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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 46. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 1:59:14
This 'colonoscopy preparedness' is hurting my mental health!
I knew this was the last day I could eat so was eating everything I love all day.
Then I read those instructions tonight and now I'm worried I've messed up the whole thing. And I'm worried that I'll never even be able to have a colo as I'm on a maintenance narcotic for c-spine injury and I'll go into 'literal detox' if I can't take it for 2wks. I've been on some form of 'darv' or 'perc' for nearly 10years now.
It's not midnight yet so I can still eat something.
I don't even know if I can have the colo Thurs now as I've been 'some other' meds also on this ginormous list of meds which you can't be on 2wks prior to the procedure.(?)
I can't tell for sure ... but it looks like the only thing that's missing from the list is acetaminophen. I'm not sure about Valium.
What is this all about? Everyone is supposed to have wellness colonoscopies mid age. How do people on meds just 'go w/o their medication for 2wks'? I mean, I'd almost need be on a detox unit to do this.
Has anyone else ever had a colonoscopy and had to go w/o meds their 'somewhat addicted' to for 10-14 days prior to one!?
Sorry if repeating myself!
This doc knew I was on these meds and didn't discuss this with me!
Listen to this ... the only other person in my family that has had any 'documented' emotional problems was my great grandmother. She died 'in a sanitarium' of 'constipation'! Yeah ... I'd be laughing too if I wasn't so freaked out!
I'm voraciously hungry just thinking about not being able to eat after midnight tonight until 10a Thursday morning, and scared because what if I freakin' starve to death or lose my mind because I can't take my scrips?
It feels like I'm prepping for brain surgery!
I know they use local anesthesia. As far as I know that poses no danger to your life, so what's up w/ all these meds you can't take for two weeks?
I'm going to call the doc first thing in the morning. I'm alone. Need support. I'm so upset! One of the meds is the one I use to go to sleep.
"I can't go to sleep w/o something to sleep!"
:( cf
Posted by MidnightBlue on July 25, 2006, at 11:41:54
In reply to Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :(, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 1:59:14
Call the doctor ASAP and demand more info! You cannot go into this test like this.
MB
Posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 12:18:40
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by MidnightBlue on July 25, 2006, at 11:41:54
Corafree I think you read the directions wrong. It's only the night before that you cant eat or drink after midnight. Since I don't take narcotics I took all my med antidepressant, synthroid, valium up until the morning of the proceedure. I think there's some miscommunication. Yes call your doc and the nurse will go over the instuctions with you. Love Phillipa
Posted by james K on July 25, 2006, at 14:57:13
In reply to Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :(, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 1:59:14
I understand your confusions, and you need to talk to the nurse to get reassurance. I'm going to assume that your doctor is competent and deals with patients on meds all the time. He/she may have failed to give you the best explanation.
Going without the food tomorrow won't be as noticeable as you think, because you are going to have explosive diarrhea all afternoon and evening. That's how the prep works just in case they didn't fill you in on that either. Don't have any red or dark liquid, because that may obscure the view or look like blood to the camera.
They ussually say take your meds only the night before, and depending on what they are, maybe take them in the morning.
The prep is the only bad part of the situation.
Please double check with the office to make sure they understand your concerns.
I'm willing to discuss any of the nitty gritty details if you'd like a better idea of the day itself or anything. good luck
James K
Posted by Kath on July 25, 2006, at 16:02:39
In reply to Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :(, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 1:59:14
Dear Corafree
Have you talked to a doctor about it yet? I think it's really important to do that.
Also, I find my pharmacist exCEEDingly helpful. They're pretty up on drugs since that's their specialization & I find them a good, 'free' source of information.
Hugs, Kath
PS - I was terrified of the colonoscopy itself. As it turned out, I had I.V. & the doctor said, I'm going to give you a small amount of med through the I.V., then give you a bit more later.
THEN - I opened my eyes & wondered when they were going to start & there was the doctor on the other side of the bed & I was in the recovery area & it was OVER!!!!!!
good luck, Kath
PS - it seems totally unrealistic to require people to be off those type of meds. Just not possible in a lot of cases.
Posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 19:37:06
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :(, posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 12:18:40
We wish.
I've written instructions right here hon'.
Nothing since midnight this morning. I'm already feeling a little stranger than usual. My 'teeth' started to ache(?) and I made a few phone calls. Got the feeling I may not have been very courteous.
