I was supposed to have this upon turning 50, but I’ve pushed it almost to 51.
It’s my consultation day for my colonoscopy that will happen next week.
I’m not so scared of the procedure itself, but I have heard the prep is horrid, as to be expected.
I may find myself with a stack of quilt books, magazines and some hexagons in the bathroom on that given clean-out day!
I hope you pardon my frankness on a not-so-pleasant subject, but it is IMPORTANT to have this done.
Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2008, 52,857 people in the United States died of colorectal cancer (26,933 men and 25,924 women).1*And just so you can laugh along with me, here is good ole Jeff Foxworthy talking about his colonoscopy experience!
Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. In 2008, 142,950 people in the United States were diagnosed with it (73,183 men and 69,767 women), making colorectal cancer the third most common cancer in men and in women.1
The sound wasn’t that great, and I had to turn it up – but – HYSTERICAL!
Oh yes, I do believe in keeping it real here in Quiltville!
I’m treating myself to that trip to IKEA after my appointment – I’ve got to find some new book shelves that won’t bend under the weight of my books – and I need a new computer/sewing chair. The original plan was to have DS Jason join me, but whether he can or can’t is still undecided and I’ll go anyway if he can’t ---
I do plan to be home tonight for Quilt-Cam! 9pm Eastern!
69 comments:
The preps used today are not nearly as bad as they were in the past.. Once that phase is over there is nothing to it.. I just think of it as a day of real good rest!
ritad is right--the whole experience has been blown out of proportion. Nothing to it really.
I'm with ritad and Beth. I had my first colonoscopy this year, WITHOUT any anesthesia (at my request). It was a piece of cake! I think it's sort of like obstetrical stories -- people like to one-up one another. If one storyteller was in labor for 24 hours, the one sitting next to her was in hard labor for 36 hours.
Besides, what's the alternative? My doc found two small polyps which he excised right then and there, and I don't have to go back for seven years! What, you'd rather develop colon cancer than spend a day near the toilet, and have this rather innocuous procedure.
Good for you for doing this, Bonnie, and for blogging about it! You are so much admired, that you might encourage a few of your readers to get this done. Just think! You may have saved a life or two!
For me the very worst part was the STARVING for two days. The rest was a breeze.
Oh and I used the pill option instead of the stuff you drink for the "clean out".
Yes the prep is horrible, but the test is so necessary!
for sure the prep is the worst, best not to eat very much for a day or two prior to THAT; i got thru mine with no drugs (i wanted to sew afterward....LOL) so i was a happy camper, plus the fact it was spanking clean....good to go for 10 years...
Don't listen to horror stories. It's so easy. Just relax.
I have to go once every year and have had to for the last 17 years. The day before is not a big deal the trips to the bathroom don't really last that long. The proceedure itself is a piece of cake and when I wake up I always feel like I can tackle the world. Best rest ever...LOL!
Okay, I'm totally changing the subject to your new quilting chair. Have you tried the saddle stool? I'm renting time on a longarm and I use the saddle stool. It's absolutely phenomenal. I'm thinking of getting one for my home quilting machine. Just a thought!
Lurking Linda
I will never be able to go through another colonoscopy without thinking of Jeff Foxworthy. That clip is hysterical!!! I do most definitely agree that the prep is by far the worst part. The rest of the test is a piece of cake. I've been through a couple of them now and so far been "clean as a whistle". lol Thanks for being so frank about this. It is very important to do.
My only advice is to drink as much of the allowed liquids for as long as you can so that you are not dehydrated in the morning. If you are dehydrated you will have a headache and they will have a difficult time finding a vein. Yes I am speaking from experience. Lots and lots of approved liquids! Aside from that it is not a bad procedure.
On the matter of a sewing chair... And knowing your history with your hip. Have you considered or tried a Gaiam Balance Ball Chair?
I am thinking of getting one as I hear they are very good for posture and they reportedly reduce lower back pain.
Possibly something to consider...
The only polyp they found in me during my first routine colonoscopy had contained (incapsuled) cancer. I was cured...no radiation, no chemo needed. But, last week, a dear sweet friend passed on to Heaven due to bowel cancer found after it had broken through and started on her liver. We were the same age, but my cancer was found 3 years before hers...I was 47yo. My daddy died of bowel cancer and my dh felt I should go early and bargained with me to get me there early...best bargain I ever made for sure! One snip, painless even...saved my life.
