.

All the best,

Amie

[Guest guest]

Amie:

Really it was not too bad, as the minute I started telling them

loudly, that I was in pain, they sedated me more.

Like everyone else who goes through this, I will be glad when it is

over. The outcome of this procedure scares me more than the actual

test.

Thanks much.

Kate-

-- In colon_cancer_support@y..., " amie1231sarah " <adair@t...> wrote:

> Kate:

> That must have been really scary to have the cramping and bleeding.

> I hope that this prep is easier for you and that all goes well.

> Please keep us posted.

> Thinking and praying for you.

> All the best,

> Amie

[Guest guest]

Kate:

The more I have thought about you and your situation, the more

concerned I am that the doctor has not rescheduled your colonoscopy

sooner, for example, in the next couple of days.

You may think I am an alarmist, but please understand that the

doctors wasted precious time with my husband because they ASSUMED

that his colon was not involved. Now he is Stage IV colon cancer and

is seriously ill, so you can understand my concern for you. If there

is any cancer, the sooner you get it, the better.

I have found that sometimes in order to get an earlier appointment, I

have needed to be very assertive and call the doctor's office on a

daily basis, usually in the morning shortly after they open their

office for the day. (That seems to be the time most people call to

cancel appointments.) I have insisted on being on waiting lists, even

when they have insisted that they are sure that no opening would

happen. This is the only way that I got to have my colonoscopy last

week; they originally told me that I could not possibly get an

appointment until October!!

Please read 's advice very carefully; I have been following his

posts for over a year now and have found his advice to be absolutely

excellent! Make a plan to call the doctor tomorrow morning and

insist on having a colonoscopy this week. Time is of the essence.

Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Amie

[Guest guest]

Hi Kate!

Along with my prep sheet, the gastro was kind enough to provide a three page

" Frequently Asked Questions " . lol One of them was " Is Squirt allowed? " The

answer was " No, because it is not clear " . But they consider cola clear....go

figure!

As one of the biggest babies around, I can honestly assure you that the

toughest part is the prep.

Deb

> Hi All:

>

> Getting ready for the colonoscopy Friday, and tomorrow is something I

> am not looking forward to.

>

> I assume it is OK to drink Diet Squirt during the prep, but just

> wanted to get another opinion. It was not on my prep sheet, however,

> 7-Up was.

>

> Many thanks.

>

> Kate (who is a bit nervous now)

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kate, congrats on your colonoscopy! Sounds like all went well.

Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum, (called the rectal

mucosa ). Here's a web page for you to get some info:

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/summary/proctis/proctis.htm

And here's another:

http://www.proctitispages.force9.co.uk/

Sending tissue to pathology is routine - they can't tell just by looking at

the tissue whether it's malignant, they have to look at it under a

microscope and do some other tests. I don't think it's anything to be

concerned about, the docs are probably covering their butts (and yours!).

Get some rest this weekend. I'm so glad your results are good. Rejoice!!!

Terri

[Guest guest]

Terri:

Thanks so much for the great web sites.

The strange thing is that I had hardly any pain, just bloody stools

and I can eat anything. But, one thing the article mentioned was

allergies. I am being treated for a sinus problem, but I am not sure

if they mean this type of allergy vs. food allergy.

Oh well, I will know more when I get the tests back, I hope. I just

hope the does not lead to Crohns, etc. later in life.

This is such a great group, and I thank all of you from the bottom of

my heart.

Kate

> Hi Kate, congrats on your colonoscopy! Sounds like all went well.

>

> Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum, (called the

rectal

> mucosa ). Here's a web page for you to get some info:

> http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/summary/proctis/proctis.htm

> And here's another:

> http://www.proctitispages.force9.co.uk/

>

> Sending tissue to pathology is routine - they can't tell just by

looking at

> the tissue whether it's malignant, they have to look at it under a

> microscope and do some other tests. I don't think it's anything to

be

> concerned about, the docs are probably covering their butts (and

yours!).

>

> Get some rest this weekend. I'm so glad your results are good.

Rejoice!!!

>

> Terri

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I have had 2 colonoscopies to date, NEITHER was painful at all! The

worst part by far is the hideous tasting " prep " they make you drink

the night before.