I just drank mag citrate bottle #1, and in 2hrs get to drink mag citrate #2. And yuch, chicken broth tastes like chicken oil!
That's all the mag citrate I drink ... two bottles. Thought I had to drink four!
(I've the dang instruction sheet here next to me. Wonder if I can eat it and then plead temporary insanity due to starbuttvation? Oh, butt then there wouldn't be any evidence if I ate it. Boy I'm gonna' be hungry when this is over!)
Tonight at bedtime take 4 Dulcolax.
Tomorrow, I drink phospho-soda mixed w/ Sprite at 4p. Then at 8p take 2 Dulcolax. Then at 10p another phospho-soda mixed w/ Sprite.
When I wake up Thurs morn' I cannot have anything to drink until the colo at 10a. Oh wait ... I get a sip of water to take my meds. Awesome. Hope I wake up late, not 5a or something. I'll be awfully disoriented that morning w/o having my cup(s) of coffee! ={
Butt, 'to just get that far with this preparation', I'll be thankful and won't mind missing my coffee, or if the whole world looks at my butt!!!
L O L , cf
Posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 19:54:24
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » Phillipa, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 19:37:06
Corafree are you sure you read the instuctions right? I only had one bottle of mag citrate the night before. And it wasn't bad at all. This sounds like overkill to me. I didn't take ducolox either it wasn't on the prep list. Just the one bottle of mag citrate. And I ate till midnight the night before whatever I wanted. And you're not on an MAOI and even those folks can take their meds the anthesiologists know what to give you. They're trained in these things. And if you go without fluids or calories that long your blood sugar would drop . Even in the hospital at least if you were very ill you'd have a IV of dextrose and saline. sugar and water. Love Phillipa
Posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 20:10:23
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by james K on July 25, 2006, at 14:57:13
This doc is a Top Doc in a large metro.
He's not open-minded, caring, or understanding.
He literally reacted to my being on meds like Percocet or Valium like I was a junkie. He didn't inquire why about either?
For those of you who don't know, I had a 'textbook nervous breakdown' last March. Valium saved my life.
My reason for being on Percocet is because I was mistreated by someone.
If this doc has a heart, he learned to leave it at home many years ago.
cf
Posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 20:16:16
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 19:54:24
My doc knew I was on valium. Since it wasn't prescribed by him he didn't question it at all. Did yours question you or did you voluntarily tell him? And it's true docs today are encouraging PT instead of drugs. The neurosurgeon I saw here when I thought I might have cervical surgery. The phamplet in the office stated short term pain meds til the PT started to work. And Charlotte is a large City. The hospitals are huge and I think the health care is superior. Except for the psych docs. Love Phillipa
Posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 20:17:14
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by Kath on July 25, 2006, at 16:02:39
So you had general anesthesia like James?
cf
Posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 20:23:00
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 19:54:24
We're friends ... do you have a fax?
Hey ... should I be concerned about this?
I mean I'm concerned, but wondering why the 'overkill' myself.
I'm having URO-GYN surgery and it's prep is just like the one you've described for your colo.
love, cf
Posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 20:42:51
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » Phillipa, posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 20:16:16
This colo-rectal must have read nurse's notes before he came in. He talked about the Percocet and the Valium. He didn't make any mention of the Voltaren or Flexeril. He also added that I was 'just stuck' w/ the damage done by giving birth to a large child. Not nice.
I've had PT, epidurals (even one in my skull ... not the base of my neck ... but in my 'hard head'!) mid back and up all over, trigger point.
I asked my PCP if there was a comprehensive pain clinic here and he said 'no'.
love,cf
Posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 21:07:14
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » Phillipa, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 20:23:00
Corafree I wonder if you googled colonoscopy prep and proceedure what it would say? Try that? I may do it too. Love Phillipa
Posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 22:05:01
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 21:07:14
Are we the same person in different locations Phillipa? I just did!
Re subject line ... my daughter and I confer this is a description of a col*-rec*al surgeon's communicatin with me.
'Your description' of a prep is what I find. Yes mine is definitely an overkill.
There is mention of people w/ constipation having to take more stuff the afternoon/eve before, but no mention of '52hours' before! And, I am just 5'4" and 120lbs, if that makes a diff'.
That's 52hrs w/o food. He made no mention of nutrition. (I saw on google you could drink some of the nutritional supplements.)
I'm was submitted to intimidation and 'possible' discrimination.
I'm really concerned. I get very angry if I am not treated well because of my social/financial standing.
