Mine was okay too. I’ll never take pills again. I had to chew them and swallow. No sleep at all. At least I won’t have to go thru this again until 5 years.
4 Likes
At home FIT testing is available for $20 at common retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and pharmacies: About ColoTest® | Reese's ColoTest® .
If you are screening with colonoscopy, you may want to do FIT each year between colonoscopies for extra inexpensive non-invasive no-prep screening, particularly if you are in a 10 year colonoscopy interval. Of course, a positive result from FIT would mean doing the next colonoscopy soon rather than as originally scheduled.
3 Likes
My young neighbor, who is fit and trim, was not sufficiently cleaned out. I told her I start a week before. Two days before, I just had matzah ball soup. I thought I would eat the broth the day before, but didn’t feel hungry. It was easier to fast. My neighbor was unaware of the preparations those of us on CC take.
Yesterday I still felt bloated, so ate little.
2 Likes
Y’all might appreciate this story. Recently spoke with a cousin who’s very active in keeping the extended family together to tell her that we would be watching the livestream of an elderly relative’s funeral service rather than making the lengthy drive down there.
Cousin: You’re welcome to stay at my place! I’m starting colonoscopy prep that morning but I’m still going to funeral.
H: You don’t understand how colonoscopy prep works.
We didn’t see her on camera, by the way…
8 Likes
Glad things went well, @MaineLonghorn and @bookworm!
1 Like
That reminds me of a story about my spouse.
Me: Why did you schedule your colonoscopy for the morning after we’re going to a big outdoor concert with friends in Big City with a bit of a drive?
Spouse: Oh I figure I can just use the restroom at the venue when I need to.
Me: Have you not listened to our friends and family describe the colonoscopy prep experience?
Spouse: Uh, I guess not?
[We spend a few minutes debating back and forth]
Me: I think you should call our concert buddies, who I know have had colonoscopies, and ask what they think about your plans.
Our friends on speakerphone confirmed that my spouse was delusional. I believe the nail in the coffin was the phrase “no more than 15 feet away from a toilet”. So I found someone else to use the extra ticket and we all had a blast, while my spouse had a different kind of blast at home.
14 Likes
For my first colonoscopy, the office offered an appointment on January 2nd! 
Which would’ve meant bland food on NYE! No thanks. I politely requested another date.
5 Likes
Just finished one today (TMI). The worst part really is the prep. The procedure itself is not an issue.
My place doesn’t have snacks anymore. They do have juice or water. But they said if I wanted a snack, I needed to bring my own…so I brought some lemon Girl Scout cookies I had. And they were delicious.
Fastest colonoscopy on record. I checked in at noon and was done at 1:15!
9 Likes
Your place has snacks?!!! Nothing but bad prep jokes at our place. We always opt for the first appointment and go out to breakfast after.
4 Likes
I always opt for the very first appointment after lunch. They are never behind (no pun intended) at that time. Then go out to lunch. Most of the prep done by 8:00 the night before, so I can get a good nights sleep! Then a little more at the crack of dawn, but done by 6:30 am.
It works for me.
Not anymore! Just two juices or water. I brought my own snack.
1 Like
This is an example of what we’re served at our place. 
3 Likes
Bummer for you people who don’t get snacks. Love waking up to the Lorna Donne cookies!!!
1 Like
I really don’t like Lorna Doones, so I was happy to bring my own lemon Girl Scout Cookies!
I know this is an older thread, but it helped me to read through/skim it prior to my colonoscopy yesterday, so I thought I’d share my tips that made a HUGE difference!
I’m at an increased risk for colon cancer and hadn’t had a colonoscopy since 2013, so my anxiety was through the roof both in terms of prep and outcome- I’d convinced myself I had cancer.
All was well, no issues, and truly the prep and the procedure/recovery was a piece of cake thanks to some good tips. My top game-changing tips:
-Eat lightly and very simply (low fiber) for 4-5 days prior (this was truly the most difficult part for me, because I eat a whole foods/clean diet/lots of fruits and veggies).
-Starting 2 days prior, I began really focusing on/pushing hydration and electrolytes- Smart Water and electrolyte drinks.
-My dr. said I could eat up until 6pm the day before procedure, right before starting prep, but why would I make it more difficult for myself? I had nothing but liquids the day prior/day of prep- primarily ginger/chamomile digestive tea and Outshine frozen lemonade bars. I thought it would be hard to not eat- it wasn’t. When I felt a hunger pain, I chugged water.
-I was prescribed a split dose prep of PEG-3350, with 1st dose starting at 6pm. After reading tips, I started the prep earlier, at 4pm. It took a couple of hours to start working, so I’m glad I did. The second dose was supposed to be at 1:30am (my procedure was at 7:30am), but I knew I had to sleep, so I started 2nd dose earlier, at 10pm. I was asleep by midnight and slept like a rock.
-To drink prep- mix the jug in the morning and put in fridge. It’s much easier to drink ice cold. Drink with a straw and put the straw as far back in your mouth/throat as you can. After each long drink through the straw, swish ginger ale in your mouth and spit it out (swallowing the additional carbonation is too much). I was shocked how well this worked- the ginger ale completely got rid of the after taste, “cleansed” my mouth, and prevented nausea. Continue drinking Smart Water/electrolytes as you can. Stay as hydrated as possible.
-For the procedure, I told the dr. that last time (2013), I was sick afterwards- vomiting, stomach upset for days, etc. so they reduced my dose of fentanyl and added zofran for nausea. I was still out, but “woke up” not even realizing it was over. I got dressed, my husband pulled up to the door of the facility, and I went home feeling completely normal. I immediately had an egg, toast, and coffee and had a totally normal day- ate, walked the dog, went to the store, etc. Literally zero residual effects!
SO relieved it’s done! I have to get one every 2 years now due to my history, but I won’t be nearly as anxious! Hope this helps!
10 Likes
Great job! 
and thank you for sharing your tips.
2 Likes
Thanks @Crosbylane. My C. is scheduled a few months from now. Far too many posts to read, so really appreciate the summary!
1 Like
Just had my first one today. I have put off having one for years - I have my thoughts on broad based screenings. Scheduling was made more difficult as I did not want sedation.
Found a place willing to go no sedation, went smoothly, go back in 10 years. Doctor was a good guy, described what I was seeing on the screen, and added some humor.
2 Likes
I’m glad you were OK! I think everyone should be screened. I had no family history of polyps or colon cancer. But I had my first colonoscopy just after I turned 50 and they found a large polyp that would have turned cancerous. I’m thankful that insurance paid for it. I had tests every three years for awhile and now I’m on a five-year schedule.
A friend was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 45. I sure wish she had been screened. She is cancer-free now but still feels the effects of chemo. A lot of younger people are getting it.
3 Likes
@Crosbylane @Crankymom - so glad your procedures went well! It can be super anxiety producing. Way to go!
2 Likes
Hi all - I am a long time lurker and have found this thread very helpful. I have a colonoscopy scheduled soon and am very nervous about it. For me, it’s the sedation aspect that scares me. I have this fear that I’ll go to sleep and won’t wake up, or that something bad will happen during the procedure. I’ve actually had Colonoscopies before so you’d think I wouldn’t be so nervous, but I am. Can anyone relate to this fear and/or offer reassurance? I have been on the verge of canceling the appointment or opting for Cologuard because of these fears. Thanks!
1 Like