Lucy (in IN)
I have a theory. For men a colonoscopy IS a big scary deal. For women who have given birth....ech nothin to it. I truly believe that men handle medical procedures differently than women. As for the IKEA trip..........buy something pretty. Have a great day!
My husband had colon cancer at the age of 43 and had 18 inches of his colon removed during the process. He gets checked every year now. His advice get the prescription for SUR-PREP, it is two little glasses of stuff to drink instead of the horrid gallon. Make it as cold as possible and it is no biggie. For him telling him he has to eat soft foods for 24 hours, then liquid diet for 24 hours, is the same as not letting him have steak for an entire year. So we go and get him some prime rib the evening of his procedure, because he feels he has been deprived the past 48 hours.
I´m a RN-nurse and I´ve assist with colonoscopies and believe me when I say this is not horrible, many people go through this easily without anesthetic and the preparation may not be so bad. My advice to you is to drink alot of clear drinks with calories in it.
Good luck and I say as Dorothy: "Good for you for doing this, Bonnie, and for blogging about it! You are so much admired, that you might encourage a few of your readers to get this done. Just think! You may have saved a life or two!"
Too funny!!!! I put my colonoscopy off for 18 months at which point my care provider said she would not see me again till I had the procedure. It will be 1 year tomorrow. Amazing the things we will never forget. One minute they were putting me out and the next minute they were shaking me to wake up. I swore the procedure never happened. DH said, please let her sleep. She never sleeps". I can say I did not experience the last step that Jeff did. Maybe he just wanted to make things more interesting. Two things: scented candles (aroma therapy) and relaxing music when you do the prep. The procedure is nothing. It's the prep!
Bonnie, the whole experience is not that bad. My prep was to take pills, not drink anything. So much easier. This may be TMI - but buy some adult wipes. You'll be more comfy if you do.
With a family history of colon cancer, I take my 5 year colonoscopy very seriously. I hate the anticipation and preparation, but know that there are much worse things. I know that my aunt dreaded it so much that she made the decision to die rather than be tested. We have better options now and I know the impact of her loss so I will spend the 2 days before in utter misery so that I may have 5 or 10 extra years to share with the people that love me and that I love. Jeff Foxworthy is funny, but the subject is serious and I love life too much to laugh at this particular subject.
Have you ever had food poisoning where you spend all your time going? It's like that, you just can't believe all of that is stored in your colon!
Get wipes, and some petroleum jelly to protect your poor sensitive bottom. I've have it done a few times, yes the prep is bad but short lived and the test I remember as the best sleep I had in months.
Good girl, put on your big girl panties and get it done!
Try to stay calm and relaxed as you can during the procedure and you will be out of there in no time at all.
Happy Sewing
I agree, if they could make the prep easier the whole thing would be nothing at all. And I might be able to get my hubby to go :/ He watched me struggle for 6 hours before it started working, and now he's gun shy. I have digestive issues though, he doesn't.
I must say,even with my trouble with the prep, I wish I could feel as good as I did "all cleaned out" more often. Get out your skinny jeans! It's a great feeling LOL
BTDT! The worst part is the day BEFORE the test. The test itself is a breeze.... you'll be fast asleep. When you wake up.....you can eat!!!
Good for you,Bonnie for doing this and even better for blogging about it. As Kim said get yourself some adult wipes and petroleum jelly for your bottom so you won't get sore. Prep is not pleasant but bareable which ever type your doctor prefers. Good luck and enjoy your trip to Ikea!
Thanks for talking about this subject Bonnie. A colonoscopy saved my life. I was found with several pre-canerous polyps the first time. More polyps the second time but not pre-cancer. I now go every two years and have had clean check-ups for the last three. I can now go every 4 years. My gastro doc says he is going to make sure that when it is my time it won't be from colorectal cancer! He makes a great cocktail that knocks me out...best sleep of my life...and it is all over very quickly. Prep was not pleasant, but bearable. Petroleum jelly is a good idea!
I stalled for 5 yrs. before having my first--all my friends 'shamed' me and told me only every 5 yrs. But I had one lousy polyp and had to go back in one year. After that one, nothing so go back in 3. No clue how Dorothy got away with 7 yrs. after them finding 2 polyps. But my prep was a couple of Dulcolax, then a couple more later and then the mag citrate. Yuck! But the rest is a breeze! Good luck, Bonnie!!
