Gs172003
Diamond Member
Was it twilight sedation?
-
We are a multilingual website again. Read the notice about this.
-
Understand AI use at MyPTSD: all AI use is explained in our AI help page. AI use is by choice here. It exists if you want it, but does nothing unless you choose to use it.
Freaking out about upcoming colonoscopy - how to get control of myself?
- Post starter barefoot
- Start date
- Status
- Post starter
- #38
barefoot
Diamond Member
Thanks for taking the time to share all this information @TheTwinlessTwin
I asked the consultant whether I’d be able to take Valium first and he said it was ok as long as I told him that’s what I’d done. I told him at that point that, in that case, I would be taking it
Hopefully I’ll be able to do this, but this is why I’m feeling anxious and trying to put some plans in place in advance...because experience has shown me that I’m not very good at staying present/grounded in medical things...I have a habit of freezing and my voice getting hijacked. So, I will tend to just lay there and find that I can’t speak up. I will definitely try. I just know I can’t necessarily rely on myself to actually do it.
Hence why I’ve asked my therapist to advocate for me for these forward planning things.
I don’t know yet where on the list I am but, yes, the earlier the better as far as I’m concerned.
Less time to get agitated!
I haven’t given much thought yet to the preparation/eating situation the day before. I need to properly read the instructions that have come with my ‘sachets’. I think, as soon as I start drinking that the evening before, I can’t eat
anything until after the procedure.
I asked the consultant whether I’d be able to take Valium first and he said it was ok as long as I told him that’s what I’d done. I told him at that point that, in that case, I would be taking it
Hopefully I’ll be able to do this, but this is why I’m feeling anxious and trying to put some plans in place in advance...because experience has shown me that I’m not very good at staying present/grounded in medical things...I have a habit of freezing and my voice getting hijacked. So, I will tend to just lay there and find that I can’t speak up. I will definitely try. I just know I can’t necessarily rely on myself to actually do it.
Hence why I’ve asked my therapist to advocate for me for these forward planning things.
I don’t know yet where on the list I am but, yes, the earlier the better as far as I’m concerned.
Less time to get agitated!
I haven’t given much thought yet to the preparation/eating situation the day before. I need to properly read the instructions that have come with my ‘sachets’. I think, as soon as I start drinking that the evening before, I can’t eat
anything until after the procedure.
TheTwinlessTwin
Not Active
@barefoot you don't have to thank me! This has become my life now that I can't work. It helps me stay busy while being unable to do much of anything. It gives me purpose. I might even write a book on IBD and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma and PPARy coactivator 1a (PGC1A) and their role in treatment of IBD.
Hopefully because they cleared you to take the valium it will help you stay open to communication. Your therapist sounds very supportive too. I think you are going to handle it like a champ and eventually you get more comfortable about sedation and minor procedures. The chilling coldness of the OR still messes with my head some but overall it gets easier. Like needles and catheters, first 200 times are a bit nerve racking. Now I could probably sleep through a blood draw or IV placement.
Prepare for the prep. Make sure you have lots of toilet paper and plenty of the things you are allowed to eat/drink. You should eat low fiber food the day before the prep day so it evacuates easier. The day before when you drink the laxative you can only have clear liquids.
black coffee or tea (no creamer/milk), fruit juice without pulp, clear broths, gelatin (jello-o, gummy bears), sports drinks, honey, sugar, and clear hard candies that are only sugar or corn syrup. No red, orange, or purple stuff. If in doubt, try to call them and ask or be safe and don't eat it. If the prep doesn't clear you out enough or if your insides have dye in them they will cancel the procedure. Then you have to reschedule and try again. The sachets are probably an ionic salt, it's going taste and feel like drinking a gallon of sea water.. it's a challenge lol
The diarrhea wasn't too bad in my opinion, the hunger was worse and I am skinny and already on a strict diet. Going a day subsisting on liquids, sugar, and gelatin is harsh. You will feel so relieved to wake up after its done and start eating soft foods. Hopefully you get good news too!
Hopefully because they cleared you to take the valium it will help you stay open to communication. Your therapist sounds very supportive too. I think you are going to handle it like a champ and eventually you get more comfortable about sedation and minor procedures. The chilling coldness of the OR still messes with my head some but overall it gets easier. Like needles and catheters, first 200 times are a bit nerve racking. Now I could probably sleep through a blood draw or IV placement.
