A Good Colon Doctor Experience is Dependent on Many Things
by Cynde
(Wewahitchka, Florida, USA)
I am 45 years old. Typically, I am not the age that doctors recommend a colon screening, particularly if no symptoms of bleeding or discomfort are reported. For me, however; it was something I wanted to have done because both my parents had polyps at my age.
I was recommended a doctor by the medical staff at my general practitioner's office. I took down his name and researched the specialist on the internet. I found him to be well received by his patients and had many awards to his credit. - Okay, I felt comfortable with this doctor, now to schedule a meeting.
The first meeting went well. The nurses were pleasant and seemed to sympathize with my nervousness. The doctor seemed kind and did not appear to be rushed in his visit. Clearly, he wanted me to ask any questions I might have. - Again, it appears that I made the correct choice of specialist.
I decided to forgo the use of my insurance and instead opt for a cash payment in advance of the procedure. Unfortunately, I have an insurance plan which only pays a set amount annually ($1,000) and after that is used, then everything must come out of pocket. A colon screening is not inexpensive but it is far more expensive if submitted to the insurance. The doctor's staff, anesthesiology department and the surgery center all required payment prior to the test, but in the long run this was the less expensive route. Had I used insurance, the submitted bill would have been over three times the amount I paid. If you are having trouble with payment for the treatment, talk with the staff at the medical facilities. They will try to work with you and provide an option that works. If they don't want to work with you, perhaps it is better to find a different facility; after all, you want a staff that is truly concerned with your health.
The pre-op wasn't too bad. I stopped taking my daily low dose aspirin five days before my procedure. The day prior to the test, I ate/drank only translucent liquids, avoiding all purple, red, or orange colors. (Drank Welch's white grape juice, pineapple juice, Clear Gatorade, water, and I could have plain applesauce.) I wasn't hungry and had plenty of energy. After work, I started my regiment of pills to clean out my colon. You can do either the pills or the liquid. I took a lot of pills! I had to wake up early in the morning and do a second round of pills before the procedure. It's not bad and I never cramped, although I was warned I might have some minor cramps. Overall, it was a pretty simple pre-op regimen. (You spend more bathroom time after an evening's supper at the local Mexican restaurant).
My husband drove me to the surgery center and waited in the reception area until I was wheeled into recovery where he joined me soon afterwards.
The procedure was simple, I'd mention more of it, but I didn't even know it occurred! I was prepped with an IV and then wheeled into the exam room. I was asked to roll over on my left side...and, well, the next thing I heard was, "Cynde, we are going to take you into recovery now." What?? Where was the doctor? Did something else come up and they decided to reschedule? Nope....it had all been done. That simple!
