Colonoscopy Next Week....

**forHISglory** · 10-22-2011, 04:55 PM

I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy next week.... have the "stuff" all purchased to drink. This is not my first procedure, but it's the first one that has had me do a step down process in getting ready for it.

Seven days before the procedure, I had to stop all vitamins and minerals and supplements. Five days before the procedure, I had to stop all aspirin and pain killers. Four days before the procedure, I stop all over the counter meds (like my allergy meds). And then, of course, the day before I do "the drink". I take two prescription meds, and can take those right up to the day of the procedure.

I've never had to step down like this before. Have any of you had to do this? I don't mind, but I am fiinding that I am very tired today, and my allergies are totally out of control. Might be tired from the over-active allergies, or might be tired from having no vitamins/supplements in my system for the first time in decades.

And here's another monkey wrench: My insurance company this year is giving us fits; we are in a constant battle with them to keep our out of pocket dollars up to date, to cover what they are supposed to cover, etc. Anyway, they told me that they would cover the colonoscopy at 100%, BUT if the doctor had to snip a polyp, then they no longer would consider it as preventive (which is covered 100%), but would consider it as surgery. That means I have to then pay deductible, co-pay, and co-insurance. And get this: The doctor does not have to get a prior authorization from the insurance company to do the procedure, BUT if he finds a polyp to snip, he has to stop in the middle of the procedure, call the insurance company and get permission to continue. I think this is NUTS!!!!!

**mh3rdwheel** · 10-22-2011, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by forHISglory

I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy next week.... have the "stuff" all purchased to drink. This is not my first procedure, but it's the first one that has had me do a step down process in getting ready for it.

Seven days before the procedure, I had to stop all vitamins and minerals and supplements. Five days before the procedure, I had to stop all aspirin and pain killers. Four days before the procedure, I stop all over the counter meds (like my allergy meds). And then, of course, the day before I do "the drink". I take two prescription meds, and can take those right up to the day of the procedure.

I've never had to step down like this before. Have any of you had to do this? I don't mind, but I am fiinding that I am very tired today, and my allergies are totally out of control. Might be tired from the over-active allergies, or might be tired from having no vitamins/supplements in my system for the first time in decades.

And here's another monkey wrench: My insurance company this year is giving us fits; we are in a constant battle with them to keep our out of pocket dollars up to date, to cover what they are supposed to cover, etc. Anyway, they told me that they would cover the colonoscopy at 100%, BUT if the doctor had to snip a polyp, then they no longer would consider it as preventive (which is covered 100%), but would consider it as surgery. That means I have to then pay deductible, co-pay, and co-insurance. And get this: The doctor does not have to get a prior authorization from the insurance company to do the procedure, BUT if he finds a polyp to snip, he has to stop in the middle of the procedure, call the insurance company and get permission to continue. I think this is NUTS!!!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope everything works out,

I know that they would stop the aspirin because it thins your blood so they don't want you to bleed.

**mauimagic** · 10-22-2011, 07:33 PM

Totally nuts!! Have never had to do the step down - but am more concerned with you crazy insurance co. Good luck on all bases.

**peanut** · 10-22-2011, 07:57 PM

American health care is so interesting. I am so glad I am not you. I will pray for a clean procedure with no polyps in sight.

**CrazyHomemaker** · 10-22-2011, 08:58 PM

Take care. I'll be thinking of you. That's one procedure my doctor will have a hard time getting me to take. I'm such a wuss. I give you loads of credit for doing this to take care of yourself.

**forHISglory** · 10-22-2011, 09:07 PM

This is my 4th one. I hate the day before, but the procedure is a piece of cake. Really.... nothing to it. Let me encourage all of you to do this easy way of conquoring cancer!

**Debbie-cat** · 10-23-2011, 12:06 AM

That insurance company is nuts!!! I wish you the best of luck and you are in my prayers.

**frugalfranny** · 10-23-2011, 12:12 AM

That is the worse I have heard for insurance........just
crazy.

They are just as bad as the banks for money!!

Good luck.......don't envy you "the procedure"........BTDT....

**shoiji** · 10-23-2011, 12:35 PM

Can't help but wonder what idiot thought that up at the insurance agency. Really is the last thing you should have to worry about when you are going in for a procedure.

**Nana2two** · 10-23-2011, 01:53 PM

I had to do it . I have a test done yearly. But this last one i had to start 5 days prior no over the counter or anything with asperin. The 24 hours prior clear diet. Then the night before i go and take the stuff they gave me.

**ncarr** · 10-23-2011, 04:04 PM

I've never had one but prayers sent for a safe and uneventful procedure!

**happymommy** · 10-24-2011, 04:27 PM

My husband just had his first colonoscopy this summer. We thought it was fully covered under preventive care.

We didn't know if they found a polyp it would cost $.
I think the majority of people have them.

They found three = over $600!

We were shocked.

That doesn't count our 1800.00 monthly insurance premium

Off my soap box.

Wishing you all the best!

**heartofmine** · 10-24-2011, 07:44 PM

I've never had to do the step down but I have had several colonoscopy's. I have a lot of stomach issues. I just wanted to add my prayers that all is well.

**brennasmom** · 10-24-2011, 07:52 PM

Never had one but I hope all goes well

**forHISglory** · 10-24-2011, 08:52 PM

Happymommy, I sooooo totally understand your frustration! Our health insurance premiums take one third of our income, and then we have to fight for every penny of coverage.

I never had to do the step-down until this one. I think it's a good idea, but it was just a new idea to me. However, I ran into a problem over the weekend. I was supposed to step down from everything except prescription meds. I take an over the counter allergy med, which I quit last week. Saturday I could hardly breathe, wheezing, sneezing, blowing. By Saturday night, my face had started to swell slightly, and was itchy all over. I was still having breathing problems. Called the emergency and they said to get right back on the allergy meds over the weekend, and call my doc this morning. Doc said to stay on the allergy med until the procedure. Whew....