I've been delaying my colonoscopy for a couple of years now. The last one I had was 7 years ago. Normally, you only have to do this every 10 years, but the doctor recommended 5 after my last one. It was probably because my grandfather died of colon cancer. My mother insists it was only because of the zazen (meditation) exercises he had to do as a Zen priest and the terrible conditions in the Siberian prison camp where he spent two years.
Whatever the case, Kathy, my nurse practitioner said she wasn't letting me delay any longer. I have to get the procedure done tomorrow morning at 8:30.
I didn't enjoy my last colonoscopy. I remember having to drink a rather foul tasting liquid that I mixed into some 7-Up. It made me avoid 7-Up after that.
It seems the prep has changed. I had to take 4 Dulcolax pills this afternoon.
This morning, I had to put water into this gallon jug (there's powder in it) along with an artificial flavoring that is supposed to improve the Golytely solution. I couldn't decide which would be best so I mixed a bit of each package and tried them first. There wasn't a whole lot of difference, but I decided to use the citrus berry.
I then had to mix in half a bottle of the baby simethicone drops.
This was my breakfast and lunch. Peeled apples, green and yellow jello and calamansi juice.
After 1:00 PM it's pretty much clear liquids although for some reason I can have Coke or Pepsi and any soda. I can also have my vanilla Popsicles. Yahoo!
At 5:00 this afternoon I have to drink 2/3 of the gallon of Golytely and at 4:30 tomorrow morning I drink the last third.
I already know the procedure itself is not a big deal at all. It's the prep that's not exciting.
What I'm looking forward to is tomorrow after the colonoscopy. I intend to eat whatever I want. Hmmm... let's see... What shall I have?
And I'm giving all the left over jello to mom. She loves jello!
POSTSCRIPT: It's over! It really was a breeze. I was the first patient of the morning and the very cheerful doctor gave me a clean bill of health and said I'm good for TEN years. Woohoo! He also gave me a picture of my colon. I was so proud of how clean it looked that I almost posted it, but Art said that it might be TMI (too much information) :-)
Whatever the case, Kathy, my nurse practitioner said she wasn't letting me delay any longer. I have to get the procedure done tomorrow morning at 8:30.
I didn't enjoy my last colonoscopy. I remember having to drink a rather foul tasting liquid that I mixed into some 7-Up. It made me avoid 7-Up after that.
This morning, I had to put water into this gallon jug (there's powder in it) along with an artificial flavoring that is supposed to improve the Golytely solution. I couldn't decide which would be best so I mixed a bit of each package and tried them first. There wasn't a whole lot of difference, but I decided to use the citrus berry.
I then had to mix in half a bottle of the baby simethicone drops.
This was my breakfast and lunch. Peeled apples, green and yellow jello and calamansi juice.
After 1:00 PM it's pretty much clear liquids although for some reason I can have Coke or Pepsi and any soda. I can also have my vanilla Popsicles. Yahoo!
At 5:00 this afternoon I have to drink 2/3 of the gallon of Golytely and at 4:30 tomorrow morning I drink the last third.
I already know the procedure itself is not a big deal at all. It's the prep that's not exciting.
What I'm looking forward to is tomorrow after the colonoscopy. I intend to eat whatever I want. Hmmm... let's see... What shall I have?
And I'm giving all the left over jello to mom. She loves jello!
POSTSCRIPT: It's over! It really was a breeze. I was the first patient of the morning and the very cheerful doctor gave me a clean bill of health and said I'm good for TEN years. Woohoo! He also gave me a picture of my colon. I was so proud of how clean it looked that I almost posted it, but Art said that it might be TMI (too much information) :-)
I had my first colonoscopy two years ago. Like you said, the preparation is the worst part of it. Hope your results are negative!
ReplyDeleteBeen there; done that; managed to survive it. Not looking forward to having another one in a couple years ('cause they found and removed a polyp -- benign).
ReplyDeleteI will do everything possible to not do this again. The prep the day before was horrible. I had to sit in the bathroom the whole day. The procedure itself? Piece of cake.
ReplyDeleteoops...I lost my reply...too lengthy anyway. I also take colonoscopy every 5 years because my dad had colon cancer at age 70 and all his 4 brothers died of either stomach or colon cancer. But last year, the specialist said age 70 is not of higher risk, so now I can take it every 10 years. I think the best way to take the medicine is "gyuto"...husband told me don't inhale when I drink and just gulp it down. Last time Kaiser gave only lemon flavor with their solution...before they would give all flavors. Sure seems like they are trying to keep their expenses down, or maybe lemon is the most liked flavor? BTW, I think ducolax is a good idea, wouldn't hurt to take that.
ReplyDeleteL. from W.
Good for you, Kay. It is not fun, but it is important to do it. My mother died from colon cancer at 51, so I have a colonoscopy every 5 years. I'm due this year......not looking forward to it but I will do it.
ReplyDeleteI hope it all goes well and that you have something really good when it is done.
I don't know anyone that enjoys a colonoscopy. I suspect most of us delay that procedure as long as possible. A friend was diagnosed this week with stage 3 colon cancer. News like that keeps me repeating that nasty procedure.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all of that. The prep is really no fun at all. You best stick to the schedule on having those colonoscopies done.
