How to Get a Colonoscopy

So, today I went in for a routine medical procedure, and I wanted to talk about it to:
1. Remove some stigma
2. Give some advice
3. Make it clear that preventative medicine is important!
My procedure went great and Katherine filmed about 6 minutes of me being an absolute dork...I have provided only a few select bits for you. I still have moderate inflammation in my distal colon, which is normal for me, but still something we'd like to try and treat. At the moment (for other IBD people) I'm on Mesalamine (anti-inflammatory) and allopurinol (immunomodulator.) I was diagnosed in 2005 and, after first being diagnosed and getting it under control, have had either mild, moderate, or no symptoms on and off.
But IBD certainly isn't the only reason to get a colonoscopy! In fact, everyone should get one on their 50th, 60th, and 70th birthdays (unless there's a risk factor.)
My only advice...treat yourself well on your prep day, know that you're not going to be able to do much, and know that you can do the thing!!
Music in the video is Sampo B-1201BW from
andrewhuang.bandcamp.com/albu...
----
Subscribe to our newsletter! nerdfighteria.com/newsletter/
And join the community at nerdfighteria.com effyeahnerdfighters.com
Help transcribe videos - nerdfighteria.info
John's twitter - / johngreen
Hank's twitter - / hankgreen
Hank's tumblr - / edwardspoonhands
Listen to The Anthropocene Reviewed at www.theanthropocenereviewed.org
Listen to Dear Hank and John at www.dearhankandjohn.org

[@jmz1736]

I bought a bunch of shirts kathrine Oh good

[@Azzarinne]

+

[@blindedbliss]

Don't think she was super happy about that.

[@ieuanhunt552]

I think she isn't happy about it. But Hank isn't having a good day so she let him off.

[@naylormatthew]

Best bit of the video.

[@bradnarraway9141]

And, let's face it, there's a lot worse out there on the internet that he could have ended up purchasing! :P

[@jennifermeier2058]

Hank. I'm a nurse. Word of the wise: next time, mix in crystal light (lemonade flavor is most patients' popular choice). Makes that jug go down so much smoother (extra pro-tip is a splash of sprite to make it sparkling! ooooh!)

[@Zoemonster76]

+

[@sion8]

*+*

[@ptjzmemory]

+

[@bobhope4288]

Does vodka cause any problems? It's a clear liquid.

[@AlthenaLuna]

+

[@RhondaKL]

When I had my colonoscopy, and was in the recovery room part,a nurse came in and asked me if I had passed wind. I said I had,about 5 or 6 times. She smiled and said,”That’s wonderful!”,and then went out and told the doctor in an excited voice,”She’s expressed wind 5 or 6 times!!” Nobody has ever been so happy about me farting before or since. Also, I love the term “express wind”. So poetic.

[@blueblack3591]

Medicine haha

[@somefreshbread]

In case anyone is wondering, it's because in rare cases, your colon won't "wake up" after the anesthesia. Which can be very bad! Farting means it's working. Which is good!

[@tessaviolet]

it was interesting!!! not at all tmi!

[@elenaj6283]

Wow. He was so proud of that last joke. Well done Hank

[@kevintan6618]

The quivering of his cheeks gives it away 😂

[@Leonlion0305]

+ (I hope I am doing this correctly lol)

[@iplaysdrums]

@@kevintan6618 I took that as him deciding whether or not he was going to tell that particular joke, though I think he was glad he did, and I agree it was the right decision.

[@Azzarinne]

+

[@ivero030]

right? :D :D

[@stacialtizer3350]

I'm so incredibly glad to see someone normalizing this stuff. As someone with Crohn's, I've always been embarrassed to have to explain it to people. But Hank has been inspiring me for years to not be ashamed of the things my body does and accept that I have a butt.

[@ABLovescrafting]

+

[@synapticsarah]

Hi fellow Crohnie

[@pinkhornet8737]

Follow Crohn's and colonoscopy frequent flyer.

