Colonoscopy

[Virginia]

Like Agate mentioned there is one advantage to getting old. This is the one. Suze, other than the one colonoscopy that I had, I also had a sigmoidoscopy about 35 to 40 years ago. While I do not want either, if I had to choose I would take the colonoscopy over the sigmoidoscopy. I really didn't have any problem with the colonoscopy, it was just the prep that was bad.

Edited to add: They may have a better way to perform a sigmoidoscopy since it has been so long since I had mine.

[SuzE-Q]

What didn't you like in the sigmoidoscopy, Virginia?

[Virginia]

Well Suze, the first thing was getting up on the examining table on my elbows and knees with my rear up in the air. The second thing was the rod that went into my rear. I found the whole thing to be very embarrassing and rather painful if I recall correctly. Other people may not react in same way.

Funny family story - back before they gave colonoscopies, my beloved Aunt Virginia had problems and she had to have that done about every six months or so. She and her husband were dignified and known throughout the community where they lived. She was so embarrassed she got someone to get her some whisky before she went. As she waited in the waiting room she went to the ladies room and drank a little whisky a couple of times. She was so tipsy that they had to call her husband to come pick her up. He was Superintendent of City Schools in the town where they lived. He came and got her and told the receptionist that "You can be assured this will not happen again". Then he never said a word to my Aunt after they got home. Yes, I was named after her.

[SuzE-Q]

Haha!

I think I had a sig 30+ years ago, I hadn't remembered the positioning.

I might rethink that option then. Thanks!

ETA: Hmmm... I just looked it up, and it describes it on your side, like a colonoscopy. That's my recollection too.

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[Sunshine]

If I recall, I learned that the sigmoidoscopy does not examine the length of the intestines as does a colonoscopy, only the bottom portion. Years ago, My PCP had told me she could do isigmoidoscopy, but recommended a colonoscopy with a GI doc because more of the intestine could be examined.

[Catdancer]

Tom Cat had a sigmoidoscopy done and swore never again. You're not asleep when they do it, and it's very painful. Each time either of us had a colonoscopy, we've been put to sleep. I remember being in the preparation room, then the recovery room, and nothing in between. The prep for both is the same, so go for the colonoscopy, which is more thorough anyway.

[Sunshine]

Those are my thoughts exactly.

[stillstANNding]

Most colon cancers,but not all, occur in the sigmoid colon. That makes it a useful tool but not the best.

ANN

[SuzE-Q]

No, I wasn't put to sleep for my colonoscopy either. They just said they'd knock me out if they found anything that needed to be clipped, which they didn't.

[Virginia]

If you were on your side for a sigmoid. you had a very thoughtful Doc. I didn't, nor did my Aunt.

[stillstANNding]

Here you go Virginia:

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ANN

[SuzE-Q]

Here you go Virginia:

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ANN

Ummm...not to sound stupid, but what's a jackknife position?

ETA: never mind, I googled it. 'Nuff said.

[agate]

Ummm...not to sound stupid, but what's a jackknife position?

ETA: never mind, I googled it. 'Nuff said.

Eek. I doubt that anyone could get me into that position, and I wouldn't be able to stay in that position for long.

[SuzE-Q]

There are just some things I won't do for a view of my colon... *ohno

[stillstANNding]

It's just left side down and bent slightly forward. I watch the whole thing w the light sedation. Very interesting. I don't mind it and I like my woman doctor.

I just hate that salty poop juice they have you drink the day before. And then offer bouillon as a choice to replace a meal!

Oh, and I remember that I keep on drinking coffee w fat free milk. My neurons demand it.
ANN