Colonoscopy

Last week, at the behest of my doctor, I underwent a colonoscopy. There was no specific condition being checked; instead, it was considered a screening that I should do because I am north of 50.

I have experienced a colonoscopy once before in life, but it was done in a doctor's office and I remained conscious throughout. Apparently, this type of procedure is no longer done since it misses part of the gastrointestinal tract. These days, a more complete examination is done that requires complete sedation.

To get ready for the procedure I took only clear liquids for a day and a half ahead of time. This change is made tolerable by things like apple juice and soda. The evacuation of the intestines is helped by taking a foul tasting liquid prescribed by the doctor's office on two occasions during preparation. The regimen is surprising in how effective it must be; to me it really contradicts the infomercials that insist we carry "pounds" of excess matter in our bowels.

The procedure is done in a hospital on an outpatient basis. Because of the anesthesia given, the patient is put in a bed and given fluids to prevent dehydration. This was my first time on a hospital bed and the first time I have ever been given an IV.

When the time arrives, you are wheeled into the procedure room. There are two doctors; one will do the colonoscopy. He had come out to greet me while I waited. I had overheard this doctor and another speaking with other patients ahead of me in the queue. I also heard an anesthesiologist do interviews of two men regarding their health history. In my case, I only saw the second doctor in the procedure room. He was to administer the drug, which he somewhat flippantly and repeatedly referred to as "happy juice."

I have been "under" only one other time. That was when I had my wisdom teeth removed. I vaguely remember how relatively slowly the sedation took effect and how wasted I felt afterwards. This time, I only saw things get slightly blurry; I remember making a comment about it, then nothing else until I later woke. My rapid descent into the unconscious was hastened by the direct injection of the drug into the IV tube.

This sedation was done with Propofol. It is relatively recent to be used in hospitals, according to Wikipedia, but I only remember pleasurable sensations from its use. It was as if I was led willingly to a place that was agreeable, rather than being pulled into a stressful holding place. Afterward I felt mostly refreshed except for the pangs of an empty stomach. I later in the day achieved top scores on my Lumosity games.

After I woke, I was told to stay on my side. From prior experience as a partner going through the same procedure, I knew one goal of recovery was to pass gas. Indeed, I did so, with satisfaction. A few minutes later I told the busy nurse what I had done. I was surprised, but not in the least embarrassed, when she replied, "I know. I heard." The "passing" of this happy event did trigger the removal of the IV, blood pressure sleeve and the granting of permission to sit upright.

A short time later I was dressed and then received my first ride in a wheelchair. Before leaving, I was told that I do not need another screening for 10 years. The nurses said that was the best result.

I experienced many firsts on this visit. Overall, it was drinking the Suprep, the bowel cleansing liquid, that was the most unpleasant experience. I do get the sense that I went through a process that varies little from person to person and can be heartened by this, since I had heard that having a common process for certain medical procedures is one of the best ways to eliminate mistakes and achieve consistent results.

This was my first contact with one of the newer medical methods. It will be interesting to see how things will have changed in 10 years time.