[@Fair_Gravity]

I love talking about my poops and farts. They are the smelliest! Crohn's sucks, there are so many sucky things that go along with Crohn's. Don't add to the suck. Own your embarrassments... I've definitely pooped my pants... At least once...

[@JinxyKat]

Farrell Bell I have Crohn’s, woo! I usually enjoy talking about Crohn’s. A lot of people don’t know about it or what it is, so I love sitting and talking with them, telling them about pretty much everything. I was embarrassed at first, but I’ve gotten so used to Crohn’s and all the shit it brings with it, aha. It still sucks though.

[@maddie9602]

Not sure how much of Hank's "Dr Stone should have studied something stone-related" ramble was being loopy on anesthetics vs Hank just being Hank.

[@toobusytocreateaname]

aegideus +

[@ella-rn9td]

twinsies

[@hannahwitton]

Ooooh so the UK does things kind of differently with the prep and the anaesthesia which makes me want to do my own version of this with UK details. Thanks for sharing Hank!!

[@muzikluvr312]

I love when my favorite youtubers get inspiration from other great youtubers on such important topics.

[@dacisky]

I would like to see the way people approach this in other countries...Three for me,all unsedated.

[@FayeHasAPanda]

I’m in talks with my gp (I’m uk based) about setting up my first sigmoidoscopy and possibly colonoscopy and it initially scared the crap out of me but seeing yours and Hanks videos kinda makes it feel a bit less “end of the world”-y Thank you guys❤️

[@davidgreen139]

Yay Hannah! Yay Hank! Ugh such great people all around

[@emersoncaspian8726]

instablaster.

[@edwardmartinezjr.105]

He could have studied stones... KIDNEY STONES...

[@marshalinehamismother]

He sounded SO much like Ben Wyatt from parks and rec when he has kidney stones it was crazy

[@Azzarinne]

@@Corgi_fax +

[@spijkerpoes]

Ah stones.. they go in the other way for stones.. and no, no anetstathics for the initial peek about. Tubular Hells

[@charlietuba]

Or he could sing the Bob Dillon song, "Everybody Must Get Stoned."

[@tinonioni4839]

+

[@Isabelle-ud2df]

he calculated the speed of the liquid through his body goodness gracious i love him

[@amanday3103]

I don’t know why, but Katherine’s little “oh good” in response to Hank saying he bought a lot of shirts made me smile

[@Absurdist1968]

“I am one with the wind and sky.” If only that's what it actually felt like.

[@relentlessmadman]

first you have to discover your sprite animal!

[@emilyboj]

Hank is so proud of himself for that pun at the end

[@almsthvn]

He was probably the butt of most jokes that day.

[@trinkab]

A buttload of information, capped off with a colonoscopy joke. 😄

[@sarahclause8957]

Crapped off*

[@vlogbrothers]

okay I think I've made you search around enough: Kxj1CUHS_go -John

[@cel2460]

+++

[@LisaFM]

+

[@exoticallyki]

+

[@sadhananj1869]

+++

[@maxelizabeth7330]

thank you for the hunt! it was quite fun to go through the years watching all those videos!

[@abbywallstrum4286]

The women in my family have a history of colon cancer, and as such I've been told my whole life I'll be getting a lot of colonoscopies. So thanks for posting to remove some more stigma from them and ease my worries about them!

[@phoenixliv]

The drink is yucky, the fasting is a day of hunger but you can have broth - not too bad really. When you're awake again and done it's so good to go have a nice lunch. Best of luck with your possibly problematic posterior!

[@MrBinthestudio]

Dude, you've got to be the only person in the world who can compel me to watch a 7 minute video about a colonoscopy!

[@louise4778]

These vlogs are just gonna just become more and more unpredictable aren't they

[@sion8]

They were predictable?!

[@AdamHoooot]

Probably going to be more and more doctor focused since we're all getting older 😀

[@nikkigriffin6441]

Did you think they were predictable at some point?!?!

