OT ~~ Colonoscopy UPDATE

MsGebby
MsGebby Member Posts: 659
in Breast Cancer #1
Just found out there is a history with colon polyps in my family. (brother) I am so amazed that family members won't share this sort of information until they are pressed for it.

I begged my brother to come by for warmth, a good meal and a hot shower. His power has been out for 9 days due to Hurricane Sandy. While we were talking, I gently asked about his visit to the hospital during the summer. I asked if he had a colonoscopy and he said yes. I had to probe (pun intended) further and found out 2 polyps were found. Not cancer but he will go back every 5 years.

I stressed to him that this information really is something the rest of the family should know (I have 8 siblings!)

So now ... here comes my exam and I can tell my doctor there is history in my family. He did ask me during the office visit and I couldn't give him an answer.

WOW '

Starting my limited food intake today into tomorrow. Sunday .. O M G ... not looking forward to prep day.

Wish me luck!

Mary

Comments

  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #2
    I'm so glad you're doing this, Mary
    I had my first colonoscopy last October (at age 58!) I know--bad girl. I just kept putting it off and stressing over it all. Finally, I just said--this is ridiculous, girl. You have been through cancer surgeries, chemo, rads, etc--you can do this you crazy chick! And you know what, Mary--I couldn't believe how easy it was for me (the actual procedure in which I was asleep). Luckily, no polyps seen.

    The prep, of course, was not fun. I had 2 large containers of the stuff to drink. At first, it didn't taste so bad but after a while--yuk!. My girlfriend who is in the medical field told me not to drink it all--she said they give the same amount of stuff to a 250 lb. man! So, I drank one and about a quarter of the other--until I was running clear for a while.

    One piece of advice--when you start taking the prep med-- stay very, very close to the bathroom (like a step or 2 away--no more). Not to be gross, but I made the mistake of thinking I could watch TV in the family room and casually walk to the bathroom when I felt the urge. Ah--no. When that stuff starts coming out--well, let's just say--haven't done that since I was a baby! It was kind of funny.

    Anyway, you're going to do great--and you're going on my prayer list tonight to make sure.

    Hugs, Renee
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #3
    The Day Before is the Worst
    I'm sure you have heard that the prep is the worst before and will hear it again. Actually, the prep and "cleaning out" wasn't as bad for me as the NOT EATING! However, I survived. The actual procedure for me wasn't bad as I slept and it was a nice peaceful nap. I've had 2 so far. My mother had colon cancer, so I have to go every 5 years.

    Sending positive thoughts & prayers to you.

    xoxo,
    Jean
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    #4
    missrenee said:

    I'm so glad you're doing this, Mary
    I had my first colonoscopy last October (at age 58!) I know--bad girl. I just kept putting it off and stressing over it all. Finally, I just said--this is ridiculous, girl. You have been through cancer surgeries, chemo, rads, etc--you can do this you crazy chick! And you know what, Mary--I couldn't believe how easy it was for me (the actual procedure in which I was asleep). Luckily, no polyps seen.

    The prep, of course, was not fun. I had 2 large containers of the stuff to drink. At first, it didn't taste so bad but after a while--yuk!. My girlfriend who is in the medical field told me not to drink it all--she said they give the same amount of stuff to a 250 lb. man! So, I drank one and about a quarter of the other--until I was running clear for a while.

    One piece of advice--when you start taking the prep med-- stay very, very close to the bathroom (like a step or 2 away--no more). Not to be gross, but I made the mistake of thinking I could watch TV in the family room and casually walk to the bathroom when I felt the urge. Ah--no. When that stuff starts coming out--well, let's just say--haven't done that since I was a baby! It was kind of funny.

    Anyway, you're going to do great--and you're going on my prayer list tonight to make sure.

    Hugs, Renee

    i guess
    I'm not as bad as you....i'm only ■cough■ 57! LOL. I've been reading that once everything starts running clear you can quit. But the
    instructions say to chug this stuff every 10 minutes. Makes me think I won't get the chance to try just some of it. I will have go drink if all. I cut back on heavy foods today. I will do the same tomorrow. I read that having light food the day before starting the prep will make it easier to pass *crap* ;) Sunday should be interesting. At least I can watch football.
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #5
    Jean 0609 said:

    The Day Before is the Worst
    I'm sure you have heard that the prep is the worst before and will hear it again. Actually, the prep and "cleaning out" wasn't as bad for me as the NOT EATING! However, I survived. The actual procedure for me wasn't bad as I slept and it was a nice peaceful nap. I've had 2 so far. My mother had colon cancer, so I have to go every 5 years.

    Sending positive thoughts & prayers to you.

    xoxo,
    Jean

    Mary, if you're going to watch football on Sunday
    just make sure the TV is in the bathroom!!!

