This topic is about a person who has been dealing with a dark-colored polyp on their stoma for about a year. Recently, the polyp started bleeding heavily, making it difficult to change their ostomy pouch. They have scheduled a hospital visit for surgical removal and are hoping the tissue will be sent for a biopsy due to their previous history of colon cancer. They are also curious if others have experienced similar polyps.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. After the polyp removal, the consultant initially asked if the patient wanted a biopsy. The patient insisted, and now the polyp is at the lab for testing.

2. A colonoscopy is scheduled in Glasgow to check for internal polyps, as the waiting list in Aberdeen is quite long.

3. The person has had four previous colonoscopies without sedation and is considering whether to continue this approach as they age. They prefer to stay awake and watch the procedure rather than wait for results.

4. Regarding preparation, they remember being allowed custard-cream biscuits on a previous low-residue diet, but current instructions exclude them. They have completed one day of a low-residue diet and are now fasting for an early morning admission.

5. Possible sedation options mentioned by staff include "gas and air" (nitrous oxide). They recall Midazolam from past procedures, which causes amnesia of the procedure.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Biopsy/Pathology: It is standard practice to send any removed polyp or tissue for pathology. Given a history of cancer, it is strongly advised to explicitly request this if it is not offered automatically.

- Colonoscopy Sedation vs. Watching: Many hospitals use "light" or "waking" sedation, often with Midazolam and an opioid, which results in no memory of the procedure. In the UK, some patients are allowed to remain awake and watch the video feed. If you wish to watch, inform the endoscopy team in advance. Options may include no sedation, minimal sedation, or nitrous oxide.

- Bowel Prep/Diet: One member's recent protocol included three days of a low-residue diet followed by one day of clear liquids before the scope. While custard-cream biscuits are technically low residue, always follow the latest written instructions from the endoscopy unit to avoid cancellation.

- General Support: Many members send their best wishes for the polyp removal and upcoming colonoscopy and request updates on the biopsy results.