Originally Posted by
trackhub
My primary care doc is strongly recommending that I have one. (I am 50) Without being overbearing, he simply explained what has been talked about in this thread already. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in this country, and one of the most preventable.
He has described the er, "process". I'd like to hear from some folks who have gone through this though. Just how unpleasant is the "stuff" you're supposed to drink? He did mention that some people have a problem with it, but added that such cases were rare. I am told that once you get through that "day before", with the prep and trips to the bathroom, the actual procedure is not that bad.
Comments and advice? I now understand that it's important to have this done, but like most people, I'm not looking forward to it.
I had one about 3 years ago. No problems at all, even the Go-Lytely stuff you have to drink. Here's a tip about that- it is best if you chill it in the fridge, and drink each 8-oz glass with a straw, sucking as hard as you can. You won't taste it that way. But frankly, it's not that bad- sort of like a mildly salty, fruity, sweetener-free Gatorade. I chose raspberry, which was sort of like Gatorade Rain. Your pharmacist will probably ask you what flavor you prefer- orange, berry, cherry, lemon-lime.
Anyway, you drink an 8-oz glass every 20 minutes till the whole gallon is down. If you're like most people, you'll start the trots about an hour in. It's not uncomfortable- no cramping or painful bowel movement- just a little pressure from deep within and then watery, painless stools. Sort of like a painless, non-sickening version of La Turista (hence my Mexico comment earlier). Next to the IV (see below), the hardest part of the whole thing is being NPO (nothing by mouth- absolutely nothing) after midnight, especially if your procedure gets bumped from early AM to early afternoon, like mine did.
The procedure itself is a piece of cake. Frankly, the most painful part is inserting the IV, so that should give you an idea of what I'm talking about. You won't remember the procedure. Do not, whatever you do, attempt to drive or ride a bike for the rest of the day, however. It's not like they will let you drive home anyway, but the problem with the usual cocktail (Versed and Fentanyl) is that it's not at all obvious to one's self just how stoned one is, even several hours after the procedure. Best to go home and watch a game or something- then be prepared to have what will probably be one of the best night's sleep you've had in a long, long time. You'll wake up the next day feeling rested and ready to go.