dread, Dread, DREAD

[KnottedYet]

Yeah right, from a gorilla, Olympic weight lifter or someone else extremely strong and very enthusiastic who runs up and just grabs your bQQb.

Now, darlin', who do you know that would've done such a thing!

[salsabike]

Sandra, I have a colonoscopy every three years because of a big family history of colon cancer. Procedure no big deal, prep not fun but do-able. The bring-good-book-and-babywipes-into-bathroom advice is the best I know.

[Starfish]

I grow polyps in odd places, so I have had several surgeries and a couple colonoscopies.

I agree, no fun, but you know, what the heck. Just do it.

The prep is the worst...sometimes I barf from that stuff...but then, I used to barf in college when I drank too much, too.

I'm a weenie, though. I pass out when I give blood and stuff.

Believe me, when you get the good news that your exam results were clear, you will feel relieved and glad you had the test.

[LBTC]

Although it took a lot out of my system (pun intended), and the drug, as always with me, took a bit to get over, I actually thought the colonoscopy and prep for it were not as bad as the barium swallow small bowel follow through. The drug used here has varying effects on people - I was out except when they took the biopsies - pain for a second to wake me up, then out again. Even though I wanted to watch the screen. Ah, well, I'd rather be out of it....

Make yourself very comfortable in the bathroom, for sure. Use either baby wipes or Puffs....and keep them on hand for a day or two afterwards, just for your comfort.

I'm sending lots of butterflies for the next few days. You'll get through this just fine!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[divingbiker]

A colonoscopy is a piece of cake, you'll have no memory of it...now a flex sigmoidoscopy SUCKS! You're wide awake and they talk to you the entire time they're messing around in your backside...man I HATED that.

Oh, yeah...if you ever are given the choice, take the colonoscopy. I had to make them stop doing the flexible sigmoidoscopy, because the pain was excruciating. Next time I'm going for drugs.

[blueskies]

Just had a physical and my Dr. said I have a choice of:

collect a sample yearly and either drop it by their lab or mail it in, or

colonoscopy once every 10 years.

she said the yearly lab test is just as accurate, just have to "get this cr@p in the mail" (had the office cracking up at that).

The advantage, as I understand it, to a colonoscopy is that they can look for & remove polyps, thus preventing some cancers before they get started.

Sandra - way to take care of yourself!

[Duck on Wheels]

Been there, done that, several times. Always hated the prep, but it too is survivable. The colonoscopy itself was even kinda interesting first time (I got to watch on the student scope ). Last time, when I was really badly inflamed all through the colon it was pretty painful, but they topped up the dosage on the sedatives and I made it through that round too. For me the worst torture has been gastroscopies. I'd've put barium enemas in that worst ever torture slot, but those I've always had to call off and find some other way of doing the exam. The docs just couldn't get the tube down my throat, no matter how hard I tried to cooperate. Anyhooo ... not to worry about the c'scope. You'll do fine, and all's well that ends well, either with them finding nothing wrong or finding what is wrong and solving it.

[Xrayted]

Yes, almost every patient I've ever had said the prep is the worst part. Actually, the prep is good for you too. It's very therapeutic to give a good cleansing to your intestines every so often. Most people have no idea that they carry pounds and pounds of unpassed feces in there, many times for years. Imagine what that can do to you. (Duck - totally agree on the barium enemas. one of the worse things out there.)

As for the mammos, I will give you the advice that was given to me from a mammo tech friend of mine when I finally go get my first one... most of us get overly sensitive and tender at a certain time of the month in regards to the girls. Just try to work your mammo into another week. It will help immensely.

[sandra]

Actually, the prep is good for you too. It's very therapeutic to give a good cleansing to your intestines every so often.

That is EXACTLY what I told my DH this afternoon when I was trying to talk him into doing it with me!

[Xrayted]

Go to the drug store and get him some magnesium citrate. It usually starts acting within 2 hours but it's milder way to cleanse the system than most. There are usually a couple of flavors. I tolerate cherry the best. Just make sure he has a two day period where he doesn't have to absolutely be somewhere.

[sandra]

He said NO. Looks like I'm all alone in this, except that he is going to drive me and stay with me after.

I really think I will be fine after and just sleep for a while. He thinks he should stay with me just in case I decide to get on the internet and buy a bunch of stuff and don't remember it.

[Xrayted]

You won't believe it now, but you will probably be hungry after it. Make sure you have plans to get something to eat. Remember, you will have been totally empty for a few days. Nothing heavy though, stay away from the fast food. Good luck.

[sandra]

I'm hungry already just thinking about it. I bought chicken noodle soup to have afterwards. Don't want to have anything heavy, is right.

[Tuckervill]

It defies logic that there are pounds and pounds of fecal matter stuck in your colon. I think that's an idea that someone selling a colon cleanse wants you to buy. There are others who agree with me. http://www.lisabarger.com/colon_cleansing_scams.htm

Nothing wrong with getting a good "flow" going every once in a while, though!

Karen

[uforgot]

Mine's in January. Let me know how it goes. I think the part that I dread the most is only having fluids the day before! My doc makes everyone get one when they turn 50. Somehow she caught up with me since I keep putting it off.

Mammograms are no big deal. I too have family history and have gotten them yearly since my mom died of breast cancer when I was 36. Every time I go and get one, though, I just can't imagine having that job!

I just thought of something, before you leave weigh yourself! I know that if I lost a quick few pounds it would make the day brighter.