Those of us who have lived long enough to arrive at the point where we have to submit to medical tests that literally leave us with our pants down and our bottoms up, know the indignities and discomfort of that most anxiety provoking procedure - the colonoscopy.
Little can be done to make the preparation and actual event more palatable, but at least it can be simplified and made more humane with understanding of the emotional aspects of the test, and the physical challenges associated with drinking copious amounts of vile tasting fluids, a mandatory clear liquid diet for 36 hours before the operation, and the totally unpleasant process of emptying the lower gastrointestinal tract. Ugh!
Gastroenterology Group at St. Mary Medical Center does it as well as possible. They invite you to their office weeks in advance to review the process in detail. Many pages of easy to understand instructions are provided. They record insurance information, and even offer samples of the preparation meds if the patient lacks coverage for this cost.
On the designated day, when the effect of starvation and voiding is at max effect, their staff is courteous and compassionate in getting the patient ready for general anesthesia and the procedure itself. Everyone was skilled, patient and trained in low key interaction. From getting into those damn surgical gowns, to setting the intravenous lines in the arm, to nestling the pillow comfortably under the head/neck as you fall asleep, to the gentle wake up back in your personal space with juice and crackers, the flow is smooth and relaxed.
That Dr. Barash advised I would likely have to return in five years for another scope almost seemed an afterthought. read more