The prep isn't as bad as it used to be. Instead of a swimming pool full of Go-lightly you just have to drink a moderate amount of something that's not nearly so bad. And the pre-op meds are FAB! Fentanyl and Versed and I didn't remember a thing about the whole procedure. Dreamy.
For the brave at heart, google the skit/stand up routine by Billy Connolly (NOT safe for work!!!). He uses bad language but he has the cutest accent and the colonoscopy routine he does is even funnier than Jeff Foxworthy's imnsho. Hang in there, Bonnie, and thanks for bringing up the subject as it's an important one!!!
re the IKEA. bookcases ...presuming they are named the same there as here ...the Billy bookcases are very strong there are doors available for them as options.
Bonnie, you'll be fine. It's not as bad as people make it out to be. The hunger was the worst part. I was awake the whole time during the procedure.
Bonnie, you'll be fine. It's not as bad as people make it out to be. The hunger was the worst part. I was awake the whole time during the procedure.
My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer about 10 years ago ... didn't have a CLUE that anything was wrong. She was lucky because it was encapsulated and after they removed the tumor she didn't have to go through chemo or radiation. Everyone in the family had a colonoscopy after that to serve as a baseline and we all passed ... she's gotten a clean bill of health since then so we are blessed. The video was hysterical because while he exaggerates somewhat it's funny to hear his humor on this very serious subject. Just do it ... you will rest easier knowing everything is fine ;-) Linda
Bonnie, I'm dreading the same thing next year but love your willingness to talk about it! As for the bookcase...check out the Expedite series. They are the cube ones and they hold something like 27 pounds per cube. I love mine!
Bonnie... thanks for bringing this topic up. It is NEVER talked about as much as it should be to make people aware. On a side note, that video was great! I needed a laugh like that today! Happy shopping!
Bonnie, the procedure itself has been fine, it's the prep for me that is somewhat difficult. It makes me shaky, a bit weak and nauseated . I've had two colonoscopies. This year I drank and drank a ton of 7 -Up (clear liquids) during the prep and it really helped. You want to avoid getting dehydrated.
Like TLC my procedure was so easy. One minute I was listening to the people around me. Then what seemed like the next minute they were waking me up. Didn't feel a thing during or after. I would recommend eating good yogurt to replace what you wash out to help things work well again...just sayin'!
If you want a super sturdy bookcase check out Ikea's Expedit one's. I got the 16 cubby one and got baskets for 8 to put fabric in and 8 are for books. I got the brown/black one. There are different sizes/colors. Can even get a desk to attach. See website.
READ all the labels for your "diet" the day before-red dye hides in some of the most unusual places-like lemon jello!! That is one of the most important things to avoid before the procedure.
My first prep nearly killed me...they almost did not do the procedure. The second time was an easier prep. Miralax...and eating liquid foods for a few prior days...that one was easy peasy.
And yes...you will not remember. This is what took my mother so I get checked often.
XOXOXO Subee
good luck with that colonoscopy stuff~ it's just no fun!
let us know what shelves you do choose. my shelves all bend in the middle too from the weight of all those books! i guess that's why mary johnson of http://blog.maryquilts.com/ puts all her books on the bottom (strongest shelves all the way around~ like, if she has 4, 5, or 6 book cases/shelf units, the books are on every single bottom shelf) and then other lighter-weight items above. there's a method to her madness! now, i don't know this for a fact; just guessing. but, it makes sense!
have FUN at IKEA!!! and good luck with all that "other stuff"...
Don't know about the colonoscopy...haven't had one!
BUT the Expedite 25 cubicle bookcase is totally awesome!
Worth every penny. I have books and stash and project boxes on it
I put it together in about 1.5 hrs and hubby helped put it up. He realized that the shelves would hit right where the plug ins were so he put it up on 2" x 2" blocking and the plug ins are useable.
(Smart man!) Then it was attached to the wall.
More work to put up than to put together! And I love It!
I will say this, you need to "stay close to home" for the prepping. But, um, in the end, it's worth it!
Shelves, DH made mine. Screwed two 2x4's together for the shelves. Stained them and haven't had a problem. I have over 1,000 quilt books in 8 homemade shelves! Never have had a shelve to bow, bend or crack. Of course, those shelves have haven't been moved in over 20 years either!
It's good to have things to look forward to........