[@swingloveEKL]

they've kinda always been unpredictable...

[@f.5523]

I'm 18 and I'm currently on prep for my 5th colonoscopy of the year. Watching this video during prep has become a tradition now.

[@oyster571]

I might have to do one soon, and I'm freaking out. Any way to make it suck less?

[@kiyadenham6515]

Hank: *talks about how the vlogbrothers audience isn't attracting a lot of teenagers or kids* Hank's literally next video:

[@andymiller1597]

The first glass isn't that bad. By the fourth glass, I wanted to die.

[@eXHawk015]

My mother-in-law just had it done a couple weeks ago and she said while she had to do the giant jug last time, this time it was actually only had to have 2 cups. We live in Canada so idk if it's different or a new procedure or something.

[@VenomousBear]

I puked some of it up....we thought it would be fine. It was not.

[@kyuzo3567]

@@eXHawk015 Canada has what is usually Pico-Salax, two satchets of powder to mix with water that has a 'yummy' orange taste (makes me want to vomit so badly).

[@bloodtopaz8816]

Andy Miller I've done cleanses before and this I imagine is similar, plugging my nose with my fingers helped a ton. I was still bitter but I got it done, when I'm ready to do this procedure myself, I'm going to be plugging my nose.

[@uogeuth0]

What helped me a lot was using a straw and putting it as far back in my mouth as possible, so I wouldn't have the taste in my entire mouth.

[@hulagirl144]

Thanks for helping to educate and eliminate some of the stigma associated with colonoscopies, Hank! My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, sadly just a few years before she would have hit the standard screening age. She's doing well now, but as someone who will have to start getting them sooner than usual, it's nice to see someone talk about it so... casually. It's a routine medical screening, people! Yes it involves butts... but it saves lives!

[@thatgirlnamedtim]

hulagirl144 I’m glad your mom is doing well! My mom also had colon cancer. She was only 44 when they found it but she’s been cancer free for 7 years now! But I’m in the same boat as you and will have to have my first screening in a couple years.

[@Robalope]

I have to get a colonoscopy every three years since my older brother was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. He was 41 when he was diagnosed, 44 when he died. I am glad that your mother is doing well. Colonoscopies can save lives.

[@Sajirah]

I had to have a colonoscopy on my 19th birthday. They're really not that bad and I don't understand why people either try to pretend they don't happen or tell everyone they're the worst thing ever (they're not. Abdominal surgery is much worse). Good luck to you when you have to have yours done. They're not super fun, but they're way less awful than everyone would have you believe. And this is coming from someone who didn't have any anesthesia and was wide awake for the entire procedure. Also I'm glad you're mom is okay. :)

[@Rebecajean]

I really appreciated Hank trying to contain his glee when saying “I hope everything comes out okay” at the end. Almost made it through with a straight face!

[@jackisnotabird]

I watched this while drinking Metamucil. Hank’s colon lessons are really sticking.

[@Holobrine]

6:24 "No Pets Allowed" *shows weapons*

[@grnlfe01]

'Merica?

[@fevre_dream8542]

This knife is my support animal...

[@jones81381]

It's Montana. The South of the West lol. (Source: I'm from the south and lived in Montana for 5 years)

[@HouseMDaddict]

Totally like hank to show us the comedic aspect of it though

[@Rasec77771]

Wow, I’m literally getting a colonoscopy this Wednesday and watching this made me feels much more calm about it... thank you for sharing your experience Hank, it really means a lot.

[@toobusytocreateaname]

Beckendorf Cooper +

[@nathanwilburn147]

"You can also take a Benedryl - that'll help chill the vom". - Hank Green, 2019

[@marykatealmeidabaxter5496]

fellow Crohnie and medical provider here. Thank you for doing this. Hopefully when people can see how the process works, they can be reassured that it's not so scary and will go get very important testing done. Seriously. Colon cancer and IBD are no joke.