I really wonder if I should not, dare I say 'demand', general anesthesia and standby precautions.
I've had unexplained abdominal distention in the last month. I read a bit about that. I did tell him this, but he paid no attention to me.
He hasn't listened to me.
Ya' know how peeps will look at you anxiously as you are speaking, as they're not even listening to you, because all they're thinking about is what they are about to say. That is what he does.
Plus, he knows how 'markedly mentally anxious' I am about a colonoscopy to begin with! I've told he and his MA repeatedly about this. I've told them I'm the girl 'that's buttshy', so they wouldn't forget.
Butt, I totally feel forgotten and am scared to my health in the hands of someone who has 'NOT' taken any necessary precautions due to my medications, past hx, fear, absence of support at home, ... drawing a blank now. It's been nearly 24hrs w/o food and I have another 28hrs to go.
Called a daughter re: light colored jello, concerns re general vs Versed/Demerol, concerns re further injury to c-spine. She said she will call me in two hours. I asked 'what about middle of night' and she said I might not hear my cell.
I've got a psych crisis/nurseline phone#, and am pretty sure they could direct me to medical crisis nurseline. In fact, I think I'll all them now, in advance, and ask them to call me back at intervals. They will and have done this in the past when I've needed psych support.
cf
Posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 22:20:07
In reply to Colonoscopy, She's Nuts/Addict, Pay Her No Attn » Phillipa, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 22:05:01
Corafree can you get another doc? There seems to be a conflict with the two of you. Can it wait is it urgent. Any blood? Love Phillipa
Posted by Jost on July 25, 2006, at 23:03:27
In reply to Colonoscopy, She's Nuts/Addict, Pay Her No Attn » Phillipa, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 22:05:01
cf, I'm sorry you're so freaked out by the medical stuff. Sounds like your MD is kind of insensitive. It makes you wonder where these people have been. Do they like pain, and anxiety?
I know someone who had a colonoscopy, and he had just whatever they give you for sedation and inducing overall out-of-it-ness, not general anesthesia, and he says he doesn't remember a thing.
I'm sure they'll give you something for sedation. I have heard of people who do remember the experience-- so ask for extra-- in fact, insist on it. Or better yet, have someone there with you, who can do it for/with you.
I definitely would do that. Esp. say something at the time-- maybe the nurse or anesthesia person will take care of it.
General anesthesia is something you really want to avoid. It's pretty bad for you on lots of levels.
Jost
Posted by corafree on July 26, 2006, at 10:07:11
In reply to Re: Colonoscopy, She's Nuts/Addict, Pay Her No Att » corafree, posted by Jost on July 25, 2006, at 23:03:27
I slept 3-4hrs w/o my Soma.
It's getting hard to compunicate, butt that's just the thought I was trying to wrap my brain around Jost! I appreciate you're picking up on what I was trying to make clear w/ myself.
Yep! Avoid 'general anesthesia' and go for Versed and Demerol (That's what I've been told is used here.) or find out today what they plan to use.
Yes, guess I'd best call his MA re: what they will use, warn her I'd better be 'out of it', and tell her what 'a state' I'm in!
I will ask my daughter to be as present as possible and make sure this happens.
She'll be giving him my MRI reports (Yikes; need make copies.) so he'll be reminded to be careful with positioning my neck.
Why don't we get to ask them to sign anything? ha
When the doc asks me, "How we doin'?", inside I'll be wanting to slap him, but outside (the acting me) I'll be the submissive freaked-out being who can see a mouth moving but not hear the words coming out of it!
I think it was Carly that sang 'Anticipation'. :(
tks4caring, cf
Posted by corafree on July 26, 2006, at 10:10:48
In reply to Re: Colonoscopy, She's Nuts/Addict, Pay Her No Attn » corafree, posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2006, at 22:20:07
Now I know you're another me somewhere.
I tried to see another after I had first met him a year ago, but my GYN assured me he was the best so I stuck with him.
I'm worried after asking if I've taken certain meds, they might withhold Versed/Demerol (or whatever).
love, cf
Posted by AuntieMel on July 26, 2006, at 17:39:27
In reply to Colonoscopy, She's Nuts/Addict, Pay Her No Attn » Phillipa, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 22:05:01
I don't know about the procedure, but I've had the 'knockout' drugs fairly recently.
It's better than a double margarita cocktail. Best sleep I've had in years.
