Discussion » Questions » Health and Wellness » How do i get a colonoscopy done if i dont have anyone to take with me?

How do i get a colonoscopy done if i dont have anyone to take with me?



      I did have someone but she changed her mind and also changed her mind about being my friend as well. have no idea why since i just saw her yesterday and there was nothing unusual going on, knew her since last winter, she was going to go and now she aint, she was a nurse too so she wouldve been perfect for it. anyways, im not afraid to go alone, the problem is if i show up by myself they wont do it, dont have family around to take me either.ive asked a home health aide about it but they wont do it as a one time thing. i was doing home testing every yr for this reason until my last one showed up positive, i dont mind paying people and wondered if i should put an ad up on craiglist. any suggestions or do i just cancel it and let whatever happens happens, cant force people to go with me.

Posted - July 14, 2018

Responses


  • 137
    Pearl, supposing the remote possibility you live within range of the map co-ordinates 
    Latitude: 44°31′00″ N 
    Longitude: 80°00′58″ W
    I could make myself available to accompany you to wherever the place of appointment.
    I am more or less free anytime.
    Let me know if I am close enough to your location.
    Tony
      July 14, 2018 11:14 AM MDT
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  • 22891
    im in colorado, where are you?
      July 14, 2018 11:40 AM MDT
    1

  • 137
    OK Pearl, I'm many leagues distant from you - I'm on the lakes. 
      July 15, 2018 7:08 AM MDT
    0

  • 11110
    Well sometimes places like the Salvation Army have a free ride service to get people to doctor appointments. and also give you a ride home. Cheers and happy weekend! 
      July 14, 2018 11:24 AM MDT
    1

  • 22891
    its not about the ride, i can get a medicaid cab for free, they just cant sign me out and they wont do the colonoscopy if i show up by myself, i dont even drive so they shouldnt have to worry about me driving there and back
      July 14, 2018 11:41 AM MDT
    1

  • 11110
    Well the ride service will let the doctor know that they will be there to drive you home. Cheers and happy weekend!
      July 14, 2018 12:23 PM MDT
    2

  • 22891
    its not that, a cab driver or bus driver cant sign you out
      July 15, 2018 4:28 PM MDT
    1

  • 7939
    I'm guessing it's because they sedate you, correct? If so, then it's because they want someone to stay with you until the medication is out of your system to make sure you stay safe and don't have any odd reactions. At least that's how it was in dentistry. Some places actually require the driver to sign something saying they'd say with the patient for the rest of the day, while others just talk to the driver/ caregiver and give them instructions too. Either way, that person is assuming some responsibility for you, so most transit companies can't be your person.

    Craigslist scares me because, if you are sedated, you will be vulnerable after the procedure. It's not good to have a stranger with you. They may just bail and leave you or they may rob you blind... or worse. 

    Talk to the office and ask them what they recommend. Surely they've dealt with this before. If they're unhelpful, find out if having it done in a hospital is a possibility or talk to your casewoker (or anyone at the state medical agency) to find out if you qualify for some kind of extra assistance. Perhaps you may qualify for specialty medical transport or for a caregiver for the day. Odds are, you will have to jump through some hoops to get it, but given your history, the test is 100% medically necessary, and so there are likely options in place from the insurance company that oversees your plan or the state itself to handle these sorts of issues.

    Failing that, check with your church or other community organizations in your area. 


      July 14, 2018 1:31 PM MDT
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  • 22891
    one of my friends might take me, i told her about my other friend not wanting to go so shes going  to ask her daughter to take her mother somewhere so she can take me
      July 15, 2018 4:30 PM MDT
    1

  • 11009
    Because this is specific to your location, you will need to ask at the clinic what service they recommend. I volunteer in an outpatient surgery waiting room and I can tell you that there are many patients who do not have friends or family to accompany them. They use non-emergency medical transport companies. In my personal experience, I used a medical transport company to go to the doctor when I had two broken arms. It wasn't like a cab ride, they came inside to get me, took me into the waiting room and then returned when they were called to pick me up. There may also be some options for low-income patients if that applies to you.
      July 14, 2018 1:36 PM MDT
    3

  • 17599
    If you have Medicaid they pay for medical transport.  The driver should go in with you to assure the facility that he will, when called by the facility,  personally pick you up and drive you home.  I saw this when I had this same test some years ago.  If Medicaid no longer provides transport call the taxi company and see if they will drive you and get assurance from the driver he will pick you up.  You need to have the test.    

    No calling Craigslist.
      July 14, 2018 2:07 PM MDT
    3

  • 2219
    I've had colonoscopies, and they insist you have someone looking after you the night after. (As per JustAsking's post). If that's not possible, you are stuck in hospital until social services can organise a care package.  This post was edited by Malizz at July 15, 2018 4:32 PM MDT
      July 14, 2018 2:13 PM MDT
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  • 34286
    Don't use Craigslist....that is dangerous. 
    Talk to your Doctor and explain. You will likely have to stay the night in the hospital so they can watch for complications.
      July 14, 2018 5:46 PM MDT
    1