[@chochocruz2428]

Hey this is great timing!! I have a colonoscopy for UC on Wednesday! Wish me luck :)

[@vlogbrothers]

Good luck!

[@Aleen166]

Ahh thank you so much for this. I was diagnosed with UC not too long ago and I am due for another colonoscopy as well ;;;

[@Chilukar]

Me too. It is hard to understand how debilitating it is. Luckily I have responded to medication, some people suffer for years. There was an England Rugby player who had to buy a house in front of the stadium because he couldn't travel because of his UC.

[@dollhousemakr]

I am due to have one this year, as well. I was diagnosed with UC 10 years ago and have also responded well to my medication. I've only ever used Gatorade and Mirilax, though, and that is bad enough.

[@theresadierker1833]

As a medical student who has seen the inside of many colons but has been fortunate enough (so far) to never have had a colonoscopy herself, can confirm that the endoscope is, indeed, a pretty cool tube. Also, to those of you out there who have to do a 2-day prep... Godspeed. We salute you.

[@DragoniteSpam]

"I'm a big fan of my colon," Hank Green 2019

[@DragoniteSpam]

@Henlo Life would be real difficult without them, that's for sure.

[@thebermudaI]

We are ulcerative colitis buddies! I am half your age and have had an equal amount of colonoscopies. I've had one while awake because I now live in Japan and that is generally how they do things in Japan. When I got that one, I was all like, "I'll be asleep, right?" and the nurse said, "Yes," but I wasn't. :) Surprise! To be honest, I never felt like they were bad, and all the complaints that surround the procedure always seemed to me to be the privilege of folks who don't have chronic incurable diseases. Colonoscopies are dope. That sweet, sweet moment when my doc tells me I get to keep my colon for the foreseen future. A+ I've always really appreciated your openness, lightness, and humor when it comes to UC. Thank you.

[@jflare3001]

Fun fact, last year, a ton of Korean variety shows were challenging their cast members to get colonoscopies. It was awkward, but really informative and encouraging

[@sion8]

Any clips you would recommend with English subtitles.

[@jflare3001]

@@sion8 Not sure if you'll be able to find it with English subtitles on KZbin, but I recommend Infinite Challenge Episode 563, at 40 minutes in. He gets an endoscopy and colonoscopy in one go. From getting ready in the morning until he talks to the doctor after, it's 7 minutes. I watched it on Kocowa

[@mexicaninja808]

Normally I'm not into sharing personal stuff online but I'm just incredibly glad that this video was made and hopefully normalizes the procedure for people. I'm 24 and I've already had a couple of these lovely experiences and am currently staring down the barrel of number three this year. It shouldn't be something to feel ashamed about but for many people out there (myself included) it kind of seems embarrassing when you're going through it. The procedure exists to keep you informed about your own health and to potentially save your life through early detection of some conditions you really don't want to let fester. Also, the prep is 100% the worst part of the whole song and dance. The first time I was staring down one of those jugs I was terrified about what it would be like to go through the dreaded prep. The actual "rocketship on a launchpad" part of things isn't so bad. The taste of that vile powder is so much worse and I always make sure to have something like sprite around as a chaser when I have to choke that stuff down. For anybody about to go through this for the first time, I won't lie, it isn't pleasant. It is, however, necessary and not nearly as bad as you would expect it to be. So load up a netflix lineup, stock up on your favorite (doctor approved) soft drink, and keep in sprinting distance of the nearest restroom. Good luck, some random lady on the internet is wishing you well!

[@INeedAttentionEXE]

“When you walk by a guy and you can smell his colon 😍😍”

[@SophiaAstatine]

I love that kind of ygs

[@safepethaven]

Well done. I think your cat was absorbing any anxiety you were having pre-procedure; what a gorgeous cat!

[@saber1epee0]

SafePet Haven cameos for Cameo!

[@caisis4929]

This is actually very informative and I appreciated you making this video because it seems significantly less scary now. I need to convince some older members of my family to get a colonoscopy so this is probably the video I'm going to show them.

