How to Get a Colonoscopy | Hannah Witton

[@dystopian786]

Do you see yourself hosting a show about disabilities and uncomfortable medical procedures on the BBC in the future? Cause I'd watch that show.

[@hannahwitton]

never thought about it but I'd watch that show too

[@dabe1971]

“Can’t crap, docs take it away” C5 would definitely show it.

[@markgowans]

@@hannahwitton Maybe David Attenborough could narate the journey through a persons inards :p

[@sssophie9292]

@@hannahwitton sounds perfect I can imagine Hannah on Horizon or Embarrassing bodies Doing some research, presenting, and going on visits to hospitals and interviewing research doctors and patients on procedures they carry out, and new developments in science and technology

[@CatCaffeine]

@@sssophie9292 Yesss, she would be a great addition to the embarrassing bodies team!

[@evamcdermott2248]

I've almost finished my first placement as a student nurse on a Gastro Intestinal ward. I was already a viewer, but your videos have been brilliant in helping me understand my patients experience in hospital. Thank you! 😊

[@Slikx666]

Hannah, you are one of of those people that make KZbin properly interesting.

[@MakeupByErikaP]

I'm in med school, so when you started pointing out which way they go I was like "whoops, nope, those two parts are definitely not connected lol" but then you figured it out and I was like yasssss!!

[@ffionroberts2778]

MakeupByErikaP I spotted that and i can just see

[@hannahwitton]

I figured it out!! :D

[@MakeupByErikaP]

@@hannahwitton #crushedit

[@AnnikaOakinnA]

To be fair, even if the intestines usually go one particular direction, it's not universal right? Some people have flipped organs, especially identical twins. Maybe rarely, but it happens!

[@Robin-of2jt]

@@AnnikaOakinnA It's called situs inversus! From what I know when it happens it usually does to identical twins, but I'm not certain of that.

[@LizMcDaniel]

I loved when you were just repeating “chronically ill” to yourself in like a playful way, I feel that (migraines and chronic pain)

[@jesseclark3697]

Colonoscopies in the US have changed too. 15 years ago when I had my first one I was awake and alert for the whole thing. I couldn't feel anything, but I wasn't high, my mind was working just fine (and it was definitely interesting watching the monitor). They've changed the drug they use since then so now you're just out for the whole thing. Also yes, our healthcare system is terrible. Thanks for rubbing that in (please share your good healthcare).

[@sbrenner2561]

They switched meds from Midolazam (Versed) to Propofol (Diprivan). Propofol requires an anesthestician, has a shorter half-life and just plain works better.

[@sydnellia]

i will NEVER let them not knock me out. my philosophy is if they’re gonna make me miserable for a whole 24 hours, they owe me a GOOD NAP!

[@shaunagith168]

I just love love LOVE, that you are sharing those things with us and are spreading awareness and breaking down stigma!!! Thank you so much for this!!!!

[@christiehoward1676]

I work in an endo center in the US. We don’t do things under general anesthesia, but we do everything on monitored anesthesia..... meaning you are out and asleep but still breathing on your own. If someone is having a flex sig, they still have the option for anesthesia if they would like. Prep for us is Golytely if your inpatient (“pineapple flavored” gallon of death) or 2 liters of Gatorade mixed with Miralax if you are outpatient. Flex sigs just have to do 2 enemas since you never leave the descending colon. Weird how it’s so different everywhere

[@theyellowbird23]

Got a stoma advertisement before this video. Ads on point! Having a colonoscopy for my UC later this year.

[@misshaack]

Same!!

[@Harrison_J_T]

Got a Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis channel ad!

[@rebeccahreedy5703]

I got the same ad. Interesting.

[@ChrisMedley]

Best of luck! Thanks for taking us with you.

[@ShootingStarASMR]

I really feel for Americans with their healthcare system, it must cause so many people so much stress! We’re so lucky even though there may be setbacks and trials with the NHS 👏🏻

[@ZairaBandy]

how much you pay for taxes¡¡???

[@isabelnecessary5915]

@@ZairaBandy taxes are proportionate to how much you earn though so everyone gets access no matter what they make

[@Birdie336]

@@ZairaBandy overall, the UK tax burden is roughly the same as the US tax burden. Obviously, both systems of taxation are complex, but it is overall very similar. No one in the UK pays more than £110ish a year for prescriptions. The most expensive and lengthy dental procedures are about £300 (simplest/shortest £30ish).

