[Thorzdad]

Originally Posted by subego 

Not the stethoscope variety?

No, they were full-size over-ear cans. Great fidelity.

[subego]

They have full, over-the-ear models, it just needs tubes to pipe in the sound. Same as it used to work on an airplane.

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by subego 

They have full, over-the-ear models, it just needs tubes to pipe in the sound. Same as it used to work on an airplane.

Tell me you’re old without telling me you’re old

[subego]

I just had a colonoscopy.

[Thorzdad]

First one? I’ve had two so far. Did they put you under, or did they do that bullshit twilight anesthesia?

[subego]

Yes. Thankfully I was completely under, so the only uncomfortable part was the day before.

Unfortunately, it turns out I’m enough of a target rich environment they want to do it again in a year.

[Waragainstsleep]

Consider yourselves fortunate. My understanding is that the ladies get no such anaesthesia for most of the sensitive area prodding, poking and probing that they are subjected to far more regularly than us.

[ghporter]

That’s true, but such prodding and poking is far less invasive than a colonoscopy. The textbook says that a colon is about 60 inches long, while everything a gynecologist needs to check out in that area is literally a finger-length from the outside.

With that said, I’ve had two ‘scopes, and been “out” for both. At the end of the latest one, I was actually waking up while they were cleaning up (me and the equipment). And they had a BIG TV showing what the scope saw…which wasn’t very cool at that point because the end of the scope was pointing down and swinging back and forth, showing a queasy view of the floor…

[Waragainstsleep]

Originally Posted by ghporter 

That’s true, but such prodding and poking is far less invasive than a colonoscopy. The textbook says that a colon is about 60 inches long, while everything a gynecologist needs to check out in that area is literally a finger-length from the outside.

Is length the primary factor in discomfort? What does the (definitely not written years/decades ago by a panel of men) textbook say about the innervation of the vagina & cervix compared to the colon?

[subego]

Shouldn’t women be getting colonoscopies too? At least that’s what I remember Katie Couric telling me.

Regardless, multiple factors are going into a discomfort quotient. The length means it takes a long time.

Had a gay friend who had the twilight version. Apparently at some point during the procedure he exclaimed “harder boys… I’m not made of glass!”

[Thorzdad]

[andi*pandi]

Women do indeed get colonoscopies. No they are not fun and roses.
Pain relief for certain GYN procedures would be an improvement.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep 

Is length the primary factor in discomfort? What does the (definitely not written years/decades ago by a panel of men) textbook say about the innervation of the vagina & cervix compared to the colon?

The fact that the scope has to traverse at least 60” (154cm), and that it causes internal sensations that trigger reactions - like clamping down HARD - means that the patient generally needs something to help them ignore those internal sensations.

By contrast, a GYN exam is generally much more shallow; the cervix is about 3-6 inches in, and most pelvic exams don’t require anything more than seeing the inner structures (and sampling the cervix with a small brush on a long handle for a Papp check).

The basic difference is that the colon is structured for one-way traffic, while the vagina is structured for traffic in both directions. The colon’s functions are controlled by the enteric nervous system, with only the pelvic floor muscles providing voluntary control, while the vagina’s “automatic” processes are only triggered during labor. Aside from that, the vagina has relatively little sensation. Almost everything is centered on the vulva, the external genital structures.

All of this is to say that, despite the sense many males may have that females’ pelvic exams are horrible, they are actually no worse than a digital rectal exam to make sure the old prostate hasn’t gone rogue and begun to try to kill you. Not a fun experience for most of us, of either chromosomal makeup, but not really that big a deal.

Wow, that got me into anatomy lecture mode.

[subego]

I’d pick the bear.

[Thorzdad]

Went to the new Dunkin’ near our home this morning (apple fritter ftw.) Man, I wish more places around here used ApplePay. So slick and fast.

[Waragainstsleep]

Literally everywhere in the UK takes Apple Pay. Anywhere that takes card payments. Just leaves the odd trader who doesn't like to declare 100% of their sales.

[ghporter]

A local baker (specializing in sourdough) made a batch of “apple cider doughnuts”. Oh. Wow. Not quite traditional doughnut shaped, but who cares! Yum. Worth the drive.

[andi*pandi]

Hey, new england would like a word, we own trademark on that!

(tis the season for apple cider doughnuts and they are awesome.)

[Brien]

Sooooo tempted to buy one of the M4 minis, hook it up to the TV, use an iPad as a monitor, and ditch the dedicated computer space.

[subego]

You may have issues with the HDMI recognizing a 4K TV as 4K. My 1st gen Apple silicon Mini does.

[subego]

In winter, the warm side of the pillow.