[@vlogbrothers]

Please doooo!!

[@chelseaarmstrong5410]

Hooray for demystifying medical procedures!! I had an EGD last summer and was terrified; I had no idea what to expect. Thank you so much for this! You've shed some light into the scary unknown, and planted a sesame seed of knowledge in my brain tree that cannot be dislodged.

[@paulaOyeah]

Delivered as a true auto-immune disease sufferer! 🏆🌟 (We’re a bunch of Type 1 Diabetics.) You’re awesome, Hank! Thanks for helping so many.

[@KnowledgePerformance7]

Wooo! T1Ds rise up! (Ik I'm a bit late to this but when you first wrote it my pancreas was still functional)

[@unnamellie]

Yo autoimmune club? My immunity hates my skin and respiratory system, can I sit here with you two?

[@fernandoduque1376]

Dear Mr Green, as someone who has gastrointestinal ailments, I commend your video. Too often people don't like to talk about our poop and our health. Men are the worst. I lost my grandpappy from stomach ulcers, which could have been treated and would not have had led to other serious ailments. Thank you for trying to create a conservation about health. Men's health. Sincerely, Mr F. Duque

[@wickedWitch456]

Hank, I greatly appreciate this video on a level that I didn't know existed. My father is currently recovering from colon cancer (chemo will be finished by summer hopefully), and I now see just how important this examination is. My brother and I now get to look forward to colonoscopies at least ten years earlier than typical, so it's nice to know there is no shame in it.

[@HowWeGotAnts]

Wishing all the best for your father!

[@DemonTomatoDave]

No shame, and the people at the hospital look after you in a way that feels frankly nostalgic for when you were a baby or something, it's great. I had an actively nice time haha

[@caseylongstreth4538]

As a fellow sufferer of Crohn’s it’s so nice to hear others share their experiences. It’s something no one wants to talk about but everyone feels so alone in. (I’m 18 and at 7 colonoscopies).

[@teresaolsen8069]

3 years ago, at 19yo, I watched this and thought “I’m watching this in solidarity with my middle-aged parents and others I know who have to worry about colonoscopies”. Today, at 22yo, I was told I have to have a colonoscopy, and thought “well at least I have a comfort video for this”. Thank you for this and thank you to all the helpful folks in the comments

[@pinkysaurusrawr]

found this weirdly enjoyable - turns out I just like hank and john educational content, even when it’s about stigmatized preventive medicine! if/when I need a colonoscopy, I shall return here

[@alwayschillin9524]

I work in endoscopy. Get your pipes checked people.

[@saber1epee0]

Scope Those Endos!

[@mirkofernd]

Noooo, I dont wanna get old...

[@ceilidancr]

I remember years ago as a teen, watching your song about ulcerative colitis and feeling grateful that I couldn’t relate. Little did I know, because now I’m 24 and I do in fact also have UC. Thank you for the honest discussion and levity about UC that you’ve provided in videos over the years, Hank. It definitely made my diagnosis way less scary to have already heard about the condition from a creator I look up to who’s been there. I’ll have to keep refrigerating the prep in mind for my next colonoscopy. Glad everything went well. Best wishes!

[@ksutubagal]

Thank you for this, Hank. My mother is a Colon Cancer Survior. Her cancer was found during a routine colonoscopy. Because of her cancer my brother and I have to have colonscopies earlier in our lives that what is normally medicaly encouraged. Mom's take on a colonoscopy and the prep made the whole event seem rather gruesome. Thank you for adding some humor and de-mystifying the process a bit.

[@jessicaonymous4352]

Vlogbrothers upload: Yay!! 😄 How to Get a Colonoscopy: oh no 😶

[@parallelmoon80]

LOL! That was my reaction too... but by the end of the video, it was more like, "Eh, that wasn't too bad." ^_^

[@jessicaonymous4352]

Yeah I had the same reaction at the end, I hope all the tests look for good Hank in the end!