[@ZairaBandy]

@@isabelnecessary5915 you are very lucky to have a good system. Here in Mexico we do pay taxes accordingly but we have a lot of corruption so the Public hospital don´t have medicine or the equipment to make simple examinations to ill people. :(

[@emilylarge71]

Yes I’m in the us an can’t even afford health care

[@LieutenantSheep]

This new haircut is super cute! My mom had a prep once and she was so dehydrated from it it was really scary. She said that when she got there and told the doc never to give that one again he said other people had had a really bad experience too. I have irritable bowel, not inflammatory and I’m realizing how fortunate I really am.

[@mitchyk]

Those of us who have chronic conditions sympathise with you. There are many people who say they sympathise, but they really can't know how it feels. With the best will in the world, they really don't know what they're talking about. That's not a bad thing, it's just how it is, but your videos are a good way to bridge that gap. I have EDS, POTS, vasovagal syndrome, fibromyalgia, ibs and stroke disease. My left shoulder is permanently dislocated and i'm in constant pain. It's taken 10 years to get into the support group for ESA, and i feel if a few of those assessors watched videos like these it would be a lot easier for us to get assisstance! I worked for twenty years and as soon as i said i actually need help, nobody was interested! Videos like these are raising awareness and should be mandatory watching for anyone working in the chronic illnesses area! It also helps that you're easy to watch and likeable!

[@rosebudfrodo26]

my tip for getting the moviprep down is loads of clear apple juice. I had a large glass of moviprep and immediately drank a large sip of apple juice... it was manageable this way.

[@moominuui]

rosebudfrodo26 good tips but the power of Moviprep is underestimated. I tried to drink along with apple juice. It worked at the very beginning and while it went to Moviprep I threw up (what a waste of apple juice lol)

[@LaurenLillianHaggerty]

I did that too!

[@emileegrace3989]

I did that.... but I’ve had 9 colonoscopies and apple juice is nauseating now... ginger ale is what I’ve been using haha

[@pineappledorothychannel8494]

I have had 2 colonoscopies in my life so far. I am 16 years old. I have Crohn's Disease and I was in the hospital for a month, and when I was in the hospital I had surgey and got a stoma. You helped me and I feel better about having a stoma and I feel as though I have you as a friend. Your videos are a huge comfort! Thank you very much! ❤️😀😃

[@JeSSiMKah]

I mean I'm still working myself up to a pap smear and you've gone through this. The ending was my favourite.

[@marleyfrost1]

In the US it's miralax, lemon lime. And in the US if you are covered by an an ACA plan it is free to you, It was free to Hank also.

[@naomil2288]

I love it when people I'm fans of are fans of each other. Great video!

[@victoriamather2267]

‘Because I’m pooped’ lol perfect.

[@emilythomas7340]

I get them yearly. My top tips for prep days!: - jellyyyy - gummy bears - lemonade - PICOLAX PICOLAX PICOLAX

[@lolosrainydays]

Oh yes, definitely picolax!!

[@ComeUndun.]

Wow, your 7 year old colonoscopy sounds traumatic.

[@whitcwa]

The finger thing measures your pulse and blood oxygen level. It's a pulse oximeter.

[@DemonTomatoDave]

The clip thing they put on? How does it measure oxygen level?

[@geetarbube]

It technically measures light 😜

[@whitcwa]

It shines two different wavelengths of light through your finger and measures the absorption of each. Oxygenated hemoglobin has a different absorbtion spectrum than unoxygenated hemoglobin. In other words, the color changes. That's why people turn bluish when deprived of oxygen.

[@joyuhas]

Colonoscopy Protip: Skip the prescription bowel cleansers altogether. Talk to your doctor first, but I use 64oz of Gatorade (any flavor that isn't red) mixed with a bottle of medium sized Miralax (239 grams, I think). Refrigerate for a few hours, at least, and split into two doses. I've used MoviPrep in the past and it was rough. The Gatorade mixture is actually pleasant in comparison. Also, Jello and chicken broth trick my brain into thinking I'm eating food, so it helps with the hunger a bit. I was diagnosed with UC about a year and a half ago, but experienced symptoms for years before that. I'm up to a total of 3 colonoscopies so far, with a 4th one probably later this year. I only just stumbled upon your channel and It's so great to see someone speaking so candidly about the experience. Thank you!

[@jeffsmart9482]

I just did this same thing 2 days ago. Miralax and white grape apple juice.

[@feversol]

I've decided to use Sprite or some other innocuous drink. The Gatorade seems to have a distinctly acquired taste requirement and becomes difficult to swallow after about the 50th ounce when you're not used to it.

[@joyuhas]

@@jeffsmart9482 Oh I didn't realize there was an option to change the drink! That sounds much better than Gatorade. I'll have to look into that for the next one.