For the colonoscopy itself, you are under " conscious sedation " which

basically means you are out of it to the extent that you won't

care...the drugs also have the effect of making you " forget " whatever

happens during the procedure so you have no bad memories. I can

vaguely remember falling asleep and waking up after it was finished,

that's about it! I guess you could fight it and successfully stay

awake if you REALLY wanted to (and/or you could tell the doctor you

wanted to be awake and he/she might give you less of the drugs), but

it seems better to me to go to sleep (I tell the doctor to give me

EXTRA drug 'cause I don't wanna know LOL!)

They will tell you what they found, but your companion (you MUST

bring someone with you for this as it is NOT SAFE to drive

afterwards!!!) will probably be of more help later in recalling what

was said!

There is nothing to fear about colonoscopies...before I had one I too

was very afraid. Like many things, our fears are FAR worse than the

realities...

Can you tell us anything about your history, i.e. is this a routine

colonosopy or did you have symptoms your doctor is trying to diagnose?

Best Wishes,

> I will be going on next Friday for colonoscopy. I am frightened.

> Will they put me to sleep? I do not wish to be put to sleep is it

> necessary? This is the first one that I have ever had! Will they

> tell you that day what they have found?

[Guest guest]

I am a breast cancer survivor and have lost approximately 20 lbs

since July. I have seen no blood in stool except after extensive

surgery on gums. I have had approximately 3 bowel movements a day

after doctors told me that was perfectly normal. I have seen

narrowing of stools and I am a little frightened. I have been going

regularly to an oncologists for my breast cancer and have been having

blood work but she didn't see anything abnormal.

I am glad that I found this group and have been reading the old

posts. No one ever told me that breast cancer was a risk factor for

colon cancer. Thank you for listening!!!

> > I will be going on next Friday for colonoscopy. I am

frightened.

> > Will they put me to sleep? I do not wish to be put to sleep is

it

> > necessary? This is the first one that I have ever had! Will

they

> > tell you that day what they have found?

[Guest guest]

A colonoscopy is the best proactive defense against colon cancer. If

you keep this in mind, even if it is uncomfortable, it is very

important to diagnose any problem early or to give you peace of mind

that probably no problem exists.

I took the Visicol pills for my recent prep. I found them much more

pleasant than the drink. I did find the procedure uncomfortable, but

when I requested some more medication, they gave it to me.

Best of luck. I hope that all goes well.

Amie

[Guest guest]

Good luck Stacie,

The worst part is the preparation. The rest is a breeze!

Love Aisha

-- colonoscopy

ok...so Monday morning is the date...930 is the time....I dont like getting

put to sleep, hate iv's (even though I should be used to them), and am

afraid of some complication (perforation of bowel)..I know I know..

extremely unlikely....I just get so nervous and think the worst!...so Sunday

night I start the fun prep.....I should be back sometime early afternoon on

Monday.........wish me luck!!!!

Stacie.......bleh!!!!

[Guest guest]

aisha:

ok, the prep is mostly over.....i even threw my guts up....i didnt sleep one wink....the night was horrible.....wish me luck....i am leaving in an hour.....

Stacie

[Guest guest]

Stacie,

I know that you will get thru this and will be okay. I also wish you a gentle path in treating your illness.

Tracie

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all of your well wishes...I am home and in bed.....I woke up and asked the doc "where am I"...he said "you just had a colonoscopy"...I answered...."I was just everwhere...you have no idea"...it was the most amazing sleep I have had in years......the results were normal....just inflammation...tg!....thank you all again!!...I am going to rest now...I got no sleep last night....Stacie

[Guest guest]

so what are you saying aisha.....it could still be sarcoid or crohns...crohns markers showed up in my blood and i have sarcoid all over my body....but there are no granulomas either through endoscopy, colonoscopy, or upper GI series, or CT of abdomen....granulomas always always show up in CT scan......

[Guest guest]

ace level always normal..always has been

[Guest guest]

have positive markers....its the isca igg antibody...but negative on an upper gi and negative on colonoscopy and endoscopy....so they are saying that the blood is false negative....my blood also shows high positive highly for celiac disease....but had small bowel biopsy (only sure way of getting result---negative)...is remicade thalidamide??.....right now they are trying the pred which i feel nothing from....and the mercaptapurine...if that doesnt work, then they mentioned the stronger medications.......