So, been having a few minor issues (including "bathroom issues") that could just be a few unconnected things, or something more serious, and discussion with my heart doc led to an immediate referral (same day) to an endoscopist. Twenty minutes of frankly detailed questioning, the decision was "we should have a look at what is going on". Scheduled a combined gastroscopy (mouth on down) and colonoscopy (arse on up...).
Preparation was tedious, but manageable. Two days before the procedure was soft diet. Day before was liquid diet. Night before was the big "purge". There are several ways this can be done. Mine was early evening drink 250ml of picoprep (nice zingy lemon taste), followed by 2 liters of water. They give those small hydration salts packets (orange flavour for me). I had all the water pre-chilled, and so it was manageable to do it in two of the allotted three hours. At that point its another packet of picoprep and another 2 liters of water. Was asked the next day how many bathroom trips I took, and all I could remember was "a lot". But there was none of that urgent must rush to the bathroom feeling. Just a lot of trips. Everything was done by about 3am. I was instructed to take a photo of the loo on my last trip to the bathroom. Failure to do so would have meant doing it all again while in the hospital, so it was quite important to comply with that. I was allowed to drink water up to 5.30am.
Went to the hospital next day (you must have someone take you, and take you back as you cannot drive) at the requested hour and a half before the procedure. My photo was checked (twice!). Went to the endoscopy suite, change into a gown and lay on a hospital bed for 45 min or so, during which time a drip line was put in the back of my hand. Also during that time the endoscopist came for a quick chat and the anesthesiologist for a much longer chat. At the appointed time I was wheeled into the procedure room, told to lay on my side told to bite around a mouth guide and that was it. Lights went out and I woke up some time later in the recovery room. Less than five minutes later my designated companion came in.
Doc then came in gave me a detailed report (including photos of which they gave me a copy!). All good. A couple of polyps got rid of, a stomach biopsy taken to check for H. Pylori and an appointment made for three years time.
I felt fine. No pain, a bit "gurgely" from the gas they pump in, but otherwise fine. Rested at home for the rest of the day, and up and about the next day.
I had been dreading it, but no muss, no fuss, no discomfort and at no stage was I made to feel embarrassed. Nursing staff were efficient, kind and gentle.
It was done in a private hospital, total cost 65K baht, and I will have no hesitation to go back for a redo in three years.
Guidelines suggest that people should get their first colon screening at 45, and definitely by 55 (I am over 60!). I suppose my point on doing this thread is to point out that it is far, far less horrible than I thought it would be, and it really can be a life saver. For me, I mainly just get peace of mind - also worth it.