[@joyuhas]

​@@feversol I'm really excited to know there is an option other than Gatorade!

[@feversol]

@@joyuhas the 'rule' that I was given was 64 ounces of practically any clear liquid that wasn't red or red-like. The concept seems to be it acts as a flushing agent to follow through with the condition created by the Miralax (stool softener) and laxative. I've found this prep to be a non-issue because everyone knows how to go to the bathroom and the prep doesn't cause you to 'blow up', but merely go to the bathroom several times. I like to drink in the evening, so drinking 64 ounces isn't a terrible stretch for me. Those who don't drink much may be more bothered by forcing 64 ounces down. It was the Gatorade that I wasn't used to that seemed to be the worst culprit. So, it is with great home that Sprite may be easier to slug down.

[@latmcb9863]

I really admire and respect you. You have a great attitude and you help so many people with your willingness to share everything.

[@greyschu3476]

Hannah! I work at a children’s hospital in Canada. If someone comes in symptomatic and are getting a scope for diagnostic reasons, we would still do the NG tube with the continuous drip until they “run clear” from the other end. There’s no 3 day rule, just depends on the kid. If you are going in for a routine colonoscopy outside the hospital, it’s the same 24 hour prep that you described! So not so much of a change but difference in urgency/symptoms :)

[@cameronhughes7413]

Don't have IBS and won't get a colonoscopy in the foreseeable future but loved watching every second of this video anyway? You are just such a delightful teacher of life things!

[@RubyFlower18]

I have PCOS and Endometriosis but I have really bad Gastro flare ups. I had to get checked for IBD and I was given Plenvu which is Macrogol and some. It sucked! I had double scopes. I was miserable. My inflammation markers never show up even if I have visible inflammation 🤷‍♀️ Luckily all clear but I can't say I would do it again. I feel for you having it done so many times ❤

[@bellaamouroux204]

Last August I did a nursing work experience placement in my local hospitals endoscopy ward. I watched many procedures, and by far the most interesting was the endoscopy (having never seen inside a body, let alone a colon!) Major respect to all those who have it done

[@AdrianaY28]

My son is 2 months in a half, he had his colon removed at 3 weeks. It's been a challenge. I'm still working on getting his bag to stay, I'm still getting used to the situation. Your videos somehow help me cope with the difficult situation that I am going through.

[@drmila]

I study medicine and I assisted at several colonscopies last February and it's so interesting to hear what it was like 20 years ago and to see it all from the patient's point of view, given that I myself have never had a colonscopy before! Loved the video Hannah xx

[@franninchen]

"The best thing was you can see the screen." I can relate so much to this! I got a surgery on my heart fully awake but high and the best part was when I could watch the screen and all the stuff moving around inside my heart. It was scary but still the most fascinating thing ever.

[@hannahwitton]

WHAT THE FUUUUUUCKKK HOW WERE YOU AWAKE FOR THAT MODERN MEDICINE IS WILD

[@franninchen]

@@hannahwitton they can made surgery on the heart through a catheter. They put it in at the groin and went from there through the artery. Those minimal invasive procedures are just crazy. They can do such wild things with endoscopic surgerys these days. I could even left the hospital one day after surgery.

[@5wandive]

Totally don't want to dismiss the valuable content on this video - it's wonderful and informative but still enjoyable and fun! BUT - I'm so pleased to see someone else who's hair naturally falls in the same direction on both sides! I've always hated how it flicks out on one side and curls under on the other but you make me think it actually looks great!

[@elliereader6477]

I have never had either of those and I have had a LOT of them... I am still a teenager that is battling with the same thing as you. I just asked for miralax. It is soooooooooo much better!

[@hollabksquirrel]

1) spring for the soft toilet roll, you won't regret it 2) make sure you have wipes because you'll need them 3) have a diaper cream or equivalent because I didn't and I wished I had. Also: get a stack of movies you've been meaning to see or a couple TV shows you can binge. I wasn't personally up for reading but that may have just been because I was feeling sorry for myself 😅 When I had mine I was prescribed Clenpiq (idk if this is available outside the US) which was nice because it was 2 smallish servings and premixed. It's supposed to be cranberry flavored, evidently. I didn't refrigerate it but have since been told it helps. Honestly, getting the stuff down and the burning bum was the worst of the whole experience.

