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Colonoscopy prep: make it easier Jun 12 10:16pm | By Joey Keillor (@joeykeillor)
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@mgunderson

Thank you for this site. I am schedualed for a EDG at the same time as the colonoscopy next week. 6/18/2024. I am so nervous. Been a basket case since friday when I was diagnosed w/advanced colon cancer. This procedure is suppose to find out what type of cancer it is so they can treat it, is it a slow growing or fast. So as to know what treatments I need. That tells me I am given a death sentence. My issue is they have been telling me if I don't bring a responsible adult w/me they will turn me away. That is what I've been told for several yrs. When I tried several different hospitals & they all said I couldn't have the precedure because I didn't have someone to drive me home. Well if they didn't have these rules I would be alive this time next year. I am 72, not on meds. Healthy. Atleast I thought I was. I wish I would of had a chance at them colonoscopies denied to me because I couldn't find anyone other than bus or taxi. This is America land of the free(as long as your not american.) I am really angry that the med field has let me down again. This website has helped me to know that I am not alone & I found better advice here than at the hospitals. Thanks

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Replies to "Thank you for this site. I am schedualed for a EDG at the same time as..."
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 12 10:02am

Welcome to Connect, @mgunderson. My husband has had several EDG (scopes) and he said they’re a ‘piece of cake’. There was no prep for that except no eating for a couple of hours before hand.
You’re having your EDG in conjunction with your colonoscopy. So you’ll be having a mild anesthesia which will have you asleep through both procedures. The worst part is the prep beforehand. Make sure you follow the guidelines given to you by the prep team so that you can minimize the discomfort. I posted some guidelines too in this discussion that can be really helpful to make the cleanse easier: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1059347/

The anesthesia is the reason for requiring someone to accompany you to any of the colonoscopy or EDG appointments. I had to laugh while my husband was in the recovery area after his first EDG. He was so sure he’d be able to drive because he was feeling fine (No way was I going to let him even try!!) As soon as he stood up, it was another story. He realized full well there was no way he could drive a car nor should any one for 24 hours afterwards. The anesthesia can cloud judgment. So that’s why your previous teams had to cancel the appoints if you didn’t have anyone with you.
It’s understandable to be a nervous when you get a diagnosis of advanced colorectal cancer. We have several other members who also had the diagnosis so I’d like to connect you with them. It can be so helpful being able to speak with someone else who has gone through the same trials as yourself.
Here are a couple of links for you to try:

Hi, stage 4 colorectal cancer here: with @wifemom3 @makatak47 @rilk and many others
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-stage-4-here/

As for transportation options if you don’t have a means to get to your appointment @siosal had great information for you in this comment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1085339/

You can also contact the American Cancer Society. They have a program called RoundTrip, where patients can schedule the rides they need. https://roundtriphealth.com/acs/

Do you have someone who will be available to take you to your appointment this time?

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Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jun 12 10:16pm

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @mgunderson ! I’m sorry to hear of your bad news and the issue of a responsible adult with you. Did they explain the reasons behind the rule? And do you have someone to accompany you on the 18th?

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