Fifty Plus (50+) - Colonoscopy/polyp removal/pain?

I don't post much anymore and originate even less but figure this is the place to ask my question.

As a result of a lower GI scan looking for a possible cause of hematuria (erratic evidence of microscopic blood in urine) which turned out to be nothing, the doc noticed a thickening in my colon, so its time for another check. Also, I've had a little pain off and on in the lower stomach area so best to get it all checked. I had my first colonoscopy done at age 52, four years ago, with no problems.

The doc did a colonoscopy yesterday and excised two polyps, the smaller of which he had to cauterized. I had fasted for 48 hours prior. Everything seemed okay, but last night I had a slight pain in the general area where one of the polyps was taken out. Everything works today, but I still have a slight pressure/pain in that area. I was a little suprised by the whole thing, as I eat a relatively low fat diet with a good fiber intake, but my older brother has had polyps removed several times. If the pain was severe I'd be back at the doc's this AM, but it is not.

I would appreciate hearing of other's experiencs, and if they had any pain/discomfort associated with polyp removal after a colonoscopy?

I've had polyps removed. There was no pain or any other sensation related to the removal.

I had a couple removed three years ago. No pain or any sensation afterward. However, in my case, the anesthetic didn't work so hot. The doc put the anesthetic in the IV, and said I would start getting a little dizzy. Sure thing, I got a little dizzy, then was suddenly wide awake/cognizant of everything he was doing. You can imagine my surprise when he stuck the camera in!! He was all apologies afterward, but when I go in for the next one, it'll be a different doc.

I've had 14 removed and never had any pain or bleeding. Thankfully I'm back on a 5 year cycle-but for obvious reasons something I cannot overlook. I'd recommend at least giving the doc's nurse a call.

I'd recommend at least giving the doc's nurse a call.

Yup.

Had one removed. No pain afterwards.

Call the doc. That is why he is there.

I had a couple removed three years ago. No pain or any sensation afterward. However, in my case, the anesthetic didn't work so hot. The doc put the anesthetic in the IV, and said I would start getting a little dizzy. Sure thing, I got a little dizzy, then was suddenly wide awake/cognizant of everything he was doing. You can imagine my surprise when he stuck the camera in!! He was all apologies afterward, but when I go in for the next one, it'll be a different doc.

I've been watching this thread since the Doc says I need to get a colonoscopy next year. I told him they'll need to get me totally blitzed to go there. :eek:

Only call if the nurse is good-lookin' . . .

Having had more colonoscopies than any person should, I can tell you that pain afterward is not normal. The biggest downside of a colonoscopy is the possibility of a perforated colon, which is a big deal. Call tomorrow.

I rode 40 miles day after i did mine, had a little bleeding, but i sit on my BONES - check your saddle to be sure you do the same. BTW- in my family they are COMMON -
BTW- I applaud you for getting this done. DenverFox had the best advice - call the Dr.s

I've been watching this thread since the Doc says I need to get a colonoscopy next year. I told him they'll need to get me totally blitzed to go there. :eek:

It really is no big deal. A pretty nurse gave me a shot of something and then we chatted while watching the video view up on the big screen as the doctor laboured in the heart of darkness.

No pain. Call the doc.


I've been watching this thread since the Doc says I need to get a colonoscopy next year. I told him they'll need to get me totally blitzed to go there. :eek:

Tell them to lean hard on the Versed. You will be gone so fast you won't know what happened, and when you "wake up" you won't remember a thing. You will be awake, but you won't know you were. Weird, but good.

Usually the discomfort is with the preparation for the procedure. Since polyps are considered pre-cancerous, the colonoscopy is well worth it. Colon cancer is one of those diseases that does not exhibit any symptoms until it is too late. Let's get our screenings, peeps.

Tell them to lean hard on the Versed. You will be gone so fast you won't know what happened, and when you "wake up" you won't remember a thing. You will be awake, but you won't know you were. Weird, but good.


I'll second this. I have had 6 colonoscopies and had one without the Versed. Never again will that happen. Also, the first was with Dilaudid and they couldn't put me under. Versed makes this procedure much more pleasant. I have never experienced any pain and have had polyps found each time. They and colon cancer run in the family. Call the doctor's office today.

Bill

I have had two in the last two years. The first was a five year follow-up. The hardest part was the clean out the day before. No issues with the procedure or afterward.

The second one, last year, was to rule out Krone's disease because I had a severe allerigic reaction to a antibiotic. I developed pesudomembranous colitis. The antibiotic, I took for some dental work, cleaned out my colon. Nothing stayed in me for almost six weeks. The second trip to the emergency room finally got the attention I desperately needed. The colonoscopy was performed with me watching the whole show. The whole six week eposide was very tramatic. Hard to believe how fast I went fom being very healthy to being very un-well.

The upside to the whole event was knowing I have a very healthy colon. Just do it and if something develops hound the hell out of the medicos. The other upside was losing 25 pounds and keeping it off thanks to the bike.

Towney

Hey, Mono. What's going on? Can you please give us an update and tell us you're OK?

Thanks for asking. I'm okay. Pain subsided within 48 hours. It is unusual, but not unheard of, to have some light to moderate pain after the procedure. Possibly it was just the "gas" that accompanies the procedure.

Glad to hear your ok. I was worried that you might have been swallowed up by the hospital or something.

Possibly it was just the "gas" that accompanies the procedure.

Glad you are dpoing well now. One time the recovery nurse was checking on me , asked if I had any cramps or gas. I siad no, I feel fine. She stuck her finger at me, said to pull it and do the MAN thing. The hard laughing did the trick for me:rolleyes:

Bill

My first ever colonoscopy resulted in the removal of a large precancerous polyp in my sigmoid colon. I did not notice any ill effects until 17 days later. I bled with each bowel movement. When I went to the emergency room, they gave me 2 units of whole blood and prepped me for my second colonoscopy the next day. I lost some more blood during the laxative purge, but the blood and the Ringer's IV made up for it. After colonoscopy #2, there was no more bleeding to this very day. After #2 they put me on a full liquid diet, kept me a second night, and dismissed me at noon the next day. I was glad to be free of that very monotonous diet. I will have #3 on March 2009. Maybe I will be free of polyps by then.

My first colonoscopy came after a barium had discovered a potential tumour - Stage 3 rectal cancer. I am doing well (made it through the first year) and on a six month "heart of darkness probe" cycle for the next four years. I recomend everyone discuss this with anyone they know over 40. If I had checked then I may only be complaining about polyp removal.

I had a one removed a year ago--and if the doctor didn't tell me -I would have
never know it..