[@MortemInteritum]

The general anaesthesia is definitely a children vs. adult thing. At least in Germany, procedures you'd perform on a lightly sedated adult (or even just with local anaesthesia), e.g. bone marrow biopsy are only performed on children under general anaesthesia. Also, you got the anatomy right the second time. :D

[@charlesrosenberg8233]

I had colonoscopies/sigmoidoscopies as young as 14 years old (my first hospitalization for Ulcerative Colitis). Even at that age, I had sedation only (this was in 1979). I only had one General Anesthesia procedure prior to having my colon removed in 1986. In November 1985 I began to get skin infections as a late stage complication of Ulcerative Colitis. My first abscess drainage on my right shin was done under General Anesthesia and I had a bad reaction coming out of it so subsequent drainage procedures (and a skin graft on my right ankle) were done with sedation plus Local Anesthesia.

[@india239]

Mortem Interitum I live in Switzerland. I had procedures in the UK that I was allegedly sedated for. I was sedated to the point I couldn’t move but was aware of every damn thing. In Switzerland I am sedated to the point of complete unconsciousness

[@Romaobb]

Honestly did think your top was a hospital gown XD

[@lapislazuli7033]

Rock that gown!

[@naimaben9058]

Me too

[@chrisgriffiths3615]

I'm 18 and just about to have my first ever colonoscopy in 6 days now (YIKES). I will be sedated but my anxiety is on a super high right now so I'm dreading it. Your video helped me understand the process a bit more so thank you (even though I'm discovering it almost two years after its release).

[@frejahunter8141]

I’m having my second colonoscopy in 9 days. I’ve also had two other endoscopy procedures. I also have lots of other tests because I’m having constant flare ups and they found a rare syndrome 😔 your videos make me feel less alone, so thank you!

[@hrafnhildurorolfsdottir199]

I had a colonoscopy last summer, got diazepam and fentanyl. When the nurse was rolling me out of the procedure room I was coming down of the meds and then realised that during the colonoscopy I had been singing to the nurse. In my opera voice. Great fun!

[@nic4now344]

Thank you so much for doing this - especially the tip for the alternative to moviprep - I can still taste that stuff over a year later and it put me off everything “orange flavour” - who are they kidding! I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy on the same day not much fun but not as bad as you think. :)

[@RazzleRed543]

I’m going for my first anoscopy on Monday and I feel better after watching this! Thank you

[@benjyfiles465]

Thanks for this video! I have Crohn’s disease and will be having my 9th (!?) colonoscopy soon. My preferred prep is Plenvu. It’s 1 liter, plus 1 liter of plain water. I have a G tube, so I don’t taste it, but I think one dose is mango flavored and the other dose is fruit punch.

[@thunderstrucknun]

I was actually wondering why you were wearing a hospital gown in your bedroom lol great video as always, so informative. As a nurse it's interesting to see things from the patient's point of view. Please update us on how the biopsy turns out. Hope you don't need the surgery!

[@JumpinJaxs470748]

When I had a flexi sigmoidoscopy in 2014, I didn’t have laxatives, they gave me an enema and I was left in a cubicle for around an hour for it to do its job. I also didn’t have any sedation or pain killers. I’m also a Children’s Nurse we don’t regular send children to our endoscopy unit, most children with IBD like symptoms go to our local tertiary centre around 20 miles away. However if we have to prep for any sort of bowel procedure we use Clean Prep or Picolax, I’ve never heard of Moviprep, although we do use Movicol for the kids that come on constipated.

[@emilyclarke8222]

This video really made me feel a lot better, I have Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease and might have to have both a colonoscopy and endoscopy later this year, and the last time I did it triggered my development of an eating disorder. but the way you spoke about it like its something you need to do to make sure your body is happy and good made me feel a lot less like its an invasion of my body. send me good wishes please I'm still a little scared.

[@thomasobrien7009]

I've had a fair number of "scopes" since I started with UC (about 1978). Started with a rigid scope sigmoidoscopy and progressed to a flexible scope for a full colonoscopy. All I can say is in spite of any apprehension you may have, the procedure is easy.... the prep is the BIG pain. I have never tried MoviPrep but I've used the PEG prep which comes with several flavor packs. I've found the pineapple is the least offensive! Good luck with your future endeavors. I have really enjoyed your work here.

[@delaneys8089]

I'm 25 years old and had my first colonoscopy this year! I have Lynch Syndrome which makes me at a higher risk for colon cancer, so I have to get colonoscopies every two years. I didn't think the bowel prep was too bad, but that's because it was a powder that I could dissolve in whatever drink I wanted! (as long as the drink was see-through)! Thanks for sharing your experiences Hannah!

