I'm nervous...Please Read?

Question

On wednesday I am scheduled for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy and I started my 'prep' today. I had to drink 45mL of Fleet PhosphoSoda.

How long should it take to work? I took it 2 hours ago, and still nothing...

Im also only 14 years old, and I am very nervous about the procedures. Im kind of scared that it will hurt, or that I wont be knocked out because the doctor never mentioned anything about an anestetic. Should I be nervous?

I know it is a stupid question, but my mom and I know practically nothing about whats going to happen, so any suggestions or expierences are appreciated!

Thanks so much

Thank you all so much for the answers! Its comforting to hear all the stories.

Answer 1

Your stuff should start working anytime now!
They give a sedative to relax you I don't think it's that bad!More uncomfortable.You might be a little sore after wards.but you will be fine.
Why are you having one done so young?

Answer 2

Hi there

I have had the colonoscopy procedure a few times. The first med is to start to loosen things in the bowel, the second med flushes everything out, that is usually started just a few hours before the actual procedure. Stay near to a toilet if you can!

The meds make the evacuation process amazingly repetitive and it's not too bad. You can get a bit sore, but not too bad. By the end, it's mainly water coming out...drink lots of water...it goes straight through.

At the hospital, they asked me if I wanted to be awake or sleepy. I chose to be awake and see what they did, via a screen, but you don't have to. They did give me a relaxing injection some of the times.

You are lying on a treatment couch, probably on one side. They put a little fibre-optic cable up your bum, it doesn't hurt, you hardly feel it, but it is a bit embarrassing. They pump a small amount of air in, too, to spread the colon open for the scanning, and this can make you want to fart.

If they find anything unusual they can snip it off right there and then, and take a sample out to be tested later. You cannot feel this at all.

They leave you to rest and recover for a while afterwards, you may feel drowsy.

The time taken seems to vary according to the person doing it. There is usually a team of people in the theatre...a doctor, an anaesthetist, two or more nurses.

It is not a pleasant procedure really, but it is interesting (that is how I regard it), and as it can save your life by them finding anything well in advance, I think it is worth it. Science and technology is amazing, really.

Do ask them questions...they will answer if they can, and are pleased if you take an interest, rather than hiding from it all. They are scientists, and will explain things if you ask.

I hope this helps, and good luck.

Answer 3

I have never had a colonoscopy, however, I have had an esophageal endoscopy (hope I spelled that correctly). Anyway, I drank a liquid to numb my throat and was also out (lightly). I felt nothing. PLEASE speak to your doctor (or whomever is performing these tests) and ask to be put out with a mild anesthetic. It's not an unreasonable request. Nowadays, there is no reason to endure pain or even discomfort if there are no allergies or you are not adverse in any way to an anesthetic.

Oh, and, it is NOT a stupid question. Your nervousness is totally understandable. Hopefully, your doctor will be agreeable to a request for anesthetic. That should help A LOT with your nerves. I wish you the best.

Answer 4

As to the Prep, you should already be going. If not, you need to drink some more of that icky stuff.

The procedures themselves will not hurt at all. They give you some medicine to make you very drowsy. I did not recall any of my procedures and I had both of the ones you are going to have. There is no pain afterwards either, only drowsiness from the medication they give you.

It's not a stupid question. I was nervous too, but didn't really have a reason to be. You will tolerate it just fine and be up and ready for school the next day.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 5

I have had several colonoscopies and there is nothing to fear. The doctor gave me something intravenously to help me relax. I fell peacefully asleep and awoke several minutes before he was done. No pain at all. The Fleet should start within 4 hours (if memory serves) You need to stay near the bathroom and wear something easy to pull down. It comes hard and fast and should slow down after several hours.Really, there is nothing to worry about. Just be patient and it will slow down enough that you should be able to get to sleep tonight.
Best of luck and I will keep you in my prayers this evening.

Answer 6

The procedure itself is not bad at all. You will be put to sleep, and when you wake up it will all be over. You'll go home and most likely sleep for a few hours. But you should be fine. The prep for the procedure is actually the worst part of the whole thing.

Answer 7

I've never had a colonoscopy or an endoscopy, but it's not a stupid ?. Everyone who has surgery gets nervous. If u have ?s or r really that nervous, u should call ur doc and ask him/her. I'm sure he/she would b happy 2 answer ur ?s, and it would make u feel a lot better.
Best wishes!

Answer 8

Here is a good information sit for you and your mom to read. Don't worry it can take up to 4-6 hours for the medicine to clean you out. It is a fairly easy procedure and the doctor will give you meds so you don't know whats going on. You will wake up and they will tell your mom the results.

http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/specialties/categorypages/subcategory.cfm?specialtyID=19&categoryID=38&subcategoryID=36

Answer 9

well im not too sure about the fleet you took....but im sure it has worked for you, but i can help you with the colonscopy and endoscopy.....you will be awake for both procedures. Its just best to relax, and if your nervous the doctor and nurses will help you to relax. I hope that helps a bit and that everything goes well for you.

Answer 10

i was 16 when i had my colonscopy.. it dosent hurt..im not going to lie, its not pleasant.. but it dosent hurt. i am 25 now and get them yearly. the fleet shoudlve worked by now, but if you have nothing to dispose of than its not an issue. im not sure what kind of colonoscpy you are going for there are 2. 1 you can be awake for but youll get cramps. the second they will put you to sleep. and you wont feel a thing. with the 1st one they can give you a light sedative.. either way.. its scary if you have never done it before.. but trust me. its not painful

Answer 11

I've had it twice. They don't put you completely out but I cannot remember a thing. You'll probably be full of air and farting for awhile. Other than that no problems. I'll bet the fleet has worked by now.