Before our doctor retired in December, she ordered a bunch of procedures she wanted Art and me to have done. Sigh… We really loved her and was really sad to see her go. I think she was just burnt out with COVID and with the military lacking funding for medical care.
Anyway, she ordered colonoscopies for Art and me. Oh crap! Not another colonoscopy?!? I told her I had one three years ago. However, she felt that Asians tend to get more colon cancer and since my grandfather died of colon/rectal cancer I should get it done. Arrrghhh… I told her the doctor who did my colonoscopy 3 years ago didn’t think I needed another one for 10 years. Woo Hoo!
Then came my turn the next day. The MiraLAX did something awful to me. I didn’t have as much trouble with the gallon of Colyte but the MiraLAX had me losing control of my bowels. Arrrghhhh… I was not a happy camper.
On the day of my procedure, I was pretty darn cleaned out too. Everybody at the Pacific Endoscopy Center were wonderful. The nurses and technicians were all very friendly and accommodating to make the procedure as (pleasant?) as possible. They made sure I had two warm blankets and that the incline of my gurney was OK. I met my gastroenterologist, Dr. Wong and liked him a lot.
I griped about how I didn’t think I needed this. He agreed that a “2nd degree” connection for colon cancer was no longer considered a risk factor. Ahh well, I told him before I was knocked out, “I’m glad you can put it in the notes that I don’t need this anymore.”
When I woke up the technician explained that a polyp was found and removed. It would be sent to the lab for testing. There was also a spot of diverticulum.
But…. But…. But…
“We’ll have to see what the test results are to see when you’d have to come back again,” he said.
Sigh….
POSTSCRIPT: Yay! The tests on the polyp were negative, but I noticed the doctor forgot to write that I don't need to have this again for 10 years. Sigh...
That's their job: offer tests and find polips. Our job is to eat the right nutrition (based on protein and fiber , minus salt and sugar), so we don't have to be bothered. Sadly, our grandfathers also ignored the right food.
ReplyDeletePrep is a pain but knowing there's no colon cancer is the bonus. My first colonoscopy discovered a carcinoid tumor - slow growing cancer. Treatment: removal of part of my large and small intestine where they meet. Lots of colonoscopies have followed that procedure in 1998. The biggest span of time between now is 5 years.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know if and when I’ll need another, but if I have to drink gallons of foul stuff again, I think I’ll refuse.
ReplyDeleteSomebody loves you, so don't cop out. Make the liquid cold in it's jug, and it's easier to get down. You can flavor it with with non-red or non=orange Crystal Light and that will help. No red or orange jello. I opted for just the pills once, and you'll drink just as much fluid to get them all down. You two could just try to make a wonderful skit out of the process....Linda in Kansas
DeleteYou need to hope that your insurance will continue to pay as often as the doctor prescribes and that you will continue the procedure. It is life saving.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is always a miserable camper when he prepares for one of these. My time is coming up very quickly. I'm not looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteAh if it just wasn't for the prep it would be a piece of cake. Glad they removed the polyp and that it was benign. Sorry you didn't get the ten year pass though.
ReplyDeleteThey are a bother -- always two days lost for me --one to prep and then to sleep of the dead afterwards. The potential to be life saving is probably worth it.
ReplyDeleteThe prep (at least the ones I've used) use artificial sugars and make me really ill... cold, perspiring, and throwing up. I don't intend to get another, but DH and I did use the Cologuard this past year and the results were negative. Glad everything turned out well for you and Art.
ReplyDeleteI was told after 80 you don't need any tests...lin again
ReplyDeleteGlad the biopy was negative. Yay! I grumble but go in every five years as my Dad had colon cancer twice. There has never been anything until last time there were a few polyps (a first) that were removed and were declared benign. My doc has also retired, I really liked him, saw him for diverticulitus in recent years. I suppose I should find out who the new guy is. Thanks Rian, I'm allergic to artificial sugars as well and have never thought to check the ingredients of the prep.
ReplyDeleteThe prep is the killer for me. I live in the bathroom for two days. Then it's another two days before I feel back to normal. So, basically it wipes out a whole week for me. Glad you got yours over. I'm continuing to put mine off. I really need to schedule it on a week when nothing will be happening.
ReplyDeleteBetter safe than sorry! We want to keep you around for a long time
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a good report - and having it done. Take your 10 years even if it isn't on the notes.
ReplyDeleteWell, you made it through another one. I don't like the prep but I realize there are important reasons to have them.
ReplyDeleteThoroughly unpleasant.
ReplyDeleteI had mine done with about 12 years since the last one. This one was very unpleasant: I had four polyps removed and they told me I have a "tortuous colon" meaning I needed lots of pain meds to keep me from being too uncomfortable. But I am glad I had it done: polyps, even if not cancerous, are not good to have in one's colon. :-(
ReplyDeleteThe prep is never pleasant is it, but always best to have these tests done.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Wiw Kay good you got this done
ReplyDeleteI meant to say wow
ReplyDeleteGlad it's over. I'm still overdue.
ReplyDeleteI am now due and don't mind the cleanse but the fasting kills me. I just can't go thru the hunger games again. The fasting was just tortuous for me and being hungry kept me up. I don't know why.I just can't have jello all the way up to the procedure day. They found 5 polyps. They told me it is the slowest growing cancers and would take many years to be cancerous . May just skip it. Bb
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being members of the Clean Colon Club. (Do you know the numbers of patients we turned away because they didn't do the bowel prep well, or correctly? If too much poo is left, they can't take proper pictures, and the patients have to start ALL OVER with the prep.) With your history, a younger up-to-date doc is usually sharing the current trends. With any family history, I'd be spooked. I even had to ask my two brothers if they ever had any polyps found. One did, so that makes me an every 5 year candidate! Of all the things I blame my brothers for, that wasn't what I thought it'd be. I'm up next in November! I DO love the nice, short nap during the procedure. See above response to AnvilCloud. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThey see so many tests that find a disease has gotten far along that tests are their protection. Their job is to keep you healthy and alive, so go with the flow...oops sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a negative test. You're good for another few ears!
ReplyDeleteHubby had to have one, as he had issues. I had one and found out it was just my nerves giving me irritable bowels. I get anxiety. I will never have one again!
ReplyDelete(ăƒ„) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
I am told that if they find any polyps regardless of their status, you need another colonoscopy in 5 years. I drink the Colyte with two envelopes of Crystal Light and that helps. I also use the ducolax to get things going. I saw a close friend die of colon cancer. Not good.
ReplyDeleteGlad you two have those tests behind you and your polyp not of concern. I've had a few of those tests beginning when the preparation was much less pleasant than what's required today, though I'm certainly not suggesting what we have to do today is pleasant. My Gastro Dr retired too, years ago which made me unhappy, but the new guy seemed to be okay when I saw him a few years ago. Now I see he's no longer in that office and it's not even a Gastro Dr in there now, plus I don't even know where the Gastro Dr. went or if he retired. Not sure how I may proceed for various reasons.
ReplyDeleteI thought the prep was better the last time I had a colonoscopy which was about 4 years ago. Perhaps a little longer. Because they found a polyp in my 1st procedure, I'm on the 5 year plan. You probably are too.
ReplyDelete