[@Hannah-vr9qt]

My pro tip: mix the prep drink with soda (I used Squirt since it’s clear). Also use a straw!!! Very important because it let’s you bypass a lot of your tastebuds 👍

[@KiKianaKi]

My colonoscopy prep actually didn’t involve any prescriptions. I was told to take a super high dose of an overnight laxative the night before prep, and then I had to mix an entire bottle of miralax with an entire gallon of gatorade and drink that over the prep day. If you can do that I would recommend it. No nasty prep.

[@beinguniquebeingmeeve]

Thanks for making this I started getting pain in my lower abdomen by my hip left side I'm going in for a colonoscopy and its my first this has made me feel better prepared! 💖

[@easton8815]

As a nurse in the US I find this video super funny, interesting, and very accurate (her discussion about medical changes since 1999!).

[@Jesswithlessstress]

Hope that you get some new meds on board and that clears up the remaining colitis. Fingers crossed for no more surgery. Thank you for filming this and spreading awareness.

[@annikaheller3489]

Oh how I wish I had this video when I had my first colonoscopy when I was 18! I had another one last year (8 years later) and it was such a difference! This time I had Oralav as a laxative and it worked brilliantly and didn’t taste incredibly terrible. It got the job done. And the colonoscopy itself isn‘t bad at all, in my experience. Your videos are amazing, it‘s so so good to see that we‘re not alone!

[@petermarsh4578]

Hannah, you're videos are so unoverstatably valuable! Thanks so much for demystifying the whole experience :D

[@elizabethatchison9092]

My hospital uses the hilariously named Golytely prep. We nurses figured out you can add crystal light powder to it to make it more palatable, as long as it’s not red dyed. In the US I think it’s fairly standard to be given MAC anesthesia (it seems like general anesthetic but there’s no need for intubation).

[@johnkavyrosqy9793]

I’ve not previously had a colonoscopy. My doctor however, is highly susceptible to Crohn’s disease. 😔 I’m constantly worrying about her so I pray at least two times a day. I love how knowledgeable you are about your meds and procedures. With you, getting to learn something new per post is a privilege I get to enjoy 😌 plus I don’t feel so alone,🥰 your hair is bomb, I like your positive attitude in hospital, you’re really fun 😎 bless you Hannah ❤️

[@cookie4thm]

keep up the good work bring uc and ibd to the world. my last one was horrendous

[@리디아-d4k]

(Not a comment I ever thought I'd be typing but here we are) Laxido might also an alternative laxative, it's favoured on CAU's (Children's Assessment Units) for severe constipation but I don't see why asking if it's available would harm anyone

[@short_stack21]

I have to get a colonoscopy and endoscopy in a few weeks to finally figure out what’s happening in my GI tract. I’ve been a viewer for a long time and I’ve always enjoyed watching your videos about UC and this video was super helpful for me! Thank you!!

[@puffinprints4707]

I had this last year with Moviprep and my god i wish I'd known there was another option! I was so anxious about it but in reality it was absolutely fine, the worst part about it was that I wear glasses but since I was lying down they removed them and I couldn't see the screen (I was gutted lol), it was all quite literally a blur! Over in a flash though, and I had a gastroscopy (camera down your throat) during the same appointment which in my opinion ( and to my surprise) was probably worse than the flexy sigmoid! This video is awesome though, knowing how nervous I was about the appointment, this definitely would have been a great help to watch beforehand, thanks for making these videos!

[@auditoryeden]

"I have been waiting....for over...an hour..." At my last colonoscopy I was forced to wait over five hours because I was so dehydrated from the prep that they couldn't run a pregnancy test and the anesthetist was some kind of orthodox religious person and wouldn't agree to sign my waiver. Five hours.. In a hospital. In tears. Alone. During Covid. I genuinely don't know how I'm going to handle it the next time I have to have one.

[@greypossum1]

I love how the molded seats at the hospital were such an appropriate colour for a colonoscopy.

[@Thrill_369]

I had my first one a few months ago and couldn't tolerate moviprep, picolax was fine. When I had it done I had the choice of sedative, gas and air or nothing (went with nothing because I just wanted to get out after having it done) and it was fine actually. they looked at the full colon, TI and start of small bowel took just over 30 mins. Since diagnosed with Crohn's which sucks but glad I forced myself to have the procedure done, only had discomfort from the camera no pain or anything as no nerve endings in the bowel.

[@abril561]

It's so different in the UK! I live in Argentina, my colonoscopies also costed me nothing, but they ALWAYS fully sedated me. And that is for everyone, kid or adult, they always know you out. And it's never by inhaling, it's by injecting the anaesthetic. Also they won't do the procedure if you are by yourself, you have to come with the person that is going to leave with you. The preparation is also about 12hs before and the actual procedure is like 20 minutes.