[@parallelmoon80]

I hope he's okay too! Fingers crossed!

[@sarahgoodman8456]

Love the awareness you're spreading for UC and other irritable bowel diseases! My brother's been battling Crohns since he was 9. It's always great to hear from other people who are fightin' the good fight. Well done my good sir! #DFTBA💕

[@ooooneeee]

*inflammatory bowel diseases

[@st0lf]

It's 2023, i sit on my couch and my date just cancelled on me, so i watch a video of a sweet science guy telling me how to prep for a colonoscopy. My life's going great!

[@rochela4832]

Thanks, Hank! I have Crohn’s and I’ve had two colonoscopies at 21 and I feel ya. Thanks for spreading awareness. (And we take the same meds. Yay, we’re allopurinol buddies!)

[@Molly-or9kt]

I’m so happy this video exists. I had my very first colonoscopy at 21 because of a concern and had a polyp removed and I needed something like this, normalizing it and offering advice. Also they put mine in a jug, it didn’t look like a gas canister. Maybe it’s a regional thing?

[@kateh7484]

I think it was just enough information.

[@finngirl4021]

Thank you for talking about this, Hank. It helps to hear about someone else's experience before you have to go through it yourself.

[@curiouslifewithbri]

As someone recently diagnosed with ibd, this is was very helpful and stress relieving. Thank you Hank!!

[@Raesplendent]

his hoodie reminds me a lot of captain picard's uniform

[@winterx2348]

That's because it is!

[@charlottedorey4364]

He could’ve studied STONES!

[@KarolaTea]

Thank you Hank! Health education is always appreciated!

[@KeeliaSilvis]

Thank you so much for using your platform to fight stigma and raise awareness for colon health!! It takes courage to talk so openly, and I honestly believe that you could save lives by encouraging others to be more active in their colon health.

[@georgew.9663]

Ahh yes finally the video I’ve been waiting for since you first started this channel. Now I will finally be able to unlock the secrets of getting my butt cut off

[@JJ-wd2ym]

Youre gonna have to have a colectomy?! D:

[@KiKianaKi]

I had my first colonoscopy just after my 21st birthday. The prep wasn’t great. I was able to use a powder and some Gatorade, which was fine. But I did throw it up a lot. The IV of fluids when I got to the hospital was my favorite thing in the world. The immediate hydration... nothing better.

[@keltermoo]

I’ve watched this a few times in hopes of soothing the anxiety of my first colonoscopy. Thank you!! It helps a whole lot to observe others going through a similar process.

[@keararigg8453]

I'm so glad you made this video!! As an ulcerative colitis patient myself, removing the stigma is SO IMPORTANT!!! THANK YOU ♥️

[@SanahSaysHello]

As someone with a plethora of GI issues, this makes me so happy. Public health education is so important. Thank you for this video.

[@Dreamfounder]

Thank you for continuing to normalize this stuff! I had my last colonoscopy last month - I'd guess about my 8th or so but I've lost count. My UC recently progressed from mild/moderate to severe and I just moved from mesalamime to remicade. So far so good! I'm so glad I don't live in the past where I might be dead!

[@Chilukar]

Sorry to hear that, but I'm glad ypu're responding to treatment. I've had UC for a few years now and the first few months when you don't really know what is going on and treatment is just starting can be hell. On the bright side one of my follow up colonoscopies caught a colon cancer just about the earliest possible, without the UC I would never have caught it.

[@eldertom]

Thank you for making this. :) The more we can just be casual about medical procedures that tbh sound pretty frightening on the surface, the better we all are for it.

[@zolacnomiko]

Hank you're doing good works in this world.

[@gregorysquires2685]

Hank....put some crystal light into it....makes it more palatable....I tell my pts to do that....it seems to make it better for them. Pour it over crushed ice....helpful.... good luck!!!

[@latenighter1965]

Our doctor is telling patients to use Miralax and Gatorade, one bottle into a 64 ounce Gatorade of choice. Try it next time.