Prepare for the prep. Make sure you have lots of toilet paper and plenty of the things you are allowed to eat/drink. You should eat low fiber food the day before the prep day so it evacuates easier. The day before when you drink the laxative you can only have clear liquids.
black coffee or tea (no creamer/milk), fruit juice without pulp, clear broths, gelatin (jello-o, gummy bears), sports drinks, honey, sugar, and clear hard candies that are only sugar or corn syrup. No red, orange, or purple stuff. If in doubt, try to call them and ask or be safe and don't eat it. If the prep doesn't clear you out enough or if your insides have dye in them they will cancel the procedure. Then you have to reschedule and try again. The sachets are probably an ionic salt, it's going taste and feel like drinking a gallon of sea water.. it's a challenge lol
The diarrhea wasn't too bad in my opinion, the hunger was worse and I am skinny and already on a strict diet. Going a day subsisting on liquids, sugar, and gelatin is harsh. You will feel so relieved to wake up after its done and start eating soft foods. Hopefully you get good news too!
blackemerald1
VIP Member
It's two weeks since your initial post @barefoot - your procedure must be getting mighty close.
Best of luck - I hope you get through it without any problems.
Idk what happened but I've got the same procedure booked in for the end of this month plus a gastroscopy too... :wtf:
Man... I hate that stuff I have to drink... I'm going to start drinking clear fluids three days out to alleviate the drama in the bathroom... well you know what I mean?? ..... gross.... :sorry:
Best of luck - I hope you get through it without any problems.
Idk what happened but I've got the same procedure booked in for the end of this month plus a gastroscopy too... :wtf:
Man... I hate that stuff I have to drink... I'm going to start drinking clear fluids three days out to alleviate the drama in the bathroom... well you know what I mean?? ..... gross.... :sorry:
- Post starter
- #41
barefoot
Diamond Member
There were some practical issues with the phone call between my therapist and the nurse. A problem with nurse’s phone. Then my therapist had to drive for s few hours. Then a problem with the phone again. Then they couldn’t find a time that worked for both of them this week. My therapist called me to give me a heads up...apologised and said that she’d tried but that I was going to need to contact her myself.
I felt a bit panicky about that. My partner said she would speak to the nurse instead.
I emailed the nurse yesterday morning, giving her some days/times my partner could do a call. Nurse emailed straight back saying she could only do a call that day (yesterday) and would prefer to speak with me directly.
I was running a workshop all day so wouldn’t be able to be on my phone. So, we ended up doing the call right then while I was in an Uber!
It was probably for the best as I didn’t have time to think about it, read my notes, think about what to say etc...it was just a case of my phone started ringing so there we were suddenly having a conversation!
Anyway, long story short: we have cancelled my procedure on Saturday and booked me in to have it done in theatre in a couple of weeks.
They are only licensed to administer a certain amount of sedative in the colonoscopy unit and she was concerned that their maximum amount would not be enough for me if I was in a high state of anxiety. So, I would possibly be more alert/feel more and if they’d given me the max they were allowed to and it wasn’t enough, they wouldn’t be able to give me any more. So then it would be a case of continuing with me in distress/discomfort or, more likely, abandoning the procedure and then having to book me in for theatre on another date to do it again.
In theatre, it won’t be a general anaesthetic, which is good. But it will be heavy sedation administered by an anaesthetist and he will stay for the procedure so that he can keep an eye on me and tip me up if necessary.
He might be able to give me the sedative through gas/mask rather than injection, which would be my preference. Nurse said they would still have to put a cannula in the back of my hand and I told her that me and cannulas tend not to get on! So, she said he’d be able to give me some gas to make me a bit relaxed/sleepy before they put the cannula in, which I like the sound of! I think that would make it much easier.
Although it was stressful and I had Adrenalin pumping for hours afterwards, I’m glad I was able to actually do the call and clearly say what the issues were and she responded well and we reached s good outcome, I think.
So...another two weeks to go...!
@blackemerald1 - thanks for checking in and I’m sorry you’re going to have to have the same. Do you mean you’re going to do three days of just being on clear liquids? Sounds hardcore!
The laxative drink I have is allegedly orange flavour. I highly doubt it will taste of anything resembling orange!
I felt a bit panicky about that. My partner said she would speak to the nurse instead.
