Had been feeling off colour for a few months, along with a few stomach pains, so decided to get a set of tests done at Bangkok Phuket hospital and whilst I was there I decided upon a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy. The gastroscopy mainly because I suffered from gastric reflux for a few years and one of the reasons I retired here was that I had lesions in the oesophagus which could have led to cancer and I needed a stressfree life to help combat this condition. So I wondered how that was progressing.

Anyway I can't speak too highly of Dr Art (actually a professor) who runs the colorectal unit because not only is he the consummate professional, his English is impeccable and he really seems to care about his patients (and the nurses and assistants were brilliant).

I had a colonoscopy about four years ago, so many folks were saying that I really didn't need to have one again, however I was pleased that I did because this time he found two polyps, which he removed, and the biopsy showed that they were noncancerous, however if left they were of the type of which 5% can lead to cancer!

Overall I am extremely pleased that I had a colonoscopy and possibly for all of the guys like me who are getting on a bit (I am 70) who may not have had one for a while, or who have never had one, now is the time to investigate this painless procedure.

Interestingly enough the gastroscopy show that my gastric reflux lesions had disappeared (great news) however it did show a little gastritis in the stomach and the H. pylori bacteria, so I am on the dual antibiotic and PPI regime for a couple of weeks before I visit again the see if this has cured it.

Fire away with questions if you wish, however I can't speak too highly of the unit at Bangkok Phuket hospital, and of Dr Art and Dr Jeerasit.

 

You absolutly correct. The gastro deparment is great at BPH. Had both done 4-5 years ago there and it were the best i every had. This was the fifth time i had this kind of examination so having a little bit experience.

 

Great nurses, great service and very good doctor.

 

Isn't it interesting to watch the screen while the cam stay inside your body 4 meter xylo? I enjoyed it.

How much was the colonoscopy, and how long did it take?

 

2 hours ago, stuarty said:

How much was the colonoscopy, and how long did it take?

 

I had the cost all rolled into one. along with a "general anaesthetic" which obviously costs a lot more, however I believe a colonoscopy with mild sedation (all you really need) costs around 18,000 baht.

 

Took about 15--20 mins but he did have to cut out a couple of polyps, and took a look at the appendix whilst he was at it because I had complained about stomach pains in that area also.

I'm not a medical doctor. I think the recommendation is for your first colonoscopy at age 50. I didn't know about it, my family doctor didn't mention it, and I was shocked when my insurance company called me up and suggested it (because I was 55 and still hadn't had one). That's a huge indicator that it's a very cost-effective procedure.

 

Depending on what they find, I believe they recommend you go on a schedule of once every 3, 5 or 10 years. Ten years is for people with no polyps or only the most benign kind of polyps, I think. I had three, but they were the most benign kind, and I got a 10 year recall. I'm not sure if that wasn't a mistake - when the surgeon talked to me right after the procedure he said I was probably going to be on a 5-year schedule, but it depended on the biopsy.

 

The prep is the worst part, by far.

5 hours ago, jerry921 said:

I'm not a medical doctor. I think the recommendation is for your first colonoscopy at age 50. I didn't know about it, my family doctor didn't mention it, and I was shocked when my insurance company called me up and suggested it (because I was 55 and still hadn't had one). That's a huge indicator that it's a very cost-effective procedure.

 

Depending on what they find, I believe they recommend you go on a schedule of once every 3, 5 or 10 years. Ten years is for people with no polyps or only the most benign kind of polyps, I think. I had three, but they were the most benign kind, and I got a 10 year recall. I'm not sure if that wasn't a mistake - when the surgeon talked to me right after the procedure he said I was probably going to be on a 5-year schedule, but it depended on the biopsy.

 

The prep is the worst part, by far.

After this I think I will go on a 5 yr schedule. as 4 yrs ago I had one, and no polyps, then this time 2 polyps, although small.........one thing I don't want to end up with in my dotage is colon cancer!

 

And as regards the preparation, well after taking the laxative the night before I thought the world had dropped out of my bottom, rather than the bottom dropping out of my world!! Still, worth it despite a few hours of discomfort.

I'm told there are different "prep" regimens. Mine was a bottle of liquid that I was to dilute with water and drink in parts. IIRC, I had to drink about a half gallon of the awful mixture in 4 rounds over an 8 hour period. Someone told me that I was luckier than he was, his was twice as much yucky stuff to drink. If all you had to take was a laxative pill that's very much less awful. The point of the liquid is to not only empty your pipe, but to wash you clean so they can get a clear look. It's basically a front-loaded full-pipe enema.

 

 

5 hours ago, jerry921 said:

I'm told there are different "prep" regimens. Mine was a bottle of liquid that I was to dilute with water and drink in parts. IIRC, I had to drink about a half gallon of the awful mixture in 4 rounds over an 8 hour period. Someone told me that I was luckier than he was, his was twice as much yucky stuff to drink. If all you had to take was a laxative pill that's very much less awful. The point of the liquid is to not only empty your pipe, but to wash you clean so they can get a clear look. It's basically a front-loaded full-pipe enema.

 

 

I think they've improved that now Jerry (at least that's what they told me) and all I had was two sachets of powder to take, two hours apart, followed by between one and a half and 2 L of water.

Still, that did not prepare me for about four soapy enemas on the day of the procedure, which was something I hadn't bargained for!

30 minutes ago, xylophone said:

I think they've improved that now Jerry (at least that's what they told me) and all I had was two sachets of powder to take, two hours apart, followed by between one and a half and 2 L of water.

Still, that did not prepare me for about four soapy enemas on the day of the procedure, which was something I hadn't bargained for!

She's quite a jolly lady though!