[@LucyJaneFashion]

I can relate to this so much!! In the past two years I’ve had 8 scopes and am so happy that now I have my bag I don’t have to ever have that awful prep again! I’m with you on watching the screen, I always ask so many questions because I find it so interesting!

[@jamhoward88]

I’ve had crohns for 20 years and experienced poco lax and moviprep, over the years I’ve had many colonoscopies ,the first .where really unpleasant grim to say the least but as you explained it has got much better , my last two colonoscopies ,I’ve just had gas and air and nothing else, I found the best way was to start puffing way before they start the procedure, it is a bit uncomfortable but you can go home on your own , many thanks for sharing your story, as it has helped me to come to terms with having my colon removed and having an ostomy early next year , keep up the great work

[@Blingbillaboo]

I'll be having the exact same as you in a few weeks, the flexible sigmoidoscopy, and I've never had one or a colonoscopy before! I found out as soon as I was having it that I wouldn't be allowed any sedation, just paracetamol and ibuprofen beforehand, it gives me more time to mentally prepare but also more time to freak the f out! haha. I enjoyed Hank's video but I enjoyed yours more because it's the exact same procedure as what I'm getting done so it was so much more •~•• r e l a t a b l e ~•~• haha. Great videos as always!

[@jimarnn1938]

Even with your upbeat presentation... I am so glad I passed on this procedure, and opted for other options.

[@TheBelinda10]

Thanks for doing this as colon cancer runs in my family have Colonoscopies will be a regular part of in the next 5 years

[@EarthBound_Spirit]

I'm 45 and lucky enough..lol to need my first colonoscopy in a couple days. Never thought I would be looking on KZbin for the experience of others. I am glad I found yours. My first experience with GI was the flex sigmoidoscopy.

[@AllTimeTirza]

Some tips for the moviprep: - use cold water / put the moviprep in the fridge - use some lemonade syrup through it (works better w the natural moviprep flavour lol) - drink it through a straw -the other liter of fluid can be any clear liquid --> lemonade, apple juice, even coffee! Sincerely, someone giving these out daily in a pharmacy (:

[@janegreen9378]

In Australia a colonoscopy is still done under full anesthetic (unless you request otherwise) while the sigmoid one is usually done while you're awake. And we certainly dont get those decency shorts, I wish I knew why! I've only ever had picolax and its terrible but glad I never get offered moviprep as that sounds horrendous!

[@masterflex0367]

Omg ur the most relatable person I've met rn

[@susandickson9869]

I have had 2 colonoscopies in the last 15 years and my last one I will never forget! It was 2 years ago. The prep went well, I drank every drop (rare, per my doctor), but it took 13 sticks before an IV line was established for the meds! At stick #11 they said I could go home and reschedule. I told them heck no, not after going through the prep. I hung in there, an IV was finally established, and they removed 4 pre-cancerous pollups during the procedure. Now I must have one every 3 years. I am so grateful I have decent medical insurance. I need to schedule in 2020 and I will request a PIC line if they can't establish an IV in 3 sticks maximum. I think that is only fair, don't you?

[@VoIcanoman]

I had my first scope 2 days ago (I'm not even 40, but have a family history of colon polyps and actual colon cancer, so I was able to persuade my GP to give me the referral). The bowel prep was vile, but I guess I should be glad it was over quickly (can't imagine a 3-day prep). I had 4 liters of liquid to drink, total (plus they recommend drinking water pretty frequently as well). 2 L in the evening before, and 2 L starting 5 hours before the procedure. You have 2 hours to drink each 2 L portion, but I was eager to get it over with, so I took a cup every 10 minutes on average, finishing in less time. Not fun (you get bloated and a bit nauseated, because your stomach really doesn't like being that full). I recommend that people drink it as cold as they can stand it (like, refrigerate it for sure, for many hours before you have to start), because when it's warm, you taste it more, and even cold, it's not pleasant. Also, after the action starts (took less than an hour for me)...just, don't trust that if you try to pass gas, it's going to be JUST gas. Go to the bathroom, just to be safe. I didn't make this mistake, but I easily could have. Most of the crap should come out after the first round of prep liquid...the second is just in case. After the prep, the rest is just...fine. No issue at all. I mean, getting an IV can be a bit painful, but it's not that bad. And I'm no fan of hospital gowns as the only clothing protecting your modesty...but the process is so fast, it's not bad at all. They ask you all these questions, take your vital signs, start the IV, and then you wait. And I was a bit nervous (not ashamed to admit it), but the nurses were great, the doctor was excellent (I did my research...apparently, he's one of the top gastroenterologists in my city, and he's still in his 30s, so I'll be able to stick with him for my entire life, hopefully), and I was able to watch the whole thing on the computer screen (really interesting actually). The conscious sedation didn't really work that well on me...they gave me the standard 100 μg fentanyl and 5 mg midazolam (which is what they use here as a minimum dose - some people get topped off with more though...also, if you request no medication, they'll absolutely let you give it a go...but they already have the syringes prepared, just in case you change your mind), and I didn't feel drowsy or light-headed or loopy or euphoric. Nothing. I remember the whole thing (I do have a high opioid tolerance though, so that could be why - I have chronic pain that requires me to take a lot of codeine, every day). All the meds did was take the edge off of the uncomfortability that occurs as they try to navigate the bends in the large intestine (i.e. the splenic and hepatic flexures). But my parts were clean as a whistle, so they could see everything really well...and no polyps or other issues were discovered. So I don't have to do this for 5 years. And I have some nice photos of my cecum and sigmoid colon! All in all, it was just...fine. No need to be nervous...much better to get a scope than to risk cancer!

