Jean in Newcastle Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 How soon to be able to eat normally? Do things? Converse with people? I'm scheduled for the procedure for Christmas Eve morning. Am I going to want to skip the extended family dinner? Update: Had the colonoscopy today. There were a fair number of people there for procedures though they told me that they were closing early and didn't have as many as usual. I am happy to report that the Christmas party was moved to Saturday. I definitely would not have been able to go. I'm pretty wiped out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 No idea, but :grouphug: . And apologies for shamelessly including this on the forum game thread. I'm an awful human being. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 My dh had one this fall and he was a little groggy afterward, but we stopped at Subway for lunch about an hour later. He did come home and take an hour nap. Then he ate a normal meal for dinner with no problems and felt fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 The key factor is whether you'll be getting the normal sedative drugs during the procedure. (Some people do without them. ) A lot of times people want to sleep all day because of the drugs. I can't recall any prohibitions on eating afterward, but most of the time you are sleepy. By dinnertime, you may be perking up or you may still be sleeping hard from the drugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 No idea, but :grouphug: . And apologies for shamelessly including this on the forum game thread. I'm an awful human being. LOL No problems. I can laugh in the face of a colonoscopy. Wait. . . that gives disturbing images. . .! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I came home and took a short nap (45 minutes to an hour) and then was back to normal. DH ate lunch and then had a nap and was back to normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Two answers: 1. If you'll enjoy going to the gathering, I think you'll be fine to go. My husband was just fine after he came home. He wanted to go to work but the dr.'s office made such a big deal about not signing important papers, etc. because of the light sedation so he came home. He was fine and could eat normally. If you have any polyps removed I think there may be some restrictions like no heavy lifting and don't take aspirin for awhile. 2. If you're looking for a way to avoid the gathering then you've also got a good reason to tell people you're just not feeling up to it. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 My spouse came home and slept the rest of the day. IDK what to say about the family dinner. Can you leave the decision until the last minute? Or, as Laurie suggested, if you don't really want to go, having a colonoscopy is as good an excuse as you can get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 The key factor is whether you'll be getting the normal sedative drugs during the procedure. (Some people do without them. ) A lot of times people want to sleep all day because of the drugs. I can't recall any prohibitions on eating afterward, but most of the time you are sleepy. By dinnertime, you may be perking up or you may still be sleeping hard from the drugs. I was told that there would be sedation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Colonoscopies always knock me out. I sleep a lot that day, and maybe watch some movies. But I react to the sedation that way, you may be different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 When my husband had one we went out to eat right after. He was a bit groggy for the rest of the day and gassy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 As to the gathering - I can take it or leave it. So no real desire to go or to get out of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I've had several. Usually they offer you the choice - do you want to sleep all day or do you want to wake up at the end of this and have a normal day? Pick whichever one you prefer. I pick the 'wake up and be normal' option. They encourage you not to eat anything spicy or greasy for the rest of that day. I usually eat a lighter-than-normal lunch but am fine by dinner time. Occasionally, the unpleasantness of the previous night returns upon eating. This is rare but really unpleasant. Take probiotics and eat more fiber if this should occur. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 How soon to be able to eat normally? Do things? Converse with people? I'm scheduled for the procedure for Christmas Eve morning. Am I going to want to skip the extended family dinner? Wait...Christmas EVE? I don't know if I would want the staff forced to work on Christmas Eve....or maybe all the best people are. :0 I don't know! I can't imagine you would want to attend an extended family dinner right afterward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I don't remember much from mine - but dh had his most recent a couple months ago. they blow air into your colon - so even if you're awake right afterwards, you're not much up to eating a whole lot. even dh, didn't eat that much afterwards. (because he didn't feel like it). they do also recommend taking things (re: eating) slowly and easing back into a more normal diet. I wouldn't want to have one on Christmas eve - too much going on later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingiguana Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I was munching down McDonald's as soon as I could get to the drive thru. I was starving. I didn't notice any problems otherwise. Typically, I don't eat McDonald's, but it was the first thing we ran across. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 Wait...Christmas EVE? I don't know if I would want the staff forced to work on Christmas Eve....or maybe all the best people are. :0 I don't know! I can't imagine you would want to attend an extended family dinner right afterward. Forcing them to work? The doctor and her staff are working that day whether they schedule me or not. The scheduler was happy that I could do that time because she said she was having trouble getting people to agree to that time. Which I can understand! It is one of the few days that dh actually has off. I need to have him off because they refuse to do the procedure without someone with me and to drive me home. Also - the person doing the actual procedure is my G-I specialist so I won't be getting some kind of second-string doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I was knocked out cold for mine two months ago - woke up a bit silly and talkative for a couple minutes, then felt fine. Had I not been scheduled for more surgery the next day, I would have been allowed to eat whatever I desired. Now, I can NOT see going through the awful prep for the procedure right in the middle of the holidays. Can't you reschedule it for after Christmas? Is there no kid or neighbor who can drive you? I might add, my procedure was for about 9 in the morning, so I was told just clear liquids the day before, then start prep between noon to 5pm.. I started at noon...and by 3pm was on the phone with the nurse at the doctor's office asking if I could stop drinking the stuff. Ended up hugging the porcelain throne (sorry if tmi) and second call to nurse she said stop taking the prep stuff for three hours, then just two more doses...then wake up for two more at 4am. Luckily I was told I can wait ten years to do this again (at age 55 I had nice pretty innards, apparently, even despite them being kinda smushed up in the car crash). I HATE and DESPISE the prep. Actual procedure a piece of cake. Think they did the same i.v. knock out stuff my kids had for their wisdom teeth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I had one that wasn't an outpatient procedure and I was already feeling awful and hadn't been able to eat for days, but the colonoscopy was no big deal at all. I wasn't unusually tired after it. I'm liking the idea of using it as an excuse if you need it, but if you want to go to the event, I think it's reasonable to plan on going, keeping in mind that it might not work in the end. Dh has almost always worked on Christmas Eve, in construction, law, and he does now too. It doesn't seem odd to me to have the procedure on Christmas Eve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Depends (for me, anyway) on time of day. In the morning, and you will feel better by evening. If the procedure is in the afternoon you may want to sleep all the rest of the day. This assumes that they will be putting you out with something like propophal (sp?) which is routine for my GI doc this days. You should eat gradually and gently as soon as you feel able to help stabilize your blood pressure. I will choose a procedure date based on availability of a morning appointment because the day before prep and wait for an afternoon appointment makes my blood sugar and blood pressure levels wonkier than having it done first thing in the morning. I have had a number of these due to family history and some issues, this procedure is much easier now than it was 20 years ago! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 Dh works two jobs. Finding a day when he's available is difficult. I'd like to have it done before the new year because right now I've maxed out all my health insurance so they will pay 100%. Right now the holidays don't mean much to me other than something more on my to-do list. Perhaps if I were feeling better I would feel differently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlktwins Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I was not groggy afterwards. That was such a refreshing little nap I had during the procedure :-). I ate a Chick-fil-A sandwich on the way home. No fries -- just the sandwich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Colonoscopies are considered preventative with our insurance and covered at 100%. Have you double checked that with your policy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Forcing them to work? The doctor and her staff are working that day whether they schedule me or not. The scheduler was happy that I could do that time because she said she was having trouble getting people to agree to that time. Which I can understand! It is one of the few days that dh actually has off. I need to have him off because they refuse to do the procedure without someone with me and to drive me home. Also - the person doing the actual procedure is my G-I specialist so I won't be getting some kind of second-string doctor. Ok, I didn't know if they were simply sending you to some clinic for this, but it did occur to me. That's all. I had a surgery once on Thanksgiving week. I wish I could have done it at a different time, in retrospect, but of course it was an emergency. Of course, that was a hospital, where you are stuck with whomever is in rotation. That's all. I understand you certainly want your husband to be with you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 Colonoscopies are considered preventative with our insurance and covered at 100%. Have you double checked that with your policy? Thank you for reminding me! I tried calling them on Friday but they were closed for the holiday. I'll do that now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I was told that there would be sedation. You'll be fine in no time, Jean! You might be groggy for a few hours, but if you go home and have a snack and take a little nap, you should be good to go. Be sure to let the doctor know if you tend to take a while to bounce back after sedation, but this isn't a general anesthesia type of thing (although it will feel that way to you,) so the recovery time is usually quick. OTOH, it will still make a good excuse if you end up deciding that you would prefer to stay home! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Ok, I didn't know if they were simply sending you to some clinic for this, but it did occur to me. That's all. I had a surgery once on Thanksgiving week. I wish I could have done it at a different time, in retrospect, but of course it was an emergency. Of course, that was a hospital, where you are stuck with whomever is in rotation. That's all. I understand you certainly want your husband to be with you! This probably isn't "some clinic," but rather a specialty hospital for same-day sedated GI procedures. Quite common these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 My sister woke up during hers. They gave her something super strong to knock her out. She was pretty much out of it for the rest of the day after that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I think people react to sedation so differently that it will be difficult to predict. I was looking forward to eating normally again after the preparatory fasting, but I really wasn't very hungry for a day or two. I was groggy and slept for most of the rest of the day, but I tend to have a hard time coming out of it after sedation. Hopefully you will bounce right back, since it is right before the holiday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 This probably isn't "some clinic," but rather a specialty hospital for same-day sedated GI procedures. Quite common these days. Ok. Should not have commented at all. I just would have expected many places to be closed on Christmas Eve, or be operating with a skeleton crew. Apparently, I am incorrect. Never mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 LOL No problems. I can laugh in the face of a colonoscopy. Wait. . . that gives disturbing images. . .! :lol: :smilielol5: Indeed, you are good sport and a good woman. (But I already knew that about you!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I think people react to sedation so differently that it will be difficult to predict. I was looking forward to eating normally again after the preparatory fasting, but I really wasn't very hungry for a day or two. I was groggy and slept for most of the rest of the day, but I tend to have a hard time coming out of it after sedation. Hopefully you will bounce right back, since it is right before the holiday. I have a horrible time with general anesthesia, but the light sedation used for procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies has never bothered me much at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Ok. Should not have commented at all. I just would have expected many places to be closed on Christmas Eve, or be operating with a skeleton crew. Apparently, I am incorrect. Never mind. Certainly Jean appreciates your feedback! I had surgery at the end of the weekend before Easter once, and have sat with elderly family members in the hospital over other holidays. Things can happen at a slower pace. I believe, though, in the case of the specialty hospital, if a GI doc is opting to work that day, he will have competent staff in assistance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I have a horrible time with general anesthesia, but the light sedation used for procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies has never bothered me much at all. Same here. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SebastianCat Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I had mine in the morning, and the absolute worst part was being up all night the night before because of the prep. What I remember about the actual procedure is that it was the BEST nap I had had in a LONG time. The sedation really knocked me out, and I slept most of the day once I got home. I was able to eat pretty normally right afterward. The afteraffects weren't as bad as the prep, but I was very gassy and had diarrhea for several days. Because of those aspects, and because of being so sleepy, if it was me I'd probably plan to skip the family dinner. My DH had one done in the afternoon, and because of the timing, he didn't have to start the prep until the morning of the procedure. Next time, I will definitely schedule it for the afternoon. He did have to do clear liquids the day before, but didn't have to take any of the really awful stuff until that morning. I don't think I'd mind having it on Christmas Eve - it would make a lovely excuse for a low-key Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Wait...Christmas EVE? I don't know if I would want the staff forced to work on Christmas Eve....or maybe all the best people are. :0 I don't know! I can't imagine you would want to attend an extended family dinner right afterward. Every time I have had a colonoscopy it's been at a hospital. Hospital staff are well accustomed to being open 365 days a year. Christmas Eve isn't even considered a holiday for the purposes of holiday pay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I usually was eating 1-2 hours later. It's been awhile though, so I can't remember what level of sedation I had each time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I had mine in the morning, and the absolute worst part was being up all night the night before because of the prep. What I remember about the actual procedure is that it was the BEST nap I had had in a LONG time. The sedation really knocked me out, and I slept most of the day once I got home. I was able to eat pretty normally right afterward. The afteraffects weren't as bad as the prep, but I was very gassy and had diarrhea for several days. Because of those aspects, and because of being so sleepy, if it was me I'd probably plan to skip the family dinner. My DH had one done in the afternoon, and because of the timing, he didn't have to start the prep until the morning of the procedure. Next time, I will definitely schedule it for the afternoon. He did have to do clear liquids the day before, but didn't have to take any of the really awful