    Hugs, Renee
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #6
    missrenee said:

    Mary, if you're going to watch football on Sunday
    just make sure the TV is in the bathroom!!!

    Hugs, Renee

    I have to say,
    the ONLY good thing that comes with the prep is an easy 3-5 pound loss. Of course I manage to regain it within 48 hours.

    You'll do fine! Praying the results are all clear.

    Keep us posted...Hugs!


    Sylvia
  • sdukowitz
    sdukowitz Member Posts: 250
    #7
    Good luck.....it helps to
    Good luck.....it helps to refrigerate the drink stuff the night before..... it is better cold! The colonoscopy itself is painless .... hoping for good results! .... Sue D
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #8
    Wishing you luck...
    We'll be thinking of you. I found that sucking on hard candy like lemon drops in-between drinking the prep really helped. It gave a feeling of eating something, well sort of anyhow! Good luck!
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    #9
    missrenee said:

    I'm so glad you're doing this, Mary
    I had my first colonoscopy last October (at age 58!) I know--bad girl. I just kept putting it off and stressing over it all. Finally, I just said--this is ridiculous, girl. You have been through cancer surgeries, chemo, rads, etc--you can do this you crazy chick! And you know what, Mary--I couldn't believe how easy it was for me (the actual procedure in which I was asleep). Luckily, no polyps seen.

    The prep, of course, was not fun. I had 2 large containers of the stuff to drink. At first, it didn't taste so bad but after a while--yuk!. My girlfriend who is in the medical field told me not to drink it all--she said they give the same amount of stuff to a 250 lb. man! So, I drank one and about a quarter of the other--until I was running clear for a while.

    One piece of advice--when you start taking the prep med-- stay very, very close to the bathroom (like a step or 2 away--no more). Not to be gross, but I made the mistake of thinking I could watch TV in the family room and casually walk to the bathroom when I felt the urge. Ah--no. When that stuff starts coming out--well, let's just say--haven't done that since I was a baby! It was kind of funny.

    Anyway, you're going to do great--and you're going on my prayer list tonight to make sure.

    Hugs, Renee

    double post
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    #10
    missrenee said:

    I'm so glad you're doing this, Mary
    I had my first colonoscopy last October (at age 58!) I know--bad girl. I just kept putting it off and stressing over it all. Finally, I just said--this is ridiculous, girl. You have been through cancer surgeries, chemo, rads, etc--you can do this you crazy chick! And you know what, Mary--I couldn't believe how easy it was for me (the actual procedure in which I was asleep). Luckily, no polyps seen.

    The prep, of course, was not fun. I had 2 large containers of the stuff to drink. At first, it didn't taste so bad but after a while--yuk!. My girlfriend who is in the medical field told me not to drink it all--she said they give the same amount of stuff to a 250 lb. man! So, I drank one and about a quarter of the other--until I was running clear for a while.

    One piece of advice--when you start taking the prep med-- stay very, very close to the bathroom (like a step or 2 away--no more). Not to be gross, but I made the mistake of thinking I could watch TV in the family room and casually walk to the bathroom when I felt the urge. Ah--no. When that stuff starts coming out--well, let's just say--haven't done that since I was a baby! It was kind of funny.

    Anyway, you're going to do great--and you're going on my prayer list tonight to make sure.

    Hugs, Renee

    i guess

    double post
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    #11
    sea60 said:

    I have to say,
    the ONLY good thing that comes with the prep is an easy 3-5 pound loss. Of course I manage to regain it within 48 hours.

    You'll do fine! Praying the results are all clear.

    Keep us posted...Hugs!


    Sylvia

    thanks
    for all the support. I did some reading and the lemon drop candies was one I thought I would do. I am going out today to get some popsicles and jello.

    I hope everyone is well and enjoys the weekend!

    xoxo
    Mary
  • Pinky68
    Pinky68 Member Posts: 206 Member
    #12
    eihtak said:

    Wishing you luck...
    We'll be thinking of you. I found that sucking on hard candy like lemon drops in-between drinking the prep really helped. It gave a feeling of eating something, well sort of anyhow! Good luck!

    Good Luck Mary
    I'll be thinking of you and praying for great results!
    Joyce
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #13
    Best wishes Mary. I just
    Best wishes Mary. I just turned 50, and feel compelled to ask about this...but I'm scared and don't want to deal with it either.

    Please let us know the results when you have them.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #14
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    Best wishes Mary. I just
    Best wishes Mary. I just turned 50, and feel compelled to ask about this...but I'm scared and don't want to deal with it either.

    Please let us know the results when you have them.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    I have had 21 colonscopies
    I have had 21 colonscopies in past 20 yrs...Ulcertive colitis...

    the prep is the worst part...test not bad...HONESTLY...

    Denise

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