[@CaseyLouise149]

Had a colonoscopy a month ago. Still waiting on all the bills but it looks like it will cost me $3,000. The prep drink before made me extremely extremely ill and I ended up throwing up everything repeatedly. I have a very 'delicate' stomach due to a few different conditions. Also, was completely knocked out for my colonoscopy. Though that might be related to the fact I had an endoscopy at the same time as I have celiac disease. Trust me. You do not want to be even slightly aware for an endoscopy of the upper GI tract. I was the first time I had one and it was literal torture. Oh, I'm in the US.

[@annekebrakenhoff1676]

You are so amazing being all open and cool about this!! Love it!!!

[@pagebypaige20]

My pro tip, from an experience my mum had: if the picolax isn’t working as quick as the nurse said it would, DO NOT TAKE MORE EARLY! Let it progress through your system at its own pace....... bad things happen if you take too much. All I’m gonna say. 😫

[@ohitsdaniellehere]

I had a colonoscopy last summer and as soon as you said the word MoviPrep I had FLASHBACKS AND COULD TASTE IT. If I ever need another one I will 100% be asking for the alternative!! Well done on getting through that without sedation though! I would not have let them anywhere near me with that camera if I hadn't been as high as a kite. Also you've made me want a kebab.

[@moominuui]

Danielle Royall i feel you lol

[@alandjb9022]

check my latest post (15th July) for how i took my picolax (the moviprep alternative) i went into abit of detail

[@mlmcrane731]

Ikr

[@samitefan1]

The thing on your finger is a pulse oximeter! It measures your blood oxygen saturation. Just making sure everything is ship-shape overall before you go into surgery. Source: Am an EMT in the US, use a pulse oximeter every day for work.

[@JayJasperLondon]

So it measures ur pulse *as well* as ur oxygen levels?? 🤔

[@samitefan1]

@@JayJasperLondon Indeed!

[@CattLewis]

Omg best tip to ask for a different prep option, in Australia there's Glycoprep and Picoprep, DEFINITELY ask for Picoprep. My husband got the one they give everyone (Glycoprep) and it didn't agree with him either, he ended up being so sick that he tore his oesophagus and needed an endoscopy too to make sure it wasn't too serious.

[@BloggedLifeNina]

Sort of meta, but youtube decided I should be shown a Stoma supply commercial before your video.

[@hannahwitton]

YAYYYYY

[@emilybutler9671]

Same

[@Asteridae_]

I shared this with Hannah on Twitter, but y’all suffering with Moviprep, have my hack!! I came up with it when I had my colonoscopy last month. My moviprep was lemon flavoured, and disgusting. BUT. I had an actual lemon, cut into quarters, and after every drink, I sucked the lemon after. It made it so much easier! The lemon is so strong it takes away the rancid taste, and because the moviprep is lemon flavoured anyway, it doesn’t make a weird taste in your mouth.

[@laurenfranken5870]

Hiiii, Maybe quite a personal question but I watched your vlogs on your health journey and it kinda helped with dealing with mine (I am now an ostomate as of 2 months due to severe colitis) and I am wondering how are you dealing with diversion colitis/rectal stump problems? We are now quite a few years further so I was wondering if it got any better and if yes how :)))

[@neilgh]

Had UC since I was 13 (25 years ago). I can't even remember how many colonoscopies I've had - maybe a dozen? Definitely better now than when I first started. Days of bowel prep and only being able to eat chicken, white bread, eggs etc. Completely knocked out as a kid but now I'm awake and watching it on tv while it gets done. Anyway, great vids, Hannah. I would have loved something like this being around when I was a kid to help me through it. Especially with explaining to classmates about things so they understood. Being 13 with massive moonface from steroids (coupled with teenage acne) wasn't the best look!

