Colonoscopy/Endoscopy Question?

Question

I am 14 years old, and next week I am going in for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy.

As stupid as this sounds, I am kind of scared as to whats going to happen.
I guess my question is: What exactly happens, and will it hurt or be uncomfortbale?

I think I will be sedated, but Im not sure...Im also nervous about the prep stuff that I have to drink, as those kinds of things make me nauseous.

Any tips or expierences are apprecitated!!

Thanks.

Answer 1

I have had both of these test done 5 different times & each time was easier.For the colonoscopy the bowel prep is important to eliminate the waste before the procedure. I usually Hold my nose & drink the stuff down & then it doesn't taste so bad. They may give you a mild sedative before the test & then you won't feel the discomfort. The endoscopy is definitely not a pleasant test but unfortunately sometimes necessary. I've always had a sedative to make me drowsy & they also numb your throat with this spray that they say tastes like bananas. (it doesn't) But I've been awake for the procedure all but once. (they put me under after they got started because I tried to jump off the table & hit the Dr.) Your mom or dad can ask them to put you under totally because of your age. It actually feels like you are choking & gaging when they slide the scope down your throat. It doesn't really hurt but it is not at all pleasant. I hope that you don't have any serious problems & I will be thinking of you. God Bless you!

Answer 2

Hi - I've had 5 in the past 3 years, and while there are better ways to spend a morning, it's not too bad.

The night before, you do have to drink some stuff that will clean out your bowels. And in some procedures it's about 2 quarts. Blah. But it is important that your intestine is clean because when the thin optic wire is inserted in your butt, the doctor needs to see a clean environment inside. I suggest starting a couple of days before, eating easily digested food like protein so you can pass it easily. Yeah, I know the stuff you drink is lousy tasting, but you got to do it.

When you get to the doctor's office or hospital, you will be given an enema. Or two. The nurse usually wants to see your bowel movement to see how clean the water is coming out. This is icky, but really no problem. Of course don't eat anything after 8 pm.

When you have the colonscopy, you are in the easy part. If you are sedated, like I was, you go in and you wake up in recovery. A couple of hours later, you go home. If you are awake, no problem - it may be a bit uncomfortable but no real pain.

Good luck with this - it really is more annoying than anything else and it's the prep that's the most annoying.

You'll be OK, don't worry and you and your doctor can make sure everything is OK.

Answer 3

A little info I think should be considered about this drug Versed ( Midazolam ) that is used for Sedation for many medical procedures..Sedation and General Anesthesia are not the same and quite a few people being given Sedation
think they are being given General Anesthesia!

There is simply no good or valid reason to ever purposely induce amnesia during a medical procedure. It is only a recent development in medical thinking that amnesia is somehow a "benefit" to the patient. On occasion some
some patients will remember a bad experience. Forgetting does not mean it did not happen!!
I feel that if people were aware of the effects of this drug they would Opt For Another Drug!
Erasing someones memory of what was done to them is wrong!!
In fact, many people who use Versed for " IV Sedation,Conscious Sedation" Twilight Sedation, during a procedure are Awake For The Entire Procedure but remember nothing, often Believing They Were "Out" the whole time.

Versed (Midazolam) is an amnestic. It is also commonly used for minor procedures like setting broken bones,colonoscopies,endoscopies, dental procedures like extractions,conscious sedation,twilight sleep, so that patients won't remember pain and discomfort.HOWEVER THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THOSE SENSATIONS WILL NOT BE EXPERIENCED!!!!

A note from an anesthesiologist
I agree that using midazolam alone in painful situations is wrong. I've heard people getting colonoscopies and screaming, and maybe they remember, maybe they don't.

A note I got from someone on Yahoo Answers who did have a bad experience..This is very disconcerting... My sister said she heard me screaming from the waiting room but assumed it wasn't me. When we left we heard another female patient screaming. I did a lot of research since your post, thanks so much for the info.

Here is a note from a Dentist Who uses Versed
I've used Versed 1000+ times during oral surgery procedures and I've never had a complaint. It's a miracle drug because it is safe and it causes you to not remember an unpleasant experience. My answer to him is isn't it better to have not experienced the pain than to have forgot it. No wonder you have had no complaints they have no memory of the procedure.....

I feel that giving a drug for amnesia is cruel I would not want it done to me!

A strange development in medical thinking that it's okay for a patient to have
pain as long as they don't remember it and think they slept thru the procedure..


Here is a link for some info

http://www.freehelpforcancer.com/manages-meds/sedation

Answer 4

This is not a stupid question at all.
The night before prep just takes most of your energy away.
For a day or so before, try to really watch what you eat.If you can do without meat, all the better. Cereal, milk, fruit and veggies are your best choices.This just makes the prep easier.
You will be moderately sedated. You may know what is going on but you won't care.
They spray something down your throat that gets rid of the gag reflex and it really works !
If you are conscious you can see what they are seeing on a tv-like screen.You will not gag.I promise.
After that , they go up the other end. It really doesn't feel like anything.It won't hurt.
It will all be over soon .
Good luck.

Answer 5

This is a simple test. You will be quite comfortable, with sedation given as needed, to keep you sleepy. Most patients do not even know their tests are done, when they awaken. The prep is to clean out the colon, it is a strong laxative. It does not really give you cramps, but do not wander far away from the bathroom! If you are healthy, you might be able to take the Fleet's Phospho-soda prep. It tastes bitter, but then you get to drink water afterwards. Ask your doctor/staff if you could use this prep. You will be fine!

Answer 6

Endoscopy: u will be sedated, it doesn't hurt.
Colonoscopy: u will be sedated, it wont hurt.
None of the previous procedures hurt, with or without sedation.
U will be sedated so u won't move and affect the study.
Don't worry the most uncomfortable is the endoscopy and it ain't that bad.