Posted by Phillipa on July 26, 2006, at 20:17:26
In reply to Re: Colonoscopy, She's Nuts/Addict, Pay Her No Attn » Phillipa, posted by corafree on July 26, 2006, at 10:10:48
And I had had versed before so wasn't afraid of that but had never had demerol before. They injected it in my IV. I stayed awake the whole time. High tolerance. But as I said when I got home konked out and Auntie Mel that was the best sleep I ever got also. Maybe I should get another one? Love Phillipa ps just kidding
Posted by Kath on July 26, 2006, at 20:42:21
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » Kath, posted by corafree on July 25, 2006, at 20:17:14
It FELT like it, but I don't think it was. He said it was a sedative or somethng. Whatever it was, it must have been GOOOOOD because even thought I was OUT like a light, I would do it again tomorrow if I could (in a way!!) - it must have felt REALLY good somehow. My daughter thought maybe it was demerol or something.
I think your doctor sounds mean & heartless & snobby & it's lucky he isn't on PsychoBabble or I'd get a Please Be Civil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Truly, I am so sorry you have this doctor.
I think it's BIGTIME overkill all this prep business. I also, like Phillipa had 1 bottle of something that tasted awful & had to drink masses of it. The desired result was that when I "pooed" it was clear & liquid like water. I'll tell ya, it got pretty hard to keep drinking more & I stopped before the result was totally clear....or I should say - oh dear - too many graphic details....it was clear like water, but with the odd bit of fibre or something in!!
Oh Cora - I am sorry you've had to go through this.
hugs, Kath
Posted by corafree on July 26, 2006, at 22:10:29
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by Kath on July 26, 2006, at 20:42:21
I called the colorectal surgeon's office. Talked to his MA and 'he' called me back.
I said "I'm distended, bloated, hard as a rock, and in pain" and "I'm crying one minute and angry the next"
He said "All I do is colonoscopies and if you are having problems with not taking your meds maybe not do it."
I said "No! Not after all this"
I said "Did you get my c-spine MRIs so that my neck will be positioned properly?"
He said "All I do is colonoscopies and if you are having problems with your spine maybe not do it. I will pay no attention to that."
I said "Can I be 'totally out of it'?"
He said "All I give is Versed and Demerol and your insurance will not cover general so maybe not do it."
I said "No not after all this. See you tomorrow."
He said (or did I hang up on him? :) ;) "okay".
He was SO WAY trying to get out of doing this and as far away from, me/anyone who had emotional or physical problems, as possible. He so NOT needed my business. I would never recommend him to anyone. I can't believe a good doc I know recommended him. Somehow he made a 'first met judgement' and hasn't 'cared' for me since.
But after all this, I better do it.
So I guess if I'm drinking Pepsi it won't be clear? :( Still just like pee'ing but not clear. Have to go buttpee!
Have to take two more Dulcolax tonight!?
How will I go w/ no drink til' 10a tomorrow. I wonder if one ice cube equals 1/2 sip so I could have two ice cubes.
OMG I don't know what I'd have done w/o my friends here. Thank you all very much.
love, cf
Posted by Kath on July 27, 2006, at 16:28:33
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :(, posted by corafree on July 26, 2006, at 22:10:29
Holy Croker,
He sounds like quite the ticket!
You can always swish your mouth out with water if it gets really dry & spit it out.
You're in my thoughts.
I can't believe how mean he is & insensitive.
What about your neck though? About the postioning thing?
I send hugs, Kath
Posted by corafree on July 27, 2006, at 19:07:17
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » corafree, posted by Kath on July 27, 2006, at 16:28:33
My worst fear did come true.
I was given Fentanyl and Versed about one minute because he began the colonoscopy. The meds did nothing!!! If anything, 'I was more awake!
I couldn't watch the TV as I was screaming bloody murder and biting down hard on anything I could find. It was like someone was turning a corkscrew inside me.
My suspicions were right. Knowing that I was on narcotic maintenance, he purposely withheld enough pain med!
After it was over, he stopped by to say, "I told you so!" and "Your colon is longer than most and is spastic, but I'm not prescribing an antispasmodic because you're on Valium."
I feel so sore and so abused.
cf
Posted by Deneb on July 27, 2006, at 21:04:58
In reply to Re: Butt, I'm Really Freakin' Out! :( » Kath, posted by corafree on July 27, 2006, at 19:07:17
(((((((((((((((corafree))))))))))))))))
I'm so sorry that happened to you! It's over now. I hope you can forget about it.
(((((corafree)))))
Deneb*
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