Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy – My Experience

Intro

My objective a few years ago was to get a gastroscopy and colonoscopy done but I kept finding silly excuses to postpone the procedure. I finally did it yesterday and I would like to share a few things including misconceptions I had.

• It is painful: No, it is not! you won’t feel anything because you are sedated. It will be painful if you are not under sedation. I felt no pain as I slept right through.
• The medication to empty the bowel one takes the day before the procedure will make you run to the toilet all night long: No… I did wake up various times at night with the need to go to the toilet but I could control everything. I could have waited say 5 minutes before rushing to the toilet. There was NO URGE to do it immediately. By the way, the powder that I had to dissolve in water (PICOPREP) was neither pleasant nor unpleasant – it was Okish…

Which are the Most Dangerous Cancers?

Several cancers are considered highly dangerous due to high mortality rates or difficulty in treatment. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, followed by pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. Certain brain cancers, like glioblastoma, and some blood cancers, such as myeloma, are also very dangerous. 

Related: Best and Worst Foods to Prevent Colorectal Cancer >

What is a Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy

A gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy are often done together to investigate symptoms, screen for cancers and diagnose various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Combining the procedures allows doctors to examine the entire digestive system, from the esophagus and stomach down to the colon and rectum, in one go, which is more convenient for the patient and can provide a more complete picture of their digestive health. 

Related: Famous People with Colon Cancer >

The Day Before – Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy*

*your doctor will hand you a document with all the relevant instructions (very easy to follow).

My procedure was scheduled for 9am so my last meal the day before had to be taken before 2pm. Thereafter clear fluids only. Drink at least one glass per hour – 4 litres in total. I had water, black tea with sugar (or honey) and Energade (an isotonic drink). At 6pm. I had the PICOPREP powder dissolved in water.

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Day of the Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy

At 5am another PICOPREP solution. 2 hours before the procedure no more water to drink.

Dr. Robert J. Hartley

I would like to thank Dr. R. Hartley and his Team for their work.

Dr. Robert Joseph Hartley
Specialist General Surgeon
011 842 7751
rjhartley60@gmail.com

An Enjoyable Brunch

Following the procedure and after some rest at Dr. Hartley’s consulting rooms I went to the Cafeteria for a hearty brunch entailing: fried eggs, chips, mushrooms and toast with liberal amounts of butter, jam and a cup of tea.