The scope itself is a piece of cake: great drugs, warm blankets, what's not to like? Some hints for making the prep easier: clear liquids that are only juices are not as easy on your system as adding in bullion (I had the sugar crash the following morning), start using Vaseline immediately (you can guess where) to avoid irritation and burning as the evening progresses (I can't emphasize this enough), and find a great book, sit in the bathroom, preferably on the loo, and read. Do not venture farther away than that.
Too graphic? I apologize, but hope you'll thank me later.
the DREAD is the worse part. i worried about starvation! my dr. advised to start the liquid diet, the earlier the better. i think that was the key. i had no problems (no cramps or the other horror story things) loved the drugs and all the make up eating.
I have to have one every two years and this year I was alone for the first time. I started a low fiber diet three days early, and a fluid only diet a day early just to make things easier and I believe it worked. Surprisingly, oatmeal is a good low fiber option, while it is fiber, it is a good kind of fiber - for me it is just the prep I dislike - the proceedure is a snap and the recovery is a breeze. I find that easing into normal eating habits works better than diving right in.
I had a colonoscopy seven years ago and it's not so bad. While under, my doctor also performed an upper GI because I could never get barium down while awake. Good Luck!
Before investing in an expensive sewing/quilting chair, I thought that I should let you know that I recently bought a (like new) Steelcase Criterion chair that does everything that the Bernina chair does and has removable adjustable arms at Office Furniture Resources for a mere $15. It normally retails between $600 and $900 depending on the upholstery. You may want to check to see if there is one located near you. Here's the website ---> http://ofr-inc.com/ You can see details about the chair here ---> http://www.steelcase.com/en/products/category/seating/task/criterion/pages/overview.aspx
Happy Holidays!
I love Jeff Foxworthy, he is just too funny! Too many people won't talk about procedures like colonoscopies, but they are necessary. My mom has had a couple done, and they found some polyps and removed them right then and there. The dread of the prep is the worst part, everybody tolerates it in different ways. But, once it's over, it's over. You won't remember any of it. Awaiting clue number 4, Marianne.
Great video! :) I like keeping it real too!
Judy
Been there, done that. I have to say there is something very satisfying about getting that clean bill of health! I remember when my mother's generation would not say the word 'colon'... but it could save your life to have this test. I lost a cousin to colon cancer just over a year ago. She was only 40. No whining, just DO IT!
Great video. Been there did that about 10 years ago.Also for your info they tell you, you cannot drive yourself after because of the anestetic.
My son sent me that video when I had my colonoscopy. I thought it was hilarious. Anyway, due to colon cancer running in my family ( mother and uncle), everyone of us (7 brothers and 2 sisters) went for a colonoscopy and we're all clear for now. The prep was nothing, my friend told me to chill the stuff to make it easier to swallow. Tastes like Tang! I had a glass of ice water on the side too. For as much colon blow that I drank, I drank that much water. I didn't have any discomfort and I'm not dreading the next one either.
Isn't it fun to turn 50 - I have the letters for the mammogram and here in Australia, rather than a colonoscopy you have to provide samples for a bowel scan. I have had a colonoscopy and agree with all the comments, particularly the vaseline! Once the prep really kicks in, you will not want to venture far from the bathroom, so make sure you have a good book. Good luck, all these tests are so important it is great that you are sharing and reminding us about them
Janet in sunny Brisbane, Australia.
As someone who has had several of these I have a "plan"...first I eat lightly for at least three days prior. Lots of fruit, veggies and liquids. I don't chill the prep liquid since I tend to get cold during the entire thing but I do keep a glass with some cold water and a bit of lemon handy for between sips. Also I pace myself using commercials. I drink one glassful during a commercial break then rest during the show....(also, I bring my own "treats" for the recovery room...)
I've had 2 of these. The first one was with a saline based prep and was horrible. I don't think they are using that method anymore. I met the doctor in the procedure room, no pre-appointment. I slept for the next 8 hours or so, woke up and threw up for a couple of hours and slept all night and was fine the next day. They gave me way too much "sleepy" medicine for my body type.
The second prep was something else that I don't recall but it was easier except for drinking the chilled liquid made me cold, and it tasted awful. I wanted to throw it up it was so awful! I had my husband put a QUILT IN THE DRYER to warm me up. We had two quilts that we alternated between so one was getting warm while I was using the other one. Once I got to the hospital the next day I got an air heated blanket and was toasty warm. Loved that. This time I insisted upon less "sleepy" meds and only slept a couple of hours after I got home.
