colonoscopy and upper endoscopy at the same time
Posted , 78 users are following.
Last Friday I had a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy of the oesophogus, duodenum and stomach done at the same time. Leading up to the procedure I was absolutely terrified and spent hours looking for information from people who'd had it done so I thought I would share it for others who may have to have both or either of these investigations.
I am a 45 year old female. I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia about a month ago and because of that my GP wanted me to go for a colonoscopy. Not until my appointment came through did I realise I was also having the upper endoscopy done at the same time. Both of these procedures were terrifying to me and it was hard to work out which I was most nervous about; something going down my throat or something where the sun don't shine!
I was sent some industrial strength laxatives with instructions on how to use them. Two days before I had to eat a low residue diet. In fact all I ate was white bread toasted. On the morning of the day before I was allowed some breakfast then only clear fluids (juice, water, black coffee/tea) from then onwards. At 2pm I had to take 10 senokot tablets. Nothing happened. At 4pm I had to mix one sachet of a powder (can't remember the name) with 8oz of hot water and wait half an hour before drinking it. Tasted very citrusy and ok at first but after a few mouthfulls it didn't taste too good but not as bad as some people describe. Nothing happened until about an hour or so later when I got quite severe stomach cramps and 'runs' to the loo! That was it from then; regular need to visit the loo with very little warning other than rumblings in the lower abdomen. I had to take a further sachet at 7pm. Apart from the first bout of severe cramps I had no pain; just exhausting regular visits to the loo until about midnight and a couple when I got up early in the morning of the day of the procedure.
The day of my appointment I cried all the way to the hospital (my partner came with me). I cried the whole time I was in the waiting room and when they were booking me in (check bp etc). I hadn't signed the consent form (which they'd sent with the appointment information) because I wanted to make sure that the Dr knew how terrified I was. He came to see me before I was taken to the procedure room (which was a sort of operating theatre) and promised me he would make sure I was well sedated (asleep!) before he started.
The nurse had put a canula for IV meds into the back of my hand. I walked into the procedure room ( still crying :roll: ). Before the sedation was given and because I was having the upper endoscopy aswell, the Dr sprayed my throat with a local anaesthetic (tastes like vodka mixed with banana), they had to give me this mouth piece which is there to protect your teeth from the scope; they also put a little sponge attached to a tube in your nostril which gives you oxygen while you're sedated. The Dr started putting in the IV sedation which was midazolam and a narcotic pain relief called fentanyl. I told him it wasn't working and he assured me it was; he was right as I have no memory or knowledge of the upper endoscopy; I have a very vague recollection of waking up during the colonoscopy; I was aware it was very uncomfortable but felt disasociated from the pain and more interested in the image on the television screen from the camera! They must've given me more meds because the next thing I know I was waking up in recovery feeling euphoric with relief because they were telling me it was all over :P
I was then allowed to sleep for an hour when they woke me up offering tea and biscuits. They asked me to try walking to the loo and back to make sure I wasn't going to keel over then took me (with my partner) in to a private room to give me the test results. They like you to have someone with you for this part because the midazolam makes you forget things. For about 2 days afterwards I was very very tired and forgetful but am fine now (3 days later) and have been to work today no problems.
I'm sorry this is such a long posting, but it's so hard to find detailed descriptions of these things and for most people these sort of investigations are very fearful prospects and I wanted to share a relatively postive experience in the hope it might help someone else feel less anxious leading up to their appointment.
I hope never to have it done again; but if I do I will not be anywhere near as scared or worried as I was before this first one. I swear I was so scared I was awake most nights leading up to it worrying and googling it (you'll find plenty of horror stories which is why I thought I'd attempt to redress the balance with a positive one).
If you are scare and/or, like me, you have a low pain threshold, then don't be affraid to tell the staff and ask them to make sure you are well sedated.
The staff in the endoscopy unit were lovely and very very compassionate and supportive.
25 likes, 142 replies
patty02379 cry_baby
Posted
I am getting a colonoscopy done here soon and I can tell you I have had the scope down my throat and they used the same medicine for that that they gave you and they had a hard time waking me up now the scope for the bladder they just done on me Thursday was not even that so I did wake up and I have to have this done I don't want to but I need to know if there are any concerns as far as polys and cancer I have stomach problems but not from cancer though I don't feel sick so I want I good a experience like the one I had for my bladder and I am going there to get my colon done I rather have a woman than a man do it but if it's all there is I guess I will get it done.
