Your first colonoscopy: experience from a male perspective
This is my account of what I went through to prepare for my first colonoscopy procedure. There are many references and instructions out there that list what to do, but I also wanted to include what it was actually like to go through the process. I hope this information is helpful to others who are preparing to take this test for the first time. Also, I will include my personal description of experiencing the exam without sedation. As a 50-year-old man who has an avid interest in maintaining my health, I hope this information will benefit others at a similar time in life who are preparing to have this test. Some time after I moved to California after my separation from the military, I was at the doctor’s office for a routine checkup. He suggested that since it was past my 40th birthday, I should have a colonoscopy due to a family history of colon cancer. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer and he ended up having surgery. The treatment was successful and doctors were later able to reverse the colostomy. The idea of having to go through life with a bag strapped to my body was never something that appealed to me. I went ahead and was scheduled, but once I realized what the general process entailed, I quickly canceled my appointment and never bothered to reschedule. “Who the hell would want to go through all that?” I thought. Sometime later I had a fecal occult test and the results were negative, which gave me a measure of self-confidence.
Years passed, and as I steadily moved into my “forties,” I met more and more men who had undergone the colonoscopy procedure. I listened to various comments about their experiences and nothing seemed too graphic in detail. There were no horror stories to share about what the whole event entailed. The Today Show’s Katie Couric even shared what it was like to undergo the procedure. Since the loss of her husband at age 42 to colon cancer, she has become a strong advocate for people to get screened early while needed treatment is still possible. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 51,370 deaths in 2010 from colon and rectal cancer combined.
The year 2010 arrives and with it an important milestone: I turned 50. During another routine checkup, my doctor asked me about scheduling an exam, and I agreed. I figured since I wasn’t getting any younger, I’d better go ahead and see how things were on the inside. Serving 20 years in the Navy taught me that preventative maintenance was always better than corrective maintenance. A notice came in the mail informing me that I would be attending a presentation describing the colonoscopy procedure. About 40-50 attended and the presenter emphasized the need for these tests as colon cancer was described as one of the most preventable cancers.
A few weeks later I received my appointment notice as well as the box of “gifts” provided. This consisted of detailed instructions, as well as a gallon-sized plastic container containing powdered electrolyte and a pill container containing six laxative tablets. The instruction sheet mentioned some of the risks involved, such as intestinal puncture and adverse effects of anesthesia. Oh boy, just what everyone wants for Christmas. Seeing polyethylene glycol (similar to antifreeze) listed as one of the listed ingredients on the electrolyte powder container didn’t thrill me at all. Aspartame (an additive found to be a possible cancer-causing agent) was also on the ingredient list for the lemonade powder that I would add to make the electrolyte solution taste better. Swell! My original appointment was scheduled for 1 pm in the afternoon, but then I was able to change it to 11 am Phew! Less waiting time.
Also included with the instructions are some do’s and don’ts for several days before the exam. Part of this involved stopping certain medications and right now, as this article is being written, I am following the “low fiber – low residue” diet two days before the actual exam. The diet itself is not so bad. There are a few things listed as foods to avoid (red meat, corn, nuts), as well as a list of suggested foods like chicken, white rice, and white bread. Today I served myself a lot of chicken! But at least I didn’t feel like I was starving. Thanks god!
One day before the exam
Well, the “party pills” (laxative pills) I took last night worked. It’s not that bad actually. At 9 am I took the last 3 tablets I was given and later I start taking the electrolyte solution. A gallon of something delicious, I’m sure! A big concern of mine is how to get through the day without eating anything solid. So far I’m fine and I’m sure I will continue to be. A lot of this has to do with my whole perspective in general. I must admit, it’s nice to be able to take a day off from work. My co-workers wouldn’t want me there anyway if they knew what was going on!
7:30 PM: I was able to drink the first half gallon of the electrolyte solution. It took a little longer than expected. Good thing it had powdered lemonade to add a nicer flavor to it. I am now in the process of drinking the second half gallon. Good times! All in all, the experience hasn’t been as bad as I thought it might have been. My mother-in-law was not very helpful when she told my wife that she would have to put newspapers on the floor between my bed and the bathroom. Granted, there have been a record number of facility visits followed by a record number of handwashes (you’re welcome, soap companies!), but nothing that has gotten me to the point of major discomfort.