Everyone responds to the prep different. Some people don't mind the taste and some do. And recovery is different for everyone. Some friends go to lunch afterwards and I don't want food for hours after.
Will pray all goes smooth for you and you have good results. I'm glad you write about such subjects, and mamograms,...it may encourage someone to get this done and save their life!
Good on you for blogging this topic. My brother died the day before his 42nd birthday from cancer that began in the colon and sadly was not caught until it was far too late, so now the family all have regular colonoscopies to keep an eye on things. Thankfully it is a preventative measure that is a slightly inconvenient prep ( btw, prep seems to vary depending on who does it for you, but what I had to drink was disgusting! I chilled it, held my nose, and sucked through a straw as fast as I possibly could!)but in the end, its a very easy procedure. Show up prepped, have a nap, eat some food and then laugh at your lack of coordination for the next half day to day after. No drama. Just have a nice pile of fun quilting magazines, a novel, or iphone for entertainment during those bathroom visits -and don't plan on being too far from the bathroom during prep. There are far worse things in life than a little inconvenience that can save your life.
Don't sit on your new white chair as you prepare for your test! LOL
HYSTERICAL! You are correct. If anyone can make a colonoscopy funny leave it to Foxworthy. I turned 50 a few months ago and know this is just around the corner. Dreading the test but not having it done is way to dangerous.
OMG Bonnie, my husband and I both have tears in our eyes watching this. He's doing his prep today for his colonoscopy tomorrow!!!!! How hysterical.
I have to get that done too, and get hung up on the 'embarrassing' position.. yet, after giving birth to four children and some guy seeing it all each time... why should I be embarrassed?
Oh, thank you for that Jeff Foxworthy clip - I had a stressful day, and after a 7 hour drive on a crowded interstate, I needed a laugh. So appropriate too, 'cause guess where my brother was today!
OK, I guess I need to schedule mine. Bonnie, you stretched yours for almost a year...I stretched mine for 8...guess I gotta do it!
Bonnie, My sweet sister and also another best friend died of colon cancer, so consequently I preach this test to whomever I can get to listen. Forgive me for being frank or brutal, but it NOT an easy way to go and it spreads quickly. So far I am fine, hate the prep, but love the feeling afterwards that "hey - everything is fine!"
Sharon7:43 AM EST
I've had numerous colonoscopies since early 90's when I was dx. w/ulcerative colitis. If you have no symptoms, you have nothing to fear. I'll offer some tips. Do not let Dr. give you the gallon stuff to drink. Tell him/her you want the two bottles of magnesium...something or other. Mix it as directed w/water over ice and sip from a closed cup (the smell triggers my gag reflex)with a wide straw. A nurse friend helped me out with these tips. I also start clear liquids a day before they tell you to. I have belly probs. so maybe you don't have to do that. After the test which is nothing b/c you are asleep, plan to eat a great meal. Try to schedule the test first thing in the a.m. so you don't have to wait around (I get to fuming the more time I have to wait). I really get cranky before the test and very happy afterward. Ask them to tell whoever drives you the debriefing b/c you may not remember it. LOL Sure wish you luck. Once it's done if there are no concerns, then you don't have to do it again for 5 yrs. HIH. I'll be thinking of you.
I've had this done twice now and so glad because the first time ... well, they found something that was removed. The first time for the prep, I had broth and jello and water to drink but was very weak when I arrived at the hospital for the test. The nurse told me to drink Gatorade if I ever have to have this test done again. The second time, Gatorade was included in my prep and what a difference it made. Of course the yucky stuff was still yucky. Sorry, can't help you there except drink a lot of water after drinking it.
Best of luck for your test and you will be glad to have it done!
Yep, been there, done that. The worst part for me... being rolled into theatre & one of my DD's friend's mother's was the Head Theatre nurse. You'll be fine!!
I'll be 51 next month and have never had a colonoscopy. You pushed me into making my appointment today.
It's no big deal ~ I've had 2, 10 years apart. Read previous posts and I wish I just had a pill to take, but my doc uses the liquid for clean out. It's a lot to drink but not really a problem. I ate lemon jello and chicken broth the day before as instructed and wasn't really hungry. Bonnie, you'll do just fine!
I had my last year and I was 55. I kept putting mine off. The husband still hasn't had one. It's a pain to get him to the doctor.
LOL I did a lot of reading the day of clean out.
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