[@johnturner4400]

I flavoured my prep with lime juice and held my nose ( yes holding your nose does work). Pick an afternoon appointment as your last meal will be midday. You will only feel hungry in the evening realistically. The next morning you won’t be thinking about eating too much

[@Cahill208]

Stumbled upon this video and may i say thank you. I myself am going for a Sigmoidoscopy next week and this has put my mind at ease some what, hope Moviprep isn't that bad and i can stomach it if not i will take your recommendation. Great video and many thanks for sharing this experience.

[@aeolia80]

oh god! I had a sigmoidoscopy when I was 20, 18 years ago, I remember it so clearly because it was like a day after 9/11. I was so sick from the prep laxative, I kept throwing it up. They let me eat jello, but nothing red colored. And they didn't put me under, I only was given a strong painkiller. My sigmoid came out ok, thank god. Turned out that when I'm under great stress my colon can hemorrhage, though that wasn't found out until I was about 24, and I had to speak to a therapist a few times, who only really gave me tips on stress relief.

[@chrisw3771]

I have my first one in about 10 years in a couple of weeks, bowel prep has got to taste better than it used to. I remember the 'unflavored' types..

[@TopHatKitty]

I did a bowel prep and it's seriously brutal. Glad it's advanced and it's not that bad anymore.

[@charlesrosenberg8233]

Went through numerous colonoscopies/sigmoidoscopies when I was younger. Haven't needed one since my surgery in 1986.

[@charlesrosenberg8233]

@Nav V, they need to check for precancerous and cancerous areas. With IBD/Crohn's/Ulcerative Colitis, Colon cancers tend to be aggressive and if not caught early can be hard to treat.

[@gabsburn]

I had to go for my first colonoscopy when I was 18 and they found a polyp so I now have to go back every five years. My tip is to look on your doctor’s webpage and see what preps they have listed so you can research and figure out which one is best for you.

[@annaj1651]

Im having a colonoscopy today! How odd you would upload this today of all days. The prep was so much easier than I expected hopefully the procedure is too.

[@annadenuijl3486]

a tip for drinking the laxative ask if you are allowed to drink it with lemonade syrup. It helped me.

[@RebeccaBeckery]

Just seeing the parat in the hospital, but those short things they give you, are lowkey comfortable af lol. When I got mine done we didn't have cubicles, we just had a bed with a small curtain around it, and they didn't really give you much privacy, everyone could hear your business, the results etc lol. You guys seem to have more privacy, which is great!

[@amystubby]

A tip about "twilight sedarion": some people get the exact opposite effect from the drug versed, so they get super combative and upset and, paradoxically, MORE awake from it. You can only find this out through trial and error. So...you may be 100% awake and aware during that first one. If you need subsequent scopes you will have to have full sedation.

[@Neophoia]

I got a colonoscopy when I around 10-11 years old, and in Sweden we don't sedate people (not even kids) unless absolutely necessary. I did get a lot of painkillers, intravenously so they could add more if needed (it was needed), but since it was about... 14-15 years ago I can't remember too much apart from the fact that the laxatives they they gave me were not that sludge you described, it was just a clear liquid that I had to drink for about 1 day before the appointment, and also drink loads of water. And I almost couldn't walk because of the strong painkillers afterwards for about a day. Mine was to check for diverticulitis since that is a thing in my family (as in parent has had it and also several aunts and cousins), and they wanted to be sure that my stomach pains was not that. We still don't know why stomach pain for me, so I've only had the IBS diagnose since then...

[@ltrebach]

In the US (At least in NY/the hospital I go to) the prep is a powder called Miralax, it's "colorless, flavorless, odorless" and I'm required to mix a large amount if (i think it's a 7 or 14 day dosage all at once) with nearly 2 liters of gatorade. I didn't like gatorade before, I hate it even more now. The powder, even at that ratio, still thickens the gatorade and without serious chugging skills, it's nearly impossible to stomach. of the three times i've had to do that in the last 8 years, I've only been successful in finishing the whole prep once

[@KittyKraftStudio]

I had one to make sure I didn't have anything other than IBS going on. I used Suprep. For me the worst part was after the colonoscopy when my stomach and gut felt horrible for a week due to the disruption of my gut flora.