[@woodfur00]

Why do you abuse ellipses....it makes you sound like you're mumbling insanity to yourself....instead of trying to communicate....learn to use punctuation....

[@Witchywheelchair]

I mean if you want to ruin crystal light for yourself forever yeah do that

[@samkay9183]

From a fellow member of the ulcerative colitis family, thank you for this!!

[@phoebee5694]

Thank you for videos like this!!!! As someone with Crohn’s, I’ve already had two colonoscopies and removing the stigma around this and IBD is so important and so appreciated!

[@CheefEeth]

I was diagnosed with UC a few years ago and it’s really nice to hear someone talking about the process with an air of normalcy. It can be really stressful to only talk about these things with a doctor because it’s their job to be serious and this really helped take the seriousness of the situation. Thank you Hank!!

[@BookishLish]

Well this is the first video premiere I’m managing to watch since this feature was launched. Guess I’m starting off with a bang

[@tymmezinni]

Not a pants whisper?

[@memmabee6818]

Thank you for making this! I have crohn's disease and got my colon cut out a few years ago - as a kid/teen I was so embarrassed by my disease so I've always been glad to see you take openly about your health.

[@majorgleekster06]

i was diagnosed with colitis 2 weeks ago. i'm 20. it sucks. but knowing you deal with it too helps me remember i'm not alone. thanks for educating people and speaking out about it

[@amh521]

I have Crohn's and have always been comforted by knowing you have a very similar disease and handle it well. Loved seeing you in Denver recently! Thanks for this post ❤️

[@crystalar99]

This was a great video Hank! I really liked that you walked us through the whole process. I think it'd be cool if you guys did this with other kinds of stuff that you guys do.

[@TitusRex]

I have Crohn's disease (similar to ulcerative colitis), and knowing that you had UC a few years ago when I was diagnosed helped me to deal with my disease.

[@aribafaheem7847]

You're the reason I'm able to differentiate between crohn's disease and ulcerative collitis, so thanks for that Hank!

[@brebeeb]

I loved it, this is the info the people need

[@EbyKat]

I really appreciate this video. It’s exactly the kind of information I want and need to reduce my anxiety before doing something new. Now when I have to do this I can be calmer about it.

[@MagicTurtle643]

I've actually been anxious about having to someday get one, and this put my mind at ease a lot. Thanks for this! Also it was very entertaining hahah

[@kiddicarus]

This was wonderfully educational, but in a way that made it genuinely enjoyable. Thanks, Hank!

[@mschrisfrank2420]

Great video, Hank! My dad also has ulcerative colitis so I’ve seen him go through the prep a quite a few times. Luckily, his doctor is happy with his health right now and has spaced them out more.

[@NightStalker321a]

Thanks for this video. Not only is it highly amusing, but I really wish people would talk about these more "uncomfortable" subjects more. I really knew very little about this procedure even though loved ones had gone through it because they really don't want to talk about it.

[@violetmoon1587]

Its always good to have a reminder that regular health screenings are important

[@listen_darling]

Thanks for making this video Hank! I was diagnosed with UC about 4 years ago now. When I was first having symptoms and getting diagnosed and could basically not leave my house because I needed to be next to a bathroom at all times, I did feel somewhat better knowing that you had UC and had a life outside of a bathroom, at least from what I could tell from watching your videos. It made getting diagnosed with a chronic illness slightly less terrifying and I've always wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with UC.

[@francescamele8077]

Hank, I cannot express how much I loved watching this first thing this morning. I have a stressful day in front of me, and seeing you talk about this was so good. Which, I know... sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it? But I've only recently discovered I have ulcerative colitis (on top of my celiac disease and lactose intolerance), and hearing you talk about it all makes me feel less alone in it. Thank you so much! Also, that final pun. Pure gold.

