- Share This Post
- submit
- 4
-
Sparkle (0)
The idea of getting a colonoscopy scares a lot of people. I've talked to many whose reaction is: there is no way anyone is sticking a tube up my butt! But, in September '07, I had a colonoscopy by choice.
Although the general recommendation is that people start getting colonoscopies at the age of 50, I was told to start ten years earlier due to a family history of this disease. Some people should start getting screened as young as 30, depending on their risk factors.
I would have preferred to wait until 50, believe me, but knowing that colorectal cancer strikes an equal amount of women as it does men and is also one of the most easily prevented cancers if detected early -- well, that made me get my ass in gear, so to speak.
Back in '07, I decided to write about it so that some people could learn what a real procedure was like. And, in honor of March being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (NCRCAM for "short"), I will republish my thoughts from that September for those of you who are still thinking, There is no way . . .
Day One: The Prep
I've had a few disgusting things happen to me in my life, but nothing could quite prepare me for tonight. I'm preparing for my first-ever colonoscopy and thought that the worst part of it would be the procedure in the morning. But, after fasting all day long and then drinking 80 ounces of somewhat thick, salty-sweet liquid, I've changed my mind. I am dreaming of food and, inexplicably, unable to watch anything on TV but Top Chef and The Food Network. I almost licked the television screen when they made a muffaletta, despite the fact that I rarely eat any meat. I'm dreaming of food even during the "cleansing," which is pretty remarkable. Oh, the cleansing. If you've ever been told you are full of shit, well, you are. You are full of more shit than you think is possible.I am astounded by this and hungry. And probably 10 pounds lighter. Wait, let me go check that one . . . nope, dammit, exactly the same weight. How is that possible???
The good news is that despite all the rumbling in my belly and the running to the bathroom, there is no pain, no stomach cramps. This isn't like have a stomach bug that keeps you tied to the toilet, sweating and praying for relief. It's relatively easy, but a little messy. Next time I'm wearing ear plugs so I don't have to listen.
OK, all appears to be quiet in the belly region. I'm off to bed to dream about muffaletta and bagels and goat cheese and French fries and ice cream.
Day Two: The Procedure
After complaining about last night, I feel kind of silly posting tonight. I think I get it now . . . prepping for a colonoscopy: kind of yucky. Having the actual colonoscopy: as easy as taking a nap.
Seriously, once the sedatives were put into my body, I disappeared into la-la land, waking only to think, "Oh, this must be the beginning," but hearing the doctor say, "All done!"
I had planned to chat throughout the entire procedure, a la Katie Couric. Instead, I probably snored.
Once I had regained consciousness, I was relieved to hear that all looked good -- one polyp was removed and will be biopsied, but this is apparently pretty common. I was on my feet and scarfing down an egg-and-cheese bagel sandwich before my husband's car drove us out of the parking lot.
One benefit of the fasting? It allowed me to see what a flat stomach looks like. Either that, or I hallucinated due to lack of food.
I am a bit worried that the first half of the post may have convinced some people never to have a colonoscopy, so I will attempt to convince those of you who feel this way.
First, fasting isn't THAT bad. You can eat popsicles, Jell-o and drink soda! You can feel virtuous, like: "My body is my temple, and I will not eat for a whole day!" Plus, after I got through the night, I was no longer hungry in the morning (that is, until the bagel sandwich appeared in front of me).
Second, here is a tip for drinking down glass after
