Professional and Convenient Procedure [Don Shepardson]

In this video, a Brookings resident shares his experience with a routine colonoscopy at Brookings Health System. Having undergone the procedure more than a decade ago, he reflects on how the process has improved—especially in terms of preparation, sedation, and recovery—making it even easier and more convenient the second time.

  • Easier than before: Updated prep and sedation made this colonoscopy simpler and more comfortable than his experience 12 years ago.
  • Quick recovery: He woke up clear-minded and ready to go home with no lingering after effects.
  • Professional care team: The doctor and staff were thorough, reassuring, and highly professional.
  • Minimal disruption: The procedure itself was very simple and straightforward.
  • Convenient local access: Having high-quality care close to home made the experience even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

A colonoscopy is a preventative screening procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the colon using a flexible camera. It is used to detect polyps, signs of colorectal cancer, and other abnormalities, often before symptoms develop.

Most adults are advised to begin screening between ages 45 and 50, depending on personal risk factors and provider recommendations. Regular screenings help detect issues early, when they are most treatable.

Alternatives may include stool-based tests or other imaging exams. However, a colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive option because it allows the physician to both detect and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Colonoscopy is generally safe, but potential risks include bleeding, perforation, or reactions to sedation. Serious complications are rare, and most patients recover quickly with minimal side effects.

Recovery is typically fast. Most patients wake up quickly from sedation, experience little to no discomfort, and can go home the same day with few after effects.

Video Transcript

My name is Don Shepardson. I'm from Brookings, South Dakota, and I'm retired.

How did this colonoscopy compare to your previous experience 12 years ago? 

I think it was a lot easier this time. The sedation that they gave me, I woke up a lot quicker, a lot clear-minded very, very easy, a lot easier.

How was your colonoscopy prep?

Well, that's the only hard part of a colonoscopy is the prep, and it's really not that hard, just the day before just gotta get cleaned out, I guess. And the day of the procedure's very simple, very easy. I don't know what the name of that stuff was that I drank for the first time 12 years ago, but the stuff I used this time was very simple, and just went a lot easier than my first one. So, come a long ways, I guess.

What was your impression of Dr. Marroquin?

Very professional. Explained what was gonna happen, what was gonna go on. Asked if I had any questions, and I didn't since I'd been through it before, but, you know, just very professional.

How were you treated by the staff? 

Very professional. Took very good care of me. I wasn't worried at all about any of it. They're just good, hardworking people and they know what they're doing, and good. I like that they did a very good job.

What would you tell someone who is avoiding a colonoscopy?

It's just one less thing to worry about, especially in that 45 to 50-year range what I've heard is when you should start. So, it's not that big a deal, you know, just go and get it done.

How did you feel after the colonoscopy?

When I woke up they wheeled me into my room where I left my clothes and everything, and asked me if I needed anything. I said I'd like a cup of coffee. And it was very, very quick and easy. There was just no after effects, I guess, of the anesthesia. You just wake up quick, and I was ready to go home.

What did you appreciate most about your care? 

The doctors, the nurses, very professional. I just didn't worry about anything, I guess. And I knew what was coming, which helped, but just very, very easy procedure. Hopefully, I can do it again in 10 years.

Why was it important to have care close to home?

It's just so nice to have a facility like this that we have here in Brookings that we can use, and utilized just about everything we need.

Why do you recommend Brookings Health System?

Convenient, professional. They have everything you need here. I would never, ever steer anybody away from this place. So, we're lucky in a community like this to have this facility.

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