Now about the colonoscopy, I feel I should address this subject because I had heard so many horror stories about it that I too avoided it at age 50, I'm not going to lie. As a matter of fact, both of my boys should be tested now at least 10 years earlier and since Rob had stomach problems as a baby with spitting up and projectile vomiting maybe he should talk to an md about going sooner. I hope they listen or at least read this.
You should follow whatever the directions are that your particular gastroenterologist gives you completely! That is the best rule. Although I had all the pre-printed directions everyone that had already had one was sharing their alleged horror stories. Since my colonoscopy was scheduled for Monday morning, I could eat on Friday. I chose to eat very lightly and by Saturday morning I started with eating and drinking nothing but the clear fluids to flush out the system as recommended. At about 4 pm that evening I took my first bottle of magnesium citrate. Kind of like drinking slightly salty 7 up. I actually put mine over ice because no one said not to. So far so good. Yes you will go to the bathroom more to clean out the colon but as it was explained to me...the clearer and cleaner the pictures the better the test would go. So it is to your benefit that you do this properly.
On Sunday I could still have some clear liquids and then I had to stop completely and just drink my second bottle of citrate. I followed this religiously, no snacking no cheating. Truthfully even with all the trips to the bathroom which are an inconvenience I just made sure I had no plans at all for that weekend and stayed home within distance of the bathroom. There was no pain, I actually lost some weight LOL, and for the first time in a long time I felt "light" and my tummy which is normally a little round, was flat. Damn I thought. I should do this cleasing stuff more often. I know there are fans of this type of cleansing for regular upkeep of the body. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to email me. Would love to hear from you.
Monday morning-up early final bit of citrate to drink I believe it was about 3 hours but not sure. Then off to the hospital with my driver, you must have someone take you back home. My particular hospital would not even let you take a taxi. At the hospital it was briefly answering miscellaneous questions for records and then a nurse came to get me and off I went to change into lovely hospital gown and hairnet. Then allowed to have nice warmed up blanket (as if it came out of a microwave) absolutely delicious and a chat with the anesthesiologist. He set up the initial port and at the count of 100 I was out.
The procedure was scheduled time wise for 1 hour but I suspect this would vary depending on what your doctor finds. Then you are very gently woken up...for me it was "hi Jeanne time to open your eyes" and it was all over. As of this writing I will be having my next check up test after graduation which is set for June 22. In my case because of prior history I always keep my fingers crossed but I am always optimistic.
I will conclude with this thought...I wish I had known how easy this was...people who don't follow the pre-test rules should just shut the hell up ( I could have said a worse word there) because you scare those of us out of having the test...and whatever you have to do to get a loved one to have this test whether baseline or necessary...DO IT!
If you want to not only live your life but possibly live a longer life! Cheers! Salude! Slainte! Drink your citrate!
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