raven102017 cry_baby
Posted
Thank you so much! About to have this procedure in a few hours and beyond terrified! This helps a lot 😊
Lamborghini_Gal cry_baby
Posted
Cry baby, FIRST OF ALL, you need to change that name to BRAVE baby! I have to have my first colonoscopy in August and I am absolutely terrified. (My grandfather died from colon cancer in the 1980's, and my entire family has had the procedure and had polyps removed). I am just scared to death! Four years ago, in 2014, I finally got up the nerve to make an appt. for a colonoscopy. I'm 52 now, and was told I needed one before I turned 50, due to family history. As it turned out, I was so terrified of that upcoming appt., that I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat much (lost some weight), I even dreamed about having a colonoscopy several times, during this period! I thought about it, day and night. As a matter of fact, EVERY WAKING MOMENT was spent, thinking about it and worrying so much. I was scared of everything: The prep (what if it got me sick, what if I suffered side effects, what if I was allergic to something in it, what if it gave me stomach cramps. I've NEVER had a stomach cramp in my entire life. Ever). I was additionally worried about the procedure: I'm scared of needles, I'm scared to be put to sleep, what if I'm that rare case where something really does go wrong. I can assure you, I was JUST LIKE YOU! I finally could not take anymore! After suffering debilitating effects from pure worry, I cancelled that appointment. And I can honestly tell you the moment I called and canceled that appointment, my life changed, for the BETTER! I felt so relieved. I could once again sleep, eat, not worry, not dream, not stress over something that I was dreading!
While I was glad I cancelled (I canceled over a month before the appt.), I knew that I still needed a colonoscopy. But, four more years passed and through out that time, I once again WORRIED! Not about the procedure, but about the fact that I knew I needed one and could be really in trouble, since I was waiting.
Over the years, I actually tried to pick up the phone, to make another appt. (at another place) and each time, I got so anxious and filled with pure terror, I could not even make the phone call!
Fast forward to 3.5 weeks ago. I finally got up the courage and called a place. I was terrified to even dial the number! But I did. My husband went with me to the consultation and I told the lady doctor EXACLY what I wrote above. I told her everything. There are two people we should always be completely honest with: Our doctor and an attorney.
She was very understanding and I scheduled my appt. for first thing in the morning (August 13th). I have to be there at 6:45 a.m.. I have to have my first prep (IF I can do it) at 5:00 p.m., and then I have to have my 2nd at...….and I dread this...……….. 1:45 a.m.! My doctor was so wonderful. She even prescribed me to take on the morning of, two Lorazapam.
I hope I can do this. I'm handing it better this time, but I want to THANK YOU for sharing your story. I really appreciate your honestly about crying, getting upset and just sharing what you went through. I'm so glad it went well for you though and you did it! I hope I can say the same thing, about my colonoscopy.
I'm sorry this is so long, but I wanted to share that you are not alone in your fear, thank you, and share my story as well. You are an inspiration.
Beth
ginny30950 cry_baby
Posted
I get both done tomorrow also and am freaking out!! My solution (prep) is 2 bottles of liquid stuff and with each bottle u fill the rest up with water to make 16 oz. which I already drank one I drink the next one at 4 a.m. (Central Time) procedure at 7 a.m. Although everyone says oh you'll be fine it'll be over before u know it!! Yeah well I'll trade you places I've told them haha. I just don't think I'll be sleeping tonight due to the fact that I'm already stressed to the core and you can ONLY IMAGINE where I'm at as I type this to you haha!! I'm glad everything went well for you and also like you I want them to KNOCK ME OUT COLD but make sure I wake up lol...if I remember I will let ya know if I survive this HORRIBLE ordeal haha...I'm just glad I'm not the only one who feels the same way <3
marie63382 ginny30950
Posted
I was petrified too. I can honestly say that the worst thing about the whole ordeal was the drink. I had sedation and I can't remember most of it. It was over in no time and I was off to eat a huge breakfast. Good luck.
patty02379 cry_baby
Posted
ginny30950 patty02379
Posted
So sorry to hear she has colon cancer and for u also PRAYERS 🙏 ....my sister also just had a 1/3 of hers removed everything went well for me just waiting on results and the drink stuff will clean her out the 1st bottle it will still have color by the time u drink the 2nd and go it will be clear....tell her to Pray (if y'all do that ) it will calm her down some it TOTAY helped me GOOD LUCK ????
Chrissywissy92 cry_baby
Posted
Thank you so much for posting this. You really made me feel less anxious. I am having both gastroscopy and colonoscopy next Sat and although I have had them seperately in the past, I really had an awful experience with the gastro last time ( maybe because I tried it with no sedation). I will make sure to tell the endoscopy team and my consultant that I would like to be properly sedated this time. Hopefully it will go well. Thanks again x
karen63115 cry_baby
Posted
I am new here and worried about my teenage daughter who as to have this done, I will let her read this as she is terrified
Island_girl cry_baby
Posted
Hi
Well you guessed it lol. I could have written your note and just changed the name.
I’m also anemic. Did you have the infusions?
When the doctors office called and mentioned 2 proceedures ..... I freaked! I “strongly“
told her that I can’t stand the thought of anything up my nose or down my throat.
I said if any part of this has to be done with sedation or I’ll leave. I have had a lot of medical test. Some of them were bad. But I freak and panic for the swab thingy checking
for strep throat. I won’t even begin to tell you about dental impressions. I am a wicked gagger.
I noticed the spray and cotton were done before sedation????? OMG. lol I’m nautious.
This torture date is June 6.
Did they find anything that helped with your blood labs?
Hope you’re doing well . Gee, maybe vodka would help before I leave, clear liquid!!!!
Diane
erendira93496 cry_baby
Posted
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. My elderly mother has to go through the same procedure on Thursday, and I was very nervous, but after reading your post it calm me down.
Thank you again.