procedure question

[pixiechick]

I have had symptoms that may or may not require testing for colon cancer.  I doubt that this is what I have, but I am not going to rule it out.  There has been blood in my stool, among other things.  There is also a history of various types of cancer in my family.  What I am curious about is, what are the exactly are the tests like.  There is one that starts with an S where they look at your colon and a barium enema which I've heard is painful.  If anyone knows what these procedures entail, please let me know.  Thanks!!!

[Todd-]

Hi, I had a barium enema recently and thought I'd pass this info in to you.  If you go this route (I wouldn't recommend it if you can have another test instead), be prepared to spend some time in the bathroom.  A few days before you have your test, you have to go on a high-fibre diet.  The day before, you take some pills, drink some of the worst-tasting **** that will ever go down your throat, and take a suppository.  (This is the point where you should hang the "do not disturb sign on the bathroom door).  Everything in your bowel system will completely liquify in a few minutes.  Twelve hours of this and you'll be cleaned out.  The test itself is much more exciting... a not-so-tiny tube is inserted into your rectum and a balloon is blown up at the end of the tube to hold it inside you.  Approximately 500ml of barium is then injected through the tube.  At this point, when you don't think it is possible to feel more uncomfortable, they start pumping air through this tube.  Then you are asked to move around, turn over, etc. and even stand up.  A few pics are taken and they suck most of the barium out through the tube.  You at this point sprint to the bathroom and get rid of some more of the barium.  That's it!  Your BM wil be white/beige for the next few days.  I honestly cannot see why this test is performed when obviously a colonoscopy (whick I am going for soon because the test from Hell saw nothing) is a much better diagnostic test.  

This was my experience only and should not dissuade anyone from having a test that his/her doctor feels should be done.

[Wilson]

I too had a colonoscopy and it was not a big deal. You're sedated basically to the point of being under, with the only after effect being a sort of relaxed "fogginess" (which I actually found quite pleasant). The prep is not so bad either. You drink some nasty stuff, then you visit the bathroom a bunch of times throughout the evening until you're all cleaned out inside. Sure, you may be a little sore back there, but the cleansing is actually doing your body a great deal of good, and you can kinda sense that. I'd say all in all, it beats the hell out of an enema. And by the way, I would NEVER do a barium enema, even if the doctor insisted...1) you don't need the radiation, and 2) if they can view the entire colon DIRECTLY through a scope, why go through all that hassle?

[MARY ANN]

I AM DUE FOR SURGERY IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAY I JUST HAD MY SURGERY CONSULT YESTERDAY .THE BEST TEST TO HAVE RAN IS THE COLONOSCOPY  YOU ARE COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF WHAT IS BEING DONE THERE IS NOTHING TO BE AFARID OF.IT IS BETTER THAT YOU FIND THE PROBLEM NOW ,AND  GET IT TAKEN CARE OF.THE COLONOSOCOPY I HAD I WAS PUT UNDER AND IT WAS OVER BEFORE I KNEW IT

[mewithit]

I had a sigmoidoscopy done about a year ago. The procedure is not so bad, but you have to relax. They gave me some drugs, versed and demerol to calm me down though. The prep is the worst. I had to drink a GIANT gallon of a laxative called Nulytley to "clean me out" Just hold your breath when you drink it, and eat a spoonful of jello as soon as your done. That stuff is foul. Try to get the "flavored" kind if you can! I know people who had barium enemas done. From what I hear, they are very uncomfortable. Good luck!!!!

[Baseball_Mom]

I think you are talking about a sigmoidoscopy (not sure how to spell it).  I think the spelling is close.  You could do a search on the web.  Be prepared if you have to have a colonoscopy, the procedure itself its bad but the prep is AWFUL!  Good luck.