Hey you! I normally wouldn't write about something so personal and on the world wide web, and not really sure if anybody will read this. But after joining the "Colonoscopy Club", I feel the need to get the word out about this very vital exam.
The test is a no-brainer; a piece of cake; as easy as pie, and any other over-used cliche you may think of. Had my first colonoscopy yesterday at age 53 and it was a very good experience! The prep was yucky and messy, but you live through it. A bit of advice to those who think they may not be able to drink all eight 8-ounce glasses of the lovely liquid, one glass after another (10-15 minutes apart). My appointment for the exam was at 1:00pm, so I was instructed to drink four 8-ounce glasses from 6:00-7:00pm the night before, and the remaining four glasses at 8:00am the next morning (day of exam), finishing the drinking at 9:00am. This made drinking that much, that fast, a lot easier for me. When you’re prepping, it’s a MUST that you stay close to the bathroom! Enough said on that... Oh, yeah, you can't eat the entire day before and obviously before the exam. I survived very nicely on jello (no red dye 40!) and chicken broth.
The test itself was a truly a NO BRAINER. Arrived at the “colonscopy factory” at 12:30pm, filled out the paperwork, and changed into the hospital gown. This place had me put on two gowns, one frontwards, one backwards; all body parts were well-covered! Was put in a comfortable hospital bed and given a warm blankie. An IV was started, and after about 20-30 minutes, I was wheeled into the procedure room. I was asked to turn on my left side, and a very nice nurse introduced herself to me and said she was going to start the sedation medication (it goes in your IV). She said, “This works fast, so you may feel a little dizzy at first”. I felt slightly dizzy for about five seconds, then fell fast asleep. I did wake up for about 10 seconds, and was able to get a glimpse of my colon, in living color, right there on the monitor which was about 12 inches from my face. I then fell right back to sleep. Next thing was the nurse gently shaking my shoulder, telling me it was a done deal. My doc was standing by to tell me the great news: a clean bill of health (and a clean colon!) Was wheeled back to the recovery area, given a choice of water or apple juice, relaxed for about 45 minutes, then was given the okay to head home.
BOTTOM LINE: The doctor you choose is extremely important. My doctor was fabulous and if anybody in the San Francisco Bay Area is looking for a referral, I can give you a great one. The facility was fabulous; the staff and the nurses are ALL professional, courteous, respectful, and friendly.
PLEASE get this test done if you are over 50 and avoiding it! It just might be a life saver. There’s nothing to fear about this exam!