[@musiclisha]

Ahhhh I literally had mine done last weekend! They took some more biopsy’s. Been living with Ulcerative Colitis for a few years now so couldn’t relate more to this video! Thanks for sharing 🤠

[@sarahereach]

I have nursed my mom through several of these preps. (Buying ice pops and jello, giving her the glasses on the timed schedule, etc.) It is miserable but very important!

[@delcardobaybandgeek]

Hi Hank, several years ago when I was 17 I sent you a message on Tumblr while I was in the hospital about to be diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I was scheduled for my first colonoscopy/upper endoscopy the following morning. You replied with some advice and reassurance that really helped me cope with all of the terrifying things that were happening to me. Thank you so much for responding and for all of your UC videos.

[@synapticsarah]

It makes me so happy when Hank talks about his UC...I started watching vlogbrothers way before I was diagnosed with Crohn's and he actually introduced me to the idea of IBD, which seemed so scary. Having Hank through this journey has made the whole situation easier, and I feel like I'm not alone. Thank you for being vocal Hank, you've made a huge impact on my life and taught me I can succeed even though I have a scary disease!

[@Witchywheelchair]

I haven’t had a colonoscopy BUT I have had a surgery in that general vicinity. So I feel all of these feels. God bless people who do this shit regularly

[@shelby2497]

Seriously, thank you for this. My first one is later this week and I'm really nervous. This helped my feelings of anxiousness so much.

[@Chilukar]

Don't worry, the prep os easily the worst part, but even that isn't so bad if it is only once a year or so.

[@celesteg911]

I did one a couple of months ago and I agree that the prep the day before is the worst part. The drinks are gross but you get over it. The procedure itself is no big deal. You'll just take a nice nap and it's over before you know it lol :) hope everything goes well!

[@DemonTomatoDave]

I've had it done a few times, and I'm happy to say there's absolutely no reason to be nervous. Not even about the prep - we all say it's the "worst part," but another way to look at it is that it's the funniest part.

[@shannanigansisme]

I've had around 20 colonoscopies in my life (thanks Crohn's disease!). Here are my thoughts, for what it's worth: don't accept the gallon prep if you can at all help it. Ask for something with less volume. (They love to give it to 1st timers). Don't accept an appointment late in the day, that's torture. Put a good book in the bathroom.Follow the rules exactly. Waking up to find out they couldn't do it because of a mistake you made SUCKS. Ask for an anti nausea med. I like to take a long shower after I'm empty. You'll feel pretty gross and odd. (It's just weird to have a totally empty stomach.) Don't worry if you don't sleep much the night before. You'll catch up the day of the procedure. The day of, the IV is probably the worst part. Once that's done it's smooth sailing. Know exactly what you want to eat when you wake up and task your driver with picking it up. (You deserve a treat.) Propofol doesn't usually cause nausea. The old sedation made me vomit. Rest, drink lots of fluids to get the anesthesia out of your system. Good luck hon!

[@BabyBellaMarie]

Thanks so much for this, Hank! Just finished my colorectal run at hospital. This was such a great insight into the patient's experience. You have enhanced my learning and educated us about a pretty scary topic :)

[@rachelquade1711]

This is so cool to see as a person who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in high school! I never know how to talk to people about it, so thanks for making videos like this

[@JackMyersPhotography]

Thank you for this wonderful and hilarious video. I kid you not, I had mine done today too and it was exactly all of this. Then, I came home and had a burger and watched Star Trek TOS. Eventually, I took a nap then had a cappuccino and it's 10:45PM and I'm finally feeling back to normal... somewhat.

[@jare___]

Dearest Hank, Please let us know when you're wearing a shirt you bought during this process in a video. Signed, Over Interested Nerdfighters

[@ColumineMiette]

I'm so glad you made this cause I'll eventually have to get one and I was worried about it. Every little bit to remove the stigma helps.

[@floralminds3730]

I have Crohn’s Disease and was diagnosed 12 or so years ago. Growing up I never knew anyone else with UC or Crohn’s so it’s really nice to see you online being so open about something that always made me feel pretty vulnerable. Thanks Hank, love this video :)