Earlier in the afternoon I was able to enjoy some coffee and so far it has been feasible to take gelatin as a somewhat solid substance to eat. I really want to eat real food after the procedure tomorrow morning. In addition to the clear liquid diet regimen I was instructed to follow, I took a couple of capsules containing South African hoodia to suppress my appetite. It wasn’t listed as a “no-no” in the list of instructions, so since there was no red dye involved, I decided to go ahead and take a chance. Why ask the doctor’s question? If there is a possibility I would not like the answer? You should be able to finish the remaining electrolyte solution in a few hours. After that, I’ll take a shower and hope I’m tired enough to go to bed. In the past, I’ve fasted 10-12 hours to get my cholesterol under control, but this episode is a new record for me. It’s amazing to discover what you’re capable of.
10:30 PM: Well, I’m finally down to the last glass of electrolyte solution and I’ll be so glad I’m done. I’ll also have to drink a couple more glasses of water and then go to bed (I’ve really been looking forward to the time when I can finally get some sleep). Now that the actual exam time is coming up, I’ve been wondering what the exam results will be. It’s a bit strange to prepare for something without knowing the end result. At least I’m getting things checked out on the doctor’s recommendation and I don’t wait until some time later. I have noticed a slight feeling of dizziness for the last few hours, but I am confident that it will go away once everything is done procedure-wise. Right now I just need to finish the last of the electrolyte solution. Well, I think that will be all for tonight and I will continue writing in the morning. I picture a big cheeseburger with fries and chocolate milkshake waiting for me tomorrow when this is all over!
23:45: It’s almost midnight. After that, I’m not supposed to drink water until the exam, so I’m finishing up what I can. It was nice to be able to take a shower and after I get some sleep I’ll be 8 hours closer to finishing this.
exam day
I got to this point! I finally ended up sleeping around 12:30 in the morning and woke up about 7 hours later. I called the hospital to see if I could get in early, but was told that everyone was on time for their appointments. It was nice that my date was moved up two hours. The main thing right now is to make sure I don’t drink anything, but I’ve been sprinkling a bit of water so I don’t get that dry mouth feeling. I feel fine, but at first I was a little hungry. Everything will be fine.
7:30 PM: It has turned out to be a long day. I can’t remember a time when I was so looking forward to getting to the hospital! Once there, I checked in and was quickly told to take a seat. A nurse came to talk to me and asked some preliminary questions about my health history. Then I was ordered once more to go take a seat. Later they called me back to answer some more health related questions and to sign a bunch of paperwork as I agreed to take part in a research study as I was not going to be receiving sedation. The study involved the use of water instead of air during the colonoscopy examination process. Physicians were reviewing patient feedback regarding any pain or discomfort they experienced. I eventually had to change into a gown, be hooked up to an IV along with multiple monitors, and be wheeled into the operating room. Going through the procedure itself wasn’t bad, but I was very aware of what was going on! The doctor even allowed me to watch the video on the screen showing the condition of the intestinal wall. A small non-cancerous polyp was found and was easily removed. Yes, I expelled quite a bit of air during the procedure. This is probably the only time in your life that someone encourages you to do this! Except for a few small spots of diverticulosis, everything else looked great. Diverticulosis is a condition where parts of the intestinal wall can become weakened and inflamed due to bacteria or stool. Foods that contain nuts and seeds can be a potential cause of diverticulosis, as they are difficult for the body to digest. Overall, I was satisfied with the test results. Having been through that, my recommendation to anyone who can is to take the sedation! After the exam was complete, I was returned to the recovery room where the nurse told me that I would have to pass more gas before I was discharged. This was due to swelling caused by inflation of the colon to facilitate examination. Afterwards I made a bit of noise, the nurses applauded and gave me the go-ahead to change into my normal clothes. Once inside the locker room, I noticed that I was bleeding from the IV that was removed from my arm and was making a noticeable mess on the floor. The bandage was quickly replaced.
Before I left, I had to answer a few more questions from the nurse about my experience at the hospital. I provided positive feedback regarding my treatment. He also gave me a list of recommended foods that would help promote overall colon health, such as fiber foods and fruits along with vegetables. I was advised to avoid eating nuts and fruits containing seeds in an attempt to prevent any conditions that could cause further diverticulosis. Based on my doctor’s recommendations, I should have a colonoscopy every five years because I have a family history of colon cancer.
After I got out of the hospital I went to my favorite hot dog place for something solid to eat. Absolutely delicious! My recommendation to everyone is to have a colonoscopy upon your doctor’s recommendation and to follow a diet that includes high-fiber foods.