www.incontinentsupport.org

I have a question for the veterans out here. I need to schedule my first colonoscopy and have been dreading it long before my bladder began to act up. Now that I am wearing protection full time, how will the procedure go. Will I keep my diaper in place and just expose my backside? Will they just put a bunch of chucks and towels down to soak up any urine? will they put you all the way out and when you wake up will you learn that someone else has put a diaper on you?
I know I am freaking myself out but I will feel better if I can get mentally ready for what is to come.

Thanks in advance,
Rope

My GI issues make me somewhat familar with what you can expect.

For me, the worst part of the procedure was the cleaning-out required the day before. Technically, the doctor does not fully anesthetize you; however, if you are as sensitive to anesthesia as I am, you'll be out. Telling the staff about your urinary incontinence before the exam is just a matter of good manners. They see this every day on the job, so it's no big deal for them. I have never awakened after a colonoscopy wearing the same protection I wore in, so somebody must have changed me while I was asleep.

Good luck and report in for the benefit of the rest of us.

Hi, Rope. I have had a lot of colonoscopies during the last few years due to elevated risk for cancer. Because my daytime incontinence has been mostly urge, with a small percentage of stress incontinence triggered by coughing, sneezing and lifting, I have never had to deal with wearing protection during a medical procedure. I would call the medical center and give them a heads-up as to your incontinence - just so they won't be taken by surprise, and so that they can have procedures in place, supplies at hand, and can tell you what they need from you. As Patrick mentioned, the prep is worse than the actual procedure. The clear-liquid diet isn't bad, but the large quantity of water mixed with the cleaning agent is almost impossible for me to get and keep down. If you're not cleaned out enough after the prep, they will probably have you self-administer a pre-measured bottle enema (or two!) before they start the procedure.

You will be required to have your wife or another responsible adult accompany you to the appointment, wait until the procedure is completed and drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents until the following day. You likely will be allowed to eat anything you want after the procedure.

You most likely will be conscious and alert throughout the procedure, but mildly sedated. A mild sedative is injected into an IV tube. You likely won't feel groggy or be nauseated afterward. A topical anesthetic is also used for the rectal area. The procedure is not terribly uncomfortable. The doctor will take tissue samples at various intervals throughout your colon and rectum for biopsy, and will use a wire snare to remove polyps for biopsy as well. I have always been asked to turn onto my left side for the entire procedure. There are some risks, as there are with any medical procedure, and you'll likely be required to sign a release.

Again, it's not 100% awful - I've had worse - but I think that you're most concerned about urine leaks. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm guessing that you're not the first UI patient that they've ever worked with, and a little advance notice will likely smooth things over.

Wetters