ReplyDeleteI just had one in September. Tried to talk the doc out of it because I'd just had one a year before, but he said I had to have it done. A polyp was removed, so I guess it was good I had it done.
I don't want to be corny, but can't resist, I'm sure everything will come out ok.
Good luck with the prep...I had a hard time drinking all that stuff last time...
ReplyDeleteYour prep sounds complicated, much different than my last colonoscopy. I've had two so far, and HATED the prep.
ReplyDeleteThe prep's the worst part. Have fun! (only kidding)
ReplyDeleteCrossing my fingers and toes for you.
ReplyDeleteI've had so many colonoscopies I've lost count, and the prep seems to change with every one.
It seems I'm not a very good breather, so they go very lightly on the sedative and I'm fully awake throughout the procedure, and feeling every move made by the steel eel.
I didn't name it that. The first group chosen to be American astronauts — the strongest, healthiest specimens in the USA — were given colonoscopies as part of their rigorous pre-training checkups. I don't think they were given any sedative.
Anyway, they all hated what they called "the steel eel"! I read about it in Senator John Glenn's book, and laughed. If old ladies like my mother (and me) could get through it, the best of the best certainly could, too. LOL
I agree with the others, I hate the prep!
K
I mixed the liquid they gave me with lime juice - never drunk the stuff since. Best of luck with today; the colonoscopy will be a doodle once you get there, especially if the sedative works well.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for getting it done, Kay.
ReplyDeleteHere they suggest to drink the smelly liquid with a straw, to get some distance.
Even with a sedative, I found the procedure extremely painful. Good luck with it, Kay.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love preparing for a colonoscopy!? I have to have one every five years, too. Great fun, but a valuable ordeal. I find the preparation gets easier each time. Good luck.
ReplyDeletenot fun but necessary, kind of like mammogram-important to do but great to have them over and done with...happy feasting afterwards...lol!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the prep and the procedure.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's the prep that is so awful. But I remember how skinny I felt when I went in for the procedure, nothing inside of me at all. And of course missing a meal or two. I'm glad you're having it done, but I'm also glad it's you and not me. I'm not yet ready for my ten-year event.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awful and so much more involved than any prep I've had.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of fluid.
Enjoy the weight loss and sending positive vibes for an uneventful scan.
You are very brave, but also very wise to do this. I hope that every thing is okay! So your grandfather was also in a camp.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. My own birthday is in the beginning of December. Have a great week!
Wil,ABC Wednesday team.
Good girl Kay! The Golytely is salty, and that's why people want to add flavor. It tastes better cold also. No red or orange dye in the flavorings or jello, though. The better the clean-out (that IS 20-some feet of innards to clear out in order to see the internal walls of the large intestine,) the docs get a better view and photos with a better prep. I was very sedated and napped with mine, and didn't feel anything. Ask for better sedation! DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteYes, the prep is awful! Would be nice if it came with a luxury hotel room complete with an assistant to wait on you (me) hand and foot while doing the prep... wishful thinking?!
ReplyDeleteBeing silly made me forget my real comment.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the prep and the procedure, Kay.
Colonoscopy? I still refuse to get a mammogram. Ugh. I need to bite the bullet and just get it done . . .
ReplyDeleteKay, good luck with your procedure! I have heard the prep is the worst part.
ReplyDeleteDrum Major: I had great sedation and was knocked out for the whole thing! Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteGreat news Kay! But I'm surprised you're now at 10 years too. Maybe after repeated "no polyps" at a younger age your chance of developing one becomes average risk. But it is always a good feeling to have a clean bill of health from a test.
ReplyDeleteL. from W.
Oh gosh....I've never had one....
ReplyDeleteThe prep scares me too....
I'm glad your is over and you are healthy.... 10 years/yes!
Congrats on the clean bill of health, Kay! I bet you are relieved.
ReplyDeleteOh Kay, I'm glad it went well. The process is the worst part of the whole thing for sure. I don't have to do it again for several years, thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteso glad it's over for you Kay, I had one last year, it also went well. The worst part was the jello and broth diet! I got so hungry.
ReplyDeleteSO glad, KAY. That's great
ReplyDeleteWarm Aloha from Waikiki
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I think you should post your pretty innards pic. It would be educational for those who haven't had one done. Gosh, you could start a colonoscopy club -- 32 responses rooting for your check-up! Go eat some kalua pig! Congrats. DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteDrum Major: LOL!!! Art said I might gross people out even though I was proud of the photos. It shows what a good prep job I did. Yae!
ReplyDeleteActually, I had saimin because I thought I should eat a more bland diet to start off with. Then I couldn't finish it so Art happily took over.
My former co-worker actually brought his pix in to work to share w/everyone! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThat's great Kay, not a pleasant process but so very important to us all. You're an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteTen years! Good onya, Kay!
ReplyDeleteDid you have any good dream while under sedation?
I just scheduled my first one for April...definitely not looking forward to the prep. However, here's an extremely funny article about it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.miamiherald.com/2009/02/11/427603/dave-barry-a-journey-into-my-colon.html
Ben T: Thank you for the Dave Barry article. I was laughing hysterically.
ReplyDelete