I emailed the nurse yesterday morning, giving her some days/times my partner could do a call. Nurse emailed straight back saying she could only do a call that day (yesterday) and would prefer to speak with me directly.
I was running a workshop all day so wouldn’t be able to be on my phone. So, we ended up doing the call right then while I was in an Uber!
It was probably for the best as I didn’t have time to think about it, read my notes, think about what to say etc...it was just a case of my phone started ringing so there we were suddenly having a conversation!
Anyway, long story short: we have cancelled my procedure on Saturday and booked me in to have it done in theatre in a couple of weeks.
They are only licensed to administer a certain amount of sedative in the colonoscopy unit and she was concerned that their maximum amount would not be enough for me if I was in a high state of anxiety. So, I would possibly be more alert/feel more and if they’d given me the max they were allowed to and it wasn’t enough, they wouldn’t be able to give me any more. So then it would be a case of continuing with me in distress/discomfort or, more likely, abandoning the procedure and then having to book me in for theatre on another date to do it again.
In theatre, it won’t be a general anaesthetic, which is good. But it will be heavy sedation administered by an anaesthetist and he will stay for the procedure so that he can keep an eye on me and tip me up if necessary.
He might be able to give me the sedative through gas/mask rather than injection, which would be my preference. Nurse said they would still have to put a cannula in the back of my hand and I told her that me and cannulas tend not to get on! So, she said he’d be able to give me some gas to make me a bit relaxed/sleepy before they put the cannula in, which I like the sound of! I think that would make it much easier.
Although it was stressful and I had Adrenalin pumping for hours afterwards, I’m glad I was able to actually do the call and clearly say what the issues were and she responded well and we reached s good outcome, I think.
So...another two weeks to go...!
@blackemerald1 - thanks for checking in and I’m sorry you’re going to have to have the same. Do you mean you’re going to do three days of just being on clear liquids? Sounds hardcore!
The laxative drink I have is allegedly orange flavour. I highly doubt it will taste of anything resembling orange!
blackemerald1
VIP Member
Hey @barefoot... I think you've done very well. You've made sure you get appropriate sedation for the procedure and that your concerns are addressed... well done!! And.. be proud... you did this yourself!! Double well done!!
Yeah... that's my plan... but clear liquids can be jelly, broth, tea etc... I will think of more things. Yeah that's my plan because then the peristaltic action will be less severe bc there is less to ..move on.. :oops: :sorry: So I reckon that will be how I handle it. It's just a case of planning... I hope.
Oh... I think your suspicions are quite accurate. The person that decided it tasted more Orange than anything else wasn't a human being lol....
The stuff I have to drink.. tastes like salt... errr.... ugh... I just take a deep breath and skull it down... There's no way around it... it tastes revolting no matter what flavour they assign it.
Yeah... that's my plan... but clear liquids can be jelly, broth, tea etc... I will think of more things. Yeah that's my plan because then the peristaltic action will be less severe bc there is less to ..move on.. :oops: :sorry: So I reckon that will be how I handle it. It's just a case of planning... I hope.
Oh... I think your suspicions are quite accurate. The person that decided it tasted more Orange than anything else wasn't a human being lol....
The stuff I have to drink.. tastes like salt... errr.... ugh... I just take a deep breath and skull it down... There's no way around it... it tastes revolting no matter what flavour they assign it.
- Post starter
- #43
barefoot
Diamond Member
I am mid-prepping!
The liquid does have a hint of an orange taste...but, yeah, it’s mainly salty! It’s unpleasant but not as vile as I’d been fearing. The biggest challenge so far has simply been consuming that mount of liquid in the timeframe! It took me two hours to chug the first litre down (with a litre of normal water alongside it) Had a couple of hours after finally finishing it. Now about to start on the second litre...
Neighbours are having a BBQ, which smells divine ?
Am avoiding thinking about the procedure tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital for 7am. At least I am first on the list.
The liquid does have a hint of an orange taste...but, yeah, it’s mainly salty! It’s unpleasant but not as vile as I’d been fearing. The biggest challenge so far has simply been consuming that mount of liquid in the timeframe! It took me two hours to chug the first litre down (with a litre of normal water alongside it) Had a couple of hours after finally finishing it. Now about to start on the second litre...
Neighbours are having a BBQ, which smells divine ?
