Went in for some bloating issues (I'm male), and since I'm 53 and my regular doc has been wanting me to get a colonoscopy just to be on the safe side, Dr. Snyder suggested I get a colonoscopy and endoscopy ( the later for the bloating issue). I resisted for the usual reasons (pain and discomfort, awkward!). So he told me a story about why it is his mission to make colonoscopies the most painless procedure you ever don't remember (I added the don't remember part). The story is basically that every one who ever had terminal colon cancer who came through his office was afraid to get a colonoscopy because of the horror stories they had heard. He thought it was tragic. (it is tragic).
First off, every single person on his office staff and nursing staff are genuinely friendly and warm. No exaggeration.
Ok, so still really apprehensive, went in, the nurses for the actual procedure were confident and jovial. They re-assured me I would be totally comfortable. I waited (there was a slight scheduling miscommunication)... but when I went in, I reitterated that I did not want to feel ANY part of this... I was given a thick numbing gel for my throat (worst part of the whole ordeal and it wasn't even bad, ok, wait, the worst part was drinking to poop making juice for two days).
After getting me in position, my blood pressure was up because of nerves, then she said you should be feeling it by now... I said, " I don't feel anything" and then immediately said, "Oh, I'm feeling it now" and went out.
Woke up in the recovery room, all was done, no polyps, good report and totally painless.
Don't delay, don't be one of those guy so afraid of the procedure (like me) that you just don't do it. Go to Dr. Snyder, you will come away like me thinking that was literally zero pain and zero discomfort. read more