For young adults nervous about Colonoscopies

Hello!

I posted a while back ago about my concerns of a colonoscopy I was scheduled for. I am a 21 year old female, and I was recommended by my doctor to get a one. Here is my experience (in detail) of the whole ordeal. I hope this might help someone in the future!

 

I did A LOT of research about colonoscopies on the internet. Of course, I found more horror stories than positive experiences. I was very, very nervous about this procedure, especially because it was my first time being put under anesthesia. I am young, and have never had any issues with my health, so really, this was my first 'major' procedure ever, the closest thing I have experienced to this is a root canal, which I didn't mind, mainly because of the awesome pain killers I got prescribed afterwards. 

 

I'll begin with the prep. I was given 2 doses of Suprep for my bowel prep. The first dose was at 5.00 on a Sunday. I called the office ahead of time and asked if I could mix the solution with ginger ale, to which they said was fine. The taste was okay for me; I think the soda really helped it go down. I didn’t mind the fasting beforehand because I fast once a month for religious reasons. I read online that the effect would take place in about 10 minutes, which was not true for me. I also thought I could 'hold it in' so, I got under some blankets on my couch, and had my laptop and a glass of water handy for when the time called. Man....I was SO wrong. I decided to take 3 big gulps at a time instead of small sips as some suggested. Everyone is different, so I can't really give my opinion on this. It was about 45 minutes after I finished the solution that I was running for dear life to the bathroom! Of course that meant I didn't have time to grab my laptop, so I sat for about. The symptoms where actually not that bad for me. I had very minor cramps, nothing compared to the horrible pain I have every morning (the reason I am getting the colonoscopy). The worst part of the first round of prep was sitting n the toilet for so long. I had no nausea, no dizziness, just a few small chills every once in a while and very watery bowel movements. I was in the restroom for about 3 hours in total before I felt comfortable getting ready for bed. I had a hard time sleeping at night because I was nervous and also because I had to get up 3 times to use the restroom. Thank God we live in a 2 bedroom condo, because I really don't know how I would feel using the restroom right next to my sleeping boyfriend. He did hear a few bathroom runs I made, which he was obviously okay with it, but I still really cherished the 2nd bathroom that I could use in private! The 2nd prep was at 3.30 AM. It was not as pleasant as the first one. I think it was mainly because I was awake at 3.30 in the morning...but I was very nauseated even lime slices didn’t help me. I was in the bathroom for 2 hours until I felt I was all done and decided to try to sleep. Well, as soon as I started to drift into dream world, I woke up running for the bathroom. I stayed up the whole night until my scheduled procedure, at 8.00 AM. One thing I read, and that I didn't do because I'm an idiot, is that you should put petroleum jelly on your bottom. I really wish I did so, because YES, it feels like your pooping out fire.

 

The procedure itself was fantastic. Again, I was very nervous about this, to the point where I asked my mom to take instead my boyfriend because I didn't want to scream bloody murder in front of handome man I love. I mean... your mom is obligated to love you no matter what, she can't leave you for acting like a baby and crying out for sweet Jesus, right? Anyways, I was taken to a private room where a nurse met with me and explained what my day would consist of. I told her right way that I was nervous and it was my first time being under anesthesia. She was very comforting and understanding. I got underdressed and then met with the nurse administrating the Propofol who was also very understanding of my anxiety. He told me all about the drug I would be given and told me he would be with me at all times. I was then given an IV through the hand because my veins are very small and constricted in my arm due to anxiety. Probably the worst part of it all because I hate needles, and let’s be honest, if you enjoy getting poked in the hand, you need some professional help. I was expecting a long wait before my procedure, but it all seemed to move quick. I wasn't rushed, but it was nice not to wait and just get it over with. After about 10 minutes, I was wheeled into the procedure room, where I finally freaked out and almost had an anxiety attack. It was dark and there where monitors everywhere. It really reminded me of a scary movie or video game. But, it was all in my head, once I started talking my anxiety went away. There were 2 other nurses in the room, as well as my doctor and the male nurse. He began to ask about my studies and where I work, and I didn’t even notice him putting in the anesthesia before I felt a wonderful sense of calm overwhelm me. Apparently, the last thing I said before I drifted off was " Wow this is great, can I take some home?". The next thing I remember was walking up to my mom and her phone in my face ready to video tape the awkward things I say after waking up. I didn’t even remember going to sleep, it felt like I closed my eyes for one secound, and then I was awake and everything was over. I was given water and apple juice right away by my post-op nurse, and slowly got ready to leave the facility. It was so much better than I thought. The staff was amazing, and never made me feel rushed or embarrassed for being a newbie. Because of their care, I didn't have an anxiety attack, and the process went great. It was much better than I expected. To break it down, here are my tips for anyone nervous about this procure:

 

- Drink lots of water. Even if they say to drink 4 tall glasses, drink more if you can.

- Be prepared for the bowel prep. Make sure you have something to do in the bathroom, and a glass of water, because yes you will get thirsty. 

- Use petroleum jelly on your bottom before and in between bowel movements. For the love of God, please do this. Don't make the mistake I did!

- Find someone you are comfortable with to take/stay with during the procedure. As much as I love my boyfriend, I was happy to have my mom take me, and I'm sure she was glad to be with me during this hard time.

- Ask the office about ways to mix the bowel prep. I was fine with the ginger ale, and I'm sure it made a huge difference to gulping the mixture down.

- Don't google any stories abut colonoscopies unless it's all positive. You'll thank me later.

- Have faith in your doctor/staff.

- Try not to overeat after the procedure, I know food will look like heaven, but you still want to go easy on your digestive system...it's been through a lot.

- If you have the option to be sedated, take it. Even if you’re nervous, it makes it be easier for you and the staff.

- If you’re a young adult wondering why in the hell you need a colonoscopy, go see a few other doctors for a second opinion. I am glad I got the procedure over with, because my mind is at ease, but everyone is different.

- Try lime slices if you feel sick, it helped me for a bit.

- If your secound prep is in the morning, bring a cold, damp towel with you to the bathroom to keep you awake.

 

- Finally; try to relax. I know its hard, but freaking yourself out will only make it worse. Find a doctor you trust and have faith. It will go by so quick, you won’t even have the time to complain.