Am avoiding thinking about the procedure tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital for 7am. At least I am first on the list.
blackemerald1
VIP Member
Hey barefoot - I don't know when 0700 hrs is for you but anyway best of luck. I hope it all goes very well for you.
I'm into my second day of mostly liquids. I go into hospital at 1400 hrs tomorrow & will have that disgusting drink in the evening. On the list for Monday but I don't know when. The hospital want to keep me in an extra night... no!!! :sorry:
I'm into my second day of mostly liquids. I go into hospital at 1400 hrs tomorrow & will have that disgusting drink in the evening. On the list for Monday but I don't know when. The hospital want to keep me in an extra night... no!!! :sorry:
- Post starter
- #45
barefoot
Diamond Member
Hey @blackemerald1
7am was five hours ago so I’ve already been in, had it done and just got home a few minutes ago.
It was a positive experience - a really nice team of people and I had plenty of sedation. At one point, it got really painful and I managed to say so, so the anaesthetist immediately topped me up with more drugs and the effect was pretty instant.
They didn’t find anything. Took some biopsies as s matter of course but they’re not expecting anything from that either. So, next step is a referral to a gastroenterologist.
A bit uncomfortable now and very sleepy so need to head for a little nap.
Good luck with yours! Sorry to hear they’re keeping you in over night. Ugh! I did find the drink a bit easier after I chilled it for a while. Also, drinking through a straw made it easier to stomach taste wise...but it took ages to drink that way. Hope all goes well - I’ll be thinking of you.
7am was five hours ago so I’ve already been in, had it done and just got home a few minutes ago.
It was a positive experience - a really nice team of people and I had plenty of sedation. At one point, it got really painful and I managed to say so, so the anaesthetist immediately topped me up with more drugs and the effect was pretty instant.
They didn’t find anything. Took some biopsies as s matter of course but they’re not expecting anything from that either. So, next step is a referral to a gastroenterologist.
A bit uncomfortable now and very sleepy so need to head for a little nap.
Good luck with yours! Sorry to hear they’re keeping you in over night. Ugh! I did find the drink a bit easier after I chilled it for a while. Also, drinking through a straw made it easier to stomach taste wise...but it took ages to drink that way. Hope all goes well - I’ll be thinking of you.
blackemerald1
VIP Member
So very pleased they think it all looked normal and you are through it. It sounds like they were very responsive to your needs and well done there! I hope you have a lovely nap and can get back to eating relatively normal food soon.
I hope your appointment with the specialist goes well.
I've just had a course of antibiotics bc I've had another bout of Salmonella caused by a strange little bug usually found in third world countries. I'd be ok with it all if I had actually been to a third world country too. Mysterious !!
I hope your appointment with the specialist goes well.
I've just had a course of antibiotics bc I've had another bout of Salmonella caused by a strange little bug usually found in third world countries. I'd be ok with it all if I had actually been to a third world country too. Mysterious !!
- Post starter
- #47
barefoot
Diamond Member
Nap was somewhat impeded by today’s heatwave and a persistent cat who wanted to lay on me even though the bedroom was boiling and my stomach felt like it was going to burst. Hopefully I will sleep better tonight!
Salmonella - mysterious indeed! Hope they get to the bottom of it all. No pun intended...!
Salmonella - mysterious indeed! Hope they get to the bottom of it all. No pun intended...!
blackemerald1
VIP Member
Ah.. and the Cat came back!! lol...
I go in to hospital in a couple of hours... blah... then it will all get so serious.
Heatwave..? I imagine it got to 24 C or something horrific like that?? :hilarious: I noticed France got to 45.3 - that's getting to our normal summer temps... copycats!
You will be ok once you can start to eat again. Take care :hug:
I go in to hospital in a couple of hours... blah... then it will all get so serious.
Heatwave..? I imagine it got to 24 C or something horrific like that?? :hilarious: I noticed France got to 45.3 - that's getting to our normal summer temps... copycats!
You will be ok once you can start to eat again. Take care :hug:
- Status
Donation drives
Trending content
-
-
What Are You Feeling Today? Not Thinking, Rather Feeling! Can You Identify Yours?
- goingonhope
Comments: 34K -
-
-
-
Latest posts
-
What Are You Feeling Today? Not Thinking, Rather Feeling! Can You Identify Yours?
- Latest: Seraphine fatal
-
-