stuff until that morning. I don't think I'd mind having it on Christmas Eve - it would make a lovely excuse for a low-key Christmas. Your dh didn't have to prep til the morning? I'd take that option! I've had a day before prep with an afternoon procedure. Won't do that again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammi K Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 When DH had his, they required a 'driver' be available for transport. After he was released we went for lunch at a Mexican place. Probably not the best choice - but I already promised the kids and it was planned before the procedure. He was really hungry and ordered a taco salad but found that he was too crampy from the gas ( from the procedure not from the Mexican food! ) to really eat much. He went home and slept ( and tooted) for awhile. But, he was fine by evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 My husband had one in the morning and went out with a coworker for a late lunch. I felt pretty ok after mine too. People vary, but it wasn't too bad for either of us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I know everybody responds differently. That said, I started my prep earlier in the day than recommended (early afternoon as I recall), and was "done" by early evening. I was wiped out, went to bed at 9:00, slept till 4:00, procedure was at 7:30, home mid-morning, expecting to sleep the rest of the day but I couldn't sleep. I guess I slept so well the previous night :P DH ate lightly for two days before his, so had very little clean out (sorry to be so graphic!) - as I recall, he dozed a bit later that day but otherwise was fine. I think most people agree the prep you do the day before the actual procedure is the worst part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I was just hungry after mine. Not terribly energetic, mind you. My husband was a bit gassy but felt otherwise normal afterward. I do think that reactions to an aesthetic can vary--as well as stress reactions leading up to the procedure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Colonoscopies are considered preventative with our insurance and covered at 100%. Have you double checked that with your policy? Nope, not all of them do. Be sure to check with the insurance directly. Do not trust the gal in the doctor's office. Ask me how we know... Two other thoughts... I ate right after my colonoscopy and was a little groggy for a few hours. Ate normally by nightfall. I had surgery on Christmas Eve three years ago--Loved having Christmas day and after to recover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Eat normally - as soon as I get home. Do things - after a good long nap. Converse with people - after a good long nap (unless you mean converse incoherently, which I can do immediately after a colonoscopy). I think I got more drugs during my second colonoscopy, because I felt pretty out of it until late afternoon (procedure was early morning). With my first, I was back to normal after an hour nap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Colonoscopies are considered preventative with our insurance and covered at 100%. Have you double checked that with your policy? Our insurance considers colonoscopies preventative and covers them at 100% IF you are age 50+. For us slightly younger folks, they pay 80% after deductible (or 100% if you've reached your out-of-pocket max for the year). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 This probably isn't "some clinic," but rather a specialty hospital for same-day sedated GI procedures. Quite common these days. I think technically it is a clinic but it is a huge multi-location clinic system in a large metropolitan area. The endoscopy/colonoscopy area itself is rather large. They were closed for Thanksgiving and the day after so they do not schedule for holidays. Christmas Eve is not considered a holiday in many clinical settings - or rather the night is, but not the day. Dh's clinic is open on Christmas Eve but is closed for Christmas. But this year he actually gets Christmas Eve off but he did work Thanksgiving and the day after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Dh works two jobs. Finding a day when he's available is difficult. I'd like to have it done before the new year because right now I've maxed out all my health insurance so they will pay 100%. Right now the holidays don't mean much to me other than something more on my to-do list. Perhaps if I were feeling better I would feel differently. Ah, then the prep and recovery (milk it if need be!) gives a justified excuse to chill out during an otherwise hectic time of the year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisbeth Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I always sleep the rest of the day or for many hours (think 5-6 or so, maybe more hours). You may or may not be up to something that evening but I would give yourself a break and plan on relaxing instead of having to gear up to socialize. I have had 4 (the prep is horrible, the procedure is nothing). Best wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 It really depends on the anesthesia used during the procedure. I was given propofol, and was wide awake and felt great 15 minutes after the procedure. No nausea at all, which was great. I had a lot of polyps burned off, so I was sore for several days, but it wasn't bad. It's really a very easy procedure. You probably will feel well enough to attend, unless you don't really want to go in the first place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 Well, ultimately I'll just have to see how it goes, but it helps to have a general sense of the range of reactions people have to the procedure. I did actually have one done over twenty years ago but I